This refreshing grilled peach and arugula salad packs a tasty punch! Sweet grilled peaches balance perfectly with peppery arugula and creamy blue cheese. It’s a summer delight!
Who knew salad could be this fun? Whenever I whip this up, I feel like a gourmet chef. Don’t forget to give it a little drizzle of balsamic for extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Look for ripe, slightly soft peaches. They add a sweet and smoky flavor after grilling. If peaches aren’t in season, try nectarines or even grilled plums for a similar taste!
Arugula: This leafy green is peppery and adds a nice bite. If you want a milder flavor, baby spinach or mixed greens work great as substitutes.
Blue Cheese: Its tangy and creamy qualities enhance the salad. If blue cheese isn’t for you, feta or goat cheese are tasty alternatives that still bring creaminess.
Walnuts: Toasting them brings out their rich flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a nice crunch instead.
Balsamic Vinegar: A must for dressing! You can replace it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed, but balsamic adds a sweet depth that’s hard to beat.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Peaches Without Sticking?
To grill peaches perfectly, the key is to prepare them properly. Here’s how you can do this step with ease:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This helps to create nice grill marks without burning.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- Grill cut-side down for about 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but not mushy!
Let the grilled peaches cool for a few minutes before cutting them into slices for the salad. Enjoy the sweet smokiness they bring to the dish!
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups fresh arugula
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: honey for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes total: 5 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for grilling the peaches. It’s quick and perfect for a light meal or as a side dish at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that the peaches get grilled perfectly without burning.
2. Grill the Peaches:
Take the peach halves and brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are slightly softened. Once done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them cool for a minute.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh arugula, thinly sliced red onion, and roughly chopped walnuts. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
4. Add Grilled Peaches:
Cut the grilled peaches into slices and add them to your salad mixture. This will give the salad a wonderful sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the arugula.
5. Top with Blue Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese generously over the top of the salad for a rich and creamy contrast to the fresh ingredients.
6. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing will enhance the flavors of your salad.
7. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to make sure all the ingredients are well coated. Take care not to crush the peaches!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately. If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the top just before serving. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Blue Cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite or you prefer a milder flavor, try feta, goat cheese, or even shaved Parmesan. Each will bring a unique taste to the salad while still pairing nicely with the peaches.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
If ripe peaches aren’t available, you can use nectarines or plums as a substitute, as they grill similarly well. If you’re stuck with hard peaches, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few days to ripen, or use them raw in the salad for some crunch.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
To maintain the freshness, it’s best to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent the arugula from wilting, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Just toss the salad with the dressing before serving.
Can This Salad Be Made Ahead of Time?
You can prepare components ahead of time! Grill the peaches and chop the vegetables, then store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
