Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

This Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful summer dish that combines the sweetness of grilled peaches with fresh greens and a zesty dressing. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a colorful side for any meal, this salad not only looks beautiful but also bursts with flavor. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for both casual weeknight dinners and festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious salad ready for any occasion.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet peaches, creamy cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Versatile Dish: This salad can be served as a side or main dish, making it suitable for various meals.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports a balanced diet.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this amazing grilled peach salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This is crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks on the peaches, enhancing their sweetness.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 ripe but firm peaches (sliced into 8 wedges)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces leafy greens (a mix of arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 of a large red onion)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 medium avocado (diced)
• 4 ounces goat cheese (or feta cheese)
• 1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios (roughly chopped)

For the Basil Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil

How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the peach wedges lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach wedges on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened. Remove them from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the leafy greens, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and grilled peaches. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette

In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, dijon mustard, kosher salt, and chopped basil until well blended.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the basil vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated in dressing without damaging delicate greens.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Top your salad with crumbled goat cheese and chopped pistachios. Serve immediately to enjoy this refreshing dish at its best!

How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful summer dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Light Lunch

• Serve the salad on its own for a refreshing and healthy lunch option. The combination of grilled peaches and greens provides a satisfying yet light meal.

With Grilled Chicken

• Complement this salad with grilled chicken breast for added protein. The smoky flavor of the chicken enhances the sweetness of the peaches.

As a Side Dish

• Offer this salad as a vibrant side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and adds color to your table.

Topped on Toast

• Spoon the salad onto slices of toasted bread for an elegant appetizer. This transforms it into a tasty bruschetta-style dish perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

To make your Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette truly shine, follow these tips for perfection.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are firm but slightly soft to the touch. Ripe peaches will caramelize beautifully when grilled.
• Use fresh greens: Opt for a mix of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce for varied textures and flavors.
• Don’t skip the vinaigrette: The basil vinaigrette is key! Make it fresh right before serving for the best flavor.
• Grill just right: Grill peaches until you see nice char marks, usually about 2-3 minutes per side, which enhances their sweetness.
• Add nuts for crunch: Roasted pistachios add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy goat cheese and soft peaches.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature: This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for warm days.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Pair your Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette alongside these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.

1. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with vegetables complements the sweetness of grilled peaches.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky grilled corn adds an additional sweet element that pairs nicely with this salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables offers hearty flavors that balance out the dish’s lightness.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers provide contrasting textures and flavors.
5. Couscous with Herbs: Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs makes for a fragrant side that enhances the overall meal.
6. Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover vinaigrette, adding a comforting touch to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a fantastic dish that can be easily spoiled by a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using overripe peaches: Overripe peaches can turn mushy when grilled. Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best texture and flavor.
• Not preheating the grill: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your grill is hot before adding the peaches for perfect grill marks.
• Skipping the oil on greens: Not tossing the leafy greens in oil before serving can result in a dry salad. Lightly coat your greens with olive oil for enhanced flavor.
• Ignoring the balance of flavors: Too much sweetness or acidity can overpower the salad. Taste as you go and adjust the honey and vinegar to create a balanced vinaigrette.
• Forgetting to chop herbs finely: Large herb pieces can overwhelm each bite. Finely chop your basil for even distribution throughout the salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat for best results.

Freezing Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in greens and cheese.
• If necessary, freeze grilled peaches separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salad components on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette:

Can I use other fruits besides peaches?

Absolutely! Nectarines or plums would also work wonderfully in this salad.

How do I make it vegetarian?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly! Simply use feta cheese instead of goat cheese if desired.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Feta cheese or any creamy cheese like ricotta works well as an alternative.

How long does the basil vinaigrette last?

The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients like nuts or different cheeses. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish during weeknight dinners—give it a try!