This refreshing salad combines sweet grilled peaches, peppery arugula, and creamy blue cheese for a tasty treat! It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on sunny days.
Honestly, who knew fruit could bring so much joy? The grill gives the peaches a lovely smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the blue cheese. It’s a winning combo! 🍑😊
I love making this salad because it’s quick and uses fresh ingredients. Just toss everything together for a delightful dish that looks as great as it tastes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches add a sweet and juicy flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you could use nectarines or even canned peaches—drain them well before grilling.
Arugula: This adds a peppery bite to the salad. If you can’t find arugula, try using spinach, mixed greens, or even kale, though kale will be more rigid and you may want to massage it a bit to soften it up.
Blue Cheese: It gives a strong flavor contrast. If blue cheese is too pungent for your taste, goat cheese or feta make great alternatives. They provide creaminess without the intensity of blue cheese.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. Nuts like almonds or pistachios can be used as substitutes. If you’re nut-free, you can skip this ingredient or use sunflower seeds instead.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches can elevate their sweetness and add a delicious smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to use ripe peaches for the best grilling experience. They should be slightly soft to the touch.
- Brush the peach halves with olive oil before grilling. This helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. This allows for nice grill marks and caramelization.
- Keep an eye on them! Grill for about 4-5 minutes until they have nice marks and feel a bit softer, but don’t overcook them as they can turn mushy.
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 5 cups fresh arugula
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to grill the peaches. In no time at all, you’ll have a fresh and tasty dish that’s perfect for warm days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This is important to get those lovely grill marks on the peaches!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your halved peaches and brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are slightly softened. It’s okay if they get a little caramelized!
3. Mix the Salad:
While the peaches are grilling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the fresh arugula, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped walnuts or pecans, if you’re using them. This mix is going to be the base of your salad!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will tie all the flavors together.
5. Add Grilled Peaches:
Once your peaches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and slice them into wedges. Add these tender wedges to your bowl of arugula and other salad ingredients.
6. Combine and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top for a creamy finish. Serve your salad immediately, warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Blue Cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a tangy flavor or goat cheese for a creamier texture. Just crumble them over the salad just like you would with blue cheese.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, skip the blue cheese and substitute it with avocado or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also enhance the salad’s flavor by adding in some toasted sunflower seeds or chickpeas for a protein boost!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. To keep the arugula fresh, store the grilled peaches and dressing separately, and combine them right before eating. The salad can lose its crispness after a day.
