Grilled Peach Salad with Feta: A Taste of Summer

Oh, how I adore this time of year! As an Italian woman, my heart sings when summer produce bursts onto the scene. My grandmother taught me that the best meals come from the freshest ingredients. This Grilled Peach Salad with Feta truly captures that spirit. It’s a plate brimming with sunshine. The sweet, slightly smoky peaches pair beautifully with the salty feta. It’s a simple dish, yet it feels so elegant. I remember making this for a summer picnic last year. Everyone raved about it! It disappeared so fast.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

You’ll absolutely adore this salad. It comes together in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors are pure summer bliss. You get sweet, savory, and a little peppery bite. It looks gorgeous on any table too. Plus, it’s super versatile. You can easily add grilled chicken. Or maybe some fresh berries. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure. You’ll make this again and again.

Experience the Flavors of Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

Take a bite and you’ll see. The peaches get these lovely char marks on the grill. They become tender and wonderfully sweet. Then there’s the feta cheese. It’s creamy and offers a nice salty contrast. The arugula adds a fresh, peppery kick. It all gets tossed in a bright, zesty vinaigrette. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures. Using good quality ingredients makes all the difference. You can really taste the freshness.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

To create this delightful summer dish, you’ll need a few simple but high-quality ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process so smooth. It’s like gathering your art supplies before painting! Let’s get our kitchen counters prepped.

You will need:

2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing peaches)
4 cups arugula, washed and dried
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (these are optional, but add a lovely crunch!)

Peaches: The Star of Your Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

For this salad, you want peaches that are ripe but still have a bit of firmness. They should yield slightly when gently squeezed. Avoid overly soft or bruised peaches. They won’t hold up well on the grill. Look for peaches with a vibrant color. A little give means they’ll be sweet and juicy. They’re the heart of our salad.

For the Perfect Vinaigrette

The dressing ties everything together. It’s a simple mix that packs a punch. You’ll need:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (a good quality one makes a difference!)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for that sweet tang)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (this helps emulsify and adds a little zing)
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (just a touch of sweetness to balance it out)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

Now for the fun part! Turning these beautiful ingredients into a stunning salad. It’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!

Grilling the Peaches to Perfection

First, fire up your grill. Aim for medium-high heat. This is key for those lovely grill marks. Brush the cut sides of your halved peaches with a little olive oil. This stops them from sticking. Place them cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want them tender. You should see nice char marks. Let them cool just a bit. Then, slice each half into wedges. Be careful, they’ll be hot!

Crafting the Zesty Vinaigrette

While the peaches are grilling, let’s whip up the dressing. Grab a small bowl. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add the Dijon mustard and honey. A little salt and pepper go in too. Whisk it all until it’s nicely combined. This is your moment to taste. Does it need more sweetness? A pinch more salt? Adjust it to your liking. It’s your personal touch!

Assembling Your Vibrant Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

Time to bring it all together! Get a big salad bowl. Add your fresh arugula. Gently place the grilled peach wedges on top. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese all over. Don’t forget those toasted nuts, if you’re using them! Now, drizzle that amazing vinaigrette. Toss everything very gently. You don’t want to mash the peaches. Just coat everything lightly. Serve it right away. It’s best when fresh!

Tips for Success with Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

Making this salad is a joy. A few little tricks make it even better. They ensure you get the most amazing flavors. You’ll want to make this all summer long. Let’s dive into some helpful hints.

Ingredient Quality Matters for Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

As my grandmother always said, good food starts with good ingredients. For this salad, ripe but firm peaches are essential. They hold their shape on the grill. Fresh arugula offers that peppery bite. And good olive oil makes the dressing sing. Choosing quality really makes a difference.

Grilling Nuances for Your Salad

Always start with a clean grill. This prevents sticking and off-flavors. Don’t overcrowd the grill. Give the peaches space to cook evenly. This helps achieve those beautiful char marks. Watch them closely. Peaches cook quickly. You want them tender, not mushy. A little practice goes a long way!

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

Got questions about this delightful summer dish? I’m happy to help! Making this salad is usually straightforward. But sometimes little things pop up. Let’s clear those up.

Can I make this Grilled Peach Salad with Feta without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, no worries. You can pan-sear the peach halves. Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet. Add a little oil. Cook them over medium-high heat. You want nice caramelization. About 3-4 minutes per side works well. Broiling is another option. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn.

What other cheeses can I use in this Grilled Peach Salad with Feta?

Feta is wonderful, but feel free to experiment! Goat cheese is a fantastic alternative. Its creamy tanginess complements the peaches beautifully. Fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces, also works. It adds a mild, milky flavor. Even a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan can be nice. It’s all about what you love!

How can I make this Grilled Peach Salad with Feta a main course?

This salad is light and refreshing. It’s perfect as a side. Want to make it a full meal? Easy! Add some grilled chicken breast. Or toss in some grilled shrimp. Cooked quinoa or farro also makes it heartier. A sprinkle of extra protein turns it into a satisfying main dish.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

Leftovers are rare in my house with this salad! But if you do have any, store the components separately. This keeps everything fresh. Place the grilled peach slices in an airtight container. Store the arugula and feta together. Keep the vinaigrette in a small jar. This stops the greens from wilting. For the best taste, try to eat it within a day. You can gently rewarm the peaches if you like. Just a quick toss in a dry skillet. Or a few seconds in the microwave. Then, reassemble the salad with the fresh arugula and feta. Drizzle with the dressing. Enjoy that lovely summer flavor again!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Grilled Peach Salad with Feta

This Grilled Peach Salad with Feta is a healthy choice. A serving typically has around 250-300 calories. You’ll get about 20-25g of fat. Protein content is roughly 5-7g. Carbohydrates come in at about 20-25g. These figures can change. It depends on the exact ingredients and amounts you use. It’s always a good idea to check your specific recipe if you have dietary needs.

Amazing Grilled Peach Salad with Feta 4 Ways

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful Grilled Peach Salad with Feta, perfect for showcasing fresh summer peaches. This recipe combines sweet grilled peaches with salty feta cheese, peppery arugula, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups arugula
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the cut sides of the peaches with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Grill the peaches for 3-4 minutes per side, until slightly softened and grill marks appear. Let cool slightly, then slice each half into wedges.
While the peaches are grilling, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the arugula, grilled peach wedges, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts (if using).
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure your peaches are ripe but still firm for best grilling results.
Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette to your preference.
Feel free to add other ingredients like red onion slices or grilled chicken for a heartier salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 250-300 (will vary based on ingredients and quantities)
Sugar: Approx. 15-20g
Sodium: Approx. 200-300mg
Fat: Approx. 20-25g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 4-6g
Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 16-19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 20-25g
Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
Protein: Approx. 5-7g
Cholesterol: Approx. 15-20mg