Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This salad is ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or even a light weeknight dinner. The juicy grilled peaches paired with peppery arugula and creamy blue cheese create a unique taste experience that everyone will love. Topped with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it’s not just a meal; it’s an occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled peaches and blue cheese offers a rich, sweet, and tangy profile that’s hard to resist.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe peaches and fresh arugula guarantees vibrant flavors and textures that enhance any meal.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish, it fits well with various cuisines and complements many proteins.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fruits and greens, this salad makes for a guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These items will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Whisk or mason jar (for vinaigrette)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides high heat needed for perfect grilling, enhancing the flavor of the peaches.
• Whisk or mason jar: Makes mixing the balsamic vinaigrette easy, ensuring all ingredients blend well together.
• Knife: Essential for slicing peaches, onion, and other ingredients precisely.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine all salad elements without mess while allowing you to toss gently.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese, gather the following ingredients:

For the Salad

• 3 ripe sweet peaches (pitted and halved)
• 5 ounces baby arugula
• 1/2 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 ounces blue cheese or gorgonzola (crumbled)

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, make sure it gets nice and hot before starting.

Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a bowl or mason jar:
1. Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together or shake until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

1. Brush peach halves lightly with neutral oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place them on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until they have nice char marks.
3. Remove from heat and slice into wedges.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, add baby arugula. Gently squeeze leaves to soften them slightly if desired.
2. Add sliced grilled peaches, walnuts, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese to the bowl.
3. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising them.

Step 5: Serve with Vinaigrette

Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese!

How to Serve Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese is a delightful dish that pairs well with a variety of options. This salad can be served as a light main course or as a refreshing side. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it on its own for a healthy lunch or dinner option. The combination of grilled peaches, peppery arugula, and creamy blue cheese makes it satisfying.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or turkey for added protein. The smoky flavor complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• Serve the salad over cooked quinoa for an extra dose of fiber and nutrients. This makes for a filling meal that’s still light and fresh.

With Crusty Bread

• Accompany your salad with slices of crusty bread. It’s perfect for scooping up the delicious toppings.

For Brunch

• Offer this salad at brunch alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet. The flavors will brighten up your morning.

How to Perfect Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

To make sure your Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill or grill pan is hot enough before placing the peaches on it. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
• Adjust the vinaigrette: Taste your balsamic vinaigrette before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh arugula and high-quality blue cheese will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Let it rest: After tossing, let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
• Experiment with nuts: Try using different nuts like pecans or almonds in place of walnuts for added crunch and flavor variation.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

To complement your Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese, consider these delicious side dishes. They each bring unique flavors that pair wonderfully with this refreshing salad.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in lemon juice and herbs, then grill until juicy and tender.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper baked until caramelized.
3. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs offers a refreshing contrast.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices make for a hearty side.
5. Chickpea Salad: Toss canned chickpeas with diced cucumber, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil for an easy-to-make side.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika provide a sweet-savory balance to the meal.
7. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze create a classic Italian appetizer.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a comforting addition to your table setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using unripe peaches: Select ripe peaches for the best flavor. Unripe peaches will be hard and lack sweetness. Choose peaches that yield slightly to pressure.
• Overcooking the peaches: Keep an eye on the grill time. Overcooked peaches can become mushy. Grill them for 3-5 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks.
• Skipping the vinaigrette: The balsamic vinaigrette is essential for flavor. Don’t skip this step! Prepare it ahead of time to enhance the salad’s taste.
• Not tossing gently: When combining ingredients, toss carefully to avoid bruising the arugula and breaking up the blue cheese. Use a light hand to keep everything intact.
• Ignoring seasoning: Seasoning is key for balance. Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring out all flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

• Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture and flavor.
• If you must freeze, separate the components (salad from dressing) and use within a month.

Reheating Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat salad in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low for 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese:

What pairs well with Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or turkey for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup.

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

How do I make the balsamic vinaigrette?

Simply whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl or shake in a jar.

Is Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute blue cheese in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can replace it with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that appeals to many palates. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or main course. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or different cheeses according to your preference!