Grilled Peach Salad with Chicken
There's nothing more satisfying than biting into a fresh peach during the summer! So, if you're a peach fan, you can't go wrong by adding that delicious fruit into every meal of the day. Whether you're searching for a simple lunch idea or a light dinner recipe, this grilled peach salad is sure to be a hit. Combine sweet fruit slices with savory grilled chicken and fresh greens to create a delicious and filling meal perfect for a warm summer day.
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Reasons Why You Will Love This Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Looking to add a burst of flavor and freshness to your mealtime? This grilled peach salad with chicken is about to become your new go-to dish. Whether you're planning a quick lunch, a dinner with friends, or just treating yourself, here are some reasons why this salad deserves a spot on your table!
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: This salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The caramelized sweetness of grilled peaches pairs beautifully with the tender, savory grilled chicken, creating a flavor profile that's both satisfying and unique.
- Packed with Seasonal Goodness: Grilled peaches are the true star of this salad, especially when peaches are in season. Their natural juiciness and smoky grilled edges bring a burst of summer to every bite.
- Protein-Packed and Nutritious: Thanks to the seasoned grilled chicken, this dish is not only flavorful but also rich in protein. Along with the greens, it's a healthful combination that keeps you full and energized.
- Easy to Customize: This grilled peach salad with chicken is incredibly versatile. Add crumbled feta, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to make the salad truly your own. Got dietary preferences? Swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based protein option.
- The Perfect Blend of Freshness and Warmth: The warm grilled components combined with fresh greens deliver a comforting yet refreshing dish that works just as well for a summer picnic as it does for a cozy night indoors.
What Do I Need to Make a Grilled Peach Salad?
Preparing a fresh salad is a great idea during the summer months! That's because you can cook your protein on the grill and mix it with a handful of other simple ingredients to have a meal ready in no time. All you need to make this grilled peach salad are these supplies:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Mixed leafy greens
- Ripe peaches
- Goat cheese
- Pecans
- Honey
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Lime
- Fine herbs
- Salt and pepper
How Do I Make a Grilled Peach Salad?
Fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a sweet and savory dinner in minutes! Simply follow these four easy steps to make a delicious salad topped with juicy peaches, tender chicken, and a savory homemade dressing.
Step One: Grill the Peaches
Prep the peaches for cooking by cutting them into thin slices. Then, brush each piece with olive oil and season with a sprinkle of salt. Place the peach slices on the grill or in a cast iron skillet and allow them to cook for 2 to 3 minutes without moving them. Once the peaches are caramelized on one side, flip them over and cook another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Remove the peach slices from the grill when they're finished cooking and set them aside to cool.
Step Two: Grill the Chicken
After the peaches are finished cooking, brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them on the grill or in the cast iron pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, until both sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through. Allow the chicken pieces to rest for at least 10 minutes, then cut them into thin slices.
Step Three: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lime juice, fine herbs, salt and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings, as needed.
Step Four: Mix the Salad
Combine the mixed greens and dressing in a large salad bowl, tossing to coat all the greens in dressing. Arrange the greens on a serving platter and top with the sliced peaches and chicken, along with the crumbled goat cheese and pecans.
Should I Peel Peaches Before Grilling Them?
When you grill your peaches, leaving the skin on or peeling it off is totally up to you! As your peaches cook on the grill, the skin will begin to soften. So, it's perfectly fine to leave it on! But if you prefer your peach slices to be skin-free, you can also take the time to peel the fruit before grilling it.
Grilled Peach Salad Recipe Ideas
The delicious combination of sweet peaches and savory chicken make this salad a refreshing treat during the summer months. But just because it tastes amazing as written doesn't mean this recipe can't be adjusted! Try these ideas as you're preparing your own salad to create a dish that's perfect for you.
- Add more fruit. Enhance the flavor of your salad with the addition of more fresh fruit! You can complement your grilled peaches with fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, pineapple chunks, or dried cranberries.
- Mix in more fresh vegetables. Another simple way to add to your salad is with the addition of more veggies. Try mixing in some sliced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, avocado slices, thinly sliced red onion, or baby spinach leaves.
- Toss some vegetables on the grill. In addition to fresh vegetables, you can also add some grilled veggies to your salad. Try grilling some bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or mushrooms and adding them to the salad along with the peaches and chicken.
- Add more protein. The addition of chicken turns this plain salad into a meal. So, why not add even more protein to round out the dish? Try mixing in some sliced hard boiled eggs or chopped bacon pieces to add even more protein and flavor.
- Top it with some crunch. The pecans in this refreshing salad are a great way to add a crunchy element to your dinner. Other options for creating that crunch include sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, croutons, toasted pine nuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Try different cheeses. The neutral flavor of goat cheese helps it blend perfectly with the sweet and savory ingredients in this dish. But if you don't have any on hand, you can also use feta cheese, mozzarella, white cheddar, gorgonzola, or blue cheese.
What to Serve with Grilled Peach Salad with Chicken
- Crusty Artisan Bread: Pair your bright and light salad with a warm, crusty loaf of artisan bread. The bread's hearty texture is perfect for scooping up leftover salad dressing or complementing the sweet, savory blend of peaches and chicken. Bonus points if you serve it with a whipped honey butter or lightly seasoned olive oil for dipping.
- Creamy Corn Chowder: For a more comforting pairing, consider a bowl of creamy corn chowder. The soup's sweetness and richness balance well with the bright, fruity notes of the salad while adding a comforting twist to the meal. It's especially wonderful for those summer evenings when the air has a touch of coolness.
- Herbed Couscous: Elevate your grilled peach salad with a side of herbed couscous! This versatile and light grain dish, flavored with fresh parsley, mint, and a splash of lemon, complements the fresh ingredients without overpowering the main dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the summer theme by grilling up some seasonal vegetables. Zucchini, asparagus, and bell peppers are all excellent choices. Their smoky char pairs beautifully with the juicy sweetness of the grilled peaches, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: For a heartier option, try baked or grilled sweet potato wedges. Their natural sweetness echoes the flavor of the peaches, while their texture offers the perfect contrast to the salad's crisp greens and tender chicken.
Grilled Peach Salad with Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 4 cups mixed leafy greens you can always add more greens or vegetables
- 3 ripe peaches pitted and sliced
- 3 oz goat cheese
- ⅓ cup pecans
- blueberries and additional vegetables optional
Vinaigrette:
- 1 ½ teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 ½ tablespoon olive oil + a little more for brushing
- Juice of ½ Lime
- Fine herbs to taste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the peaches into thin slices.
- Brush the peaches with a bit of olive oil and salt, and place them on the grill or in a cast iron pan without moving them. After 2-3 minutes, they will start to caramelize. Flip them, and when they are ready, set them aside.
- Brush the chicken with a bit of olive oil too and place them on the grill or cast iron as well. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- In a bowl, mix the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- In a salad bowl, mix your greens and add the dressing. Toss until all the leaves are lightly coated. If necessary, you can make a double batch of dressing.
- Serve on a platter and add the grilled peaches, goat cheese, nuts, and chicken. You can also add other ingredients like blueberries or other vegetables.
