This fresh grilled peach chicken salad is a summertime winner! Juicy peaches, tender chicken, and crisp greens come together for a perfect meal.
Honestly, who knew grilled peaches could be this tasty? I often make this salad when I want to impress friends or just treat myself. It’s fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of this recipe! If you can’t find ripe peaches, try nectarines as a substitute—they have a similar sweetness and grill well.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but feel free to use chicken thighs for more flavor. You can also swap cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
Greens: Baby spinach is my go-to, but mixed greens or arugula will add fun flavors. For a heartier salad, you could also use kale, just make sure to massage it a little to soften it up.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty tang, but if you prefer, goat cheese or even blue cheese can work nicely too!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Peaches?
Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your grill is hot to get those nice grill marks. Medium-high heat works best.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grill marks.
- Grill the peaches cut side down for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t flip too soon; you want them to caramelize slightly before moving them.
- Once they’re soft and marked, take them off the grill and let them cool before slicing.
Grilling brings out the best in peaches, making them a delicious topping for this salad! Enjoy the sweetness paired with chicken and greens!
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This delightful salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the peaches and chicken, and the rest is just assembly and mixing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by heating your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is where the magic happens with the peaches and chicken!
2. Grill the Peaches:
Brush the halved peaches with some olive oil. Place them on the grill cut side down and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you see beautiful grill marks and they’ve softened a little. Once done, remove them from the grill, let cool for a bit, and then slice them.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Next, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and the juices run clear. Once done, take them off the grill, let them rest for about 5 minutes, and then slice them as well.
4. Make the Dressing:
While everything is grilling, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s all mixed nicely.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl or on serving plates, arrange your fresh baby spinach or mixed greens as the base. Top with the sliced grilled peaches, grilled chicken, blueberries, red onion, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Dress and Serve:
Finally, drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad. You can toss everything gently if you like, but it can also be beautiful when left as is. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and tasty salad!
This salad is a perfect way to welcome summer flavors into your meal, bringing together the sweet and smoky tastes to create a truly delightful dish. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Grilled Chicken From a Store?
Absolutely! Using pre-grilled or rotisserie chicken is a great time saver. Just slice it up and add it to your salad for a quicker meal without compromising flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess.
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Certainly! While peaches add a wonderful sweetness, you can substitute them with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even strawberries for a fun twist. Each will give a unique flavor to your salad!
Is This Salad Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes! You can prepare and grill the chicken and peaches ahead of time. Just assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat, adding the greens and dressing fresh to keep everything crisp.
