This colorful salad features juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and fresh greens. It’s a tasty blend of sweet and savory that feels like summer on a plate!
I love how the warmth of the grilled peaches pairs perfectly with the cold greens. It’s a fun way to enjoy a salad that feels a bit fancy, but is super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here, bringing sweetness and smokiness. If they’re out of season, try using nectarines or even canned peaches—just rinse and drain them well!
Chicken: Chicken breasts are perfect for this salad, but you can also use grilled chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well too—just shred it up!
Greens: Baby spinach or mixed greens work great. For a heartier option, use kale or arugula, which adds a peppery kick!
Cheese: Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, but feel free to switch it up with feta, blue cheese, or even a dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang, but balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar would work wonderfully too, adding a different flavor dimension.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Peaches?
Grilling peaches enhances their sweetness and adds a lovely smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Brush the peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the char.
- Grill cut side down for 3-4 minutes until charred and soft. This caramelizes the sugars.
- Let them cool slightly before slicing to avoid burning your fingers!
How to Make Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will give you those perfect grill marks on your peaches and chicken!
2. Grill the Peaches:
Lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves with a little olive oil. Place them cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches soften slightly. Once they’re done, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a bit before slicing them into wedges.
3. Grill the Chicken:
While the peaches cool, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring a nice tangy flavor to the salad.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or on individual serving plates, combine the baby spinach, blueberries, sliced grilled peaches, sliced chicken, red onion, chopped pecans, and crumbled goat or feta cheese. It’s all about those colors and textures!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad mix and toss gently to combine. Be careful to not break up the peach slices too much!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your fresh, sweet, and savory grilled peach chicken salad is ready to enjoy. Serve it right away and savor the combination of delicious flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Salad?
While fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, grilled tofu or chickpeas are excellent substitutes for chicken. You can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative that still keeps the flavors intact!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the dressing separate from the greens, store them in separate containers to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Can I Make the Dressing in Advance?
Absolutely! You can whisk the dressing together and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it again, as the ingredients may separate over time.
