This bright salad features sweet grilled peaches paired with peppery arugula and creamy blue cheese. It’s refreshing and perfect for summer days!
Honestly, the combination of warm peaches and cool cheese is a game-changer. I always find myself going back for seconds. Who could resist that duo? 🍑✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of the show with their sweet and juicy flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, try using nectarines or even grilled plums for a similar taste.
Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery kick. If you want a milder flavor, spinach or mixed greens can work well too. They provide a different texture but are still delicious.
Blue Cheese: The strong flavor of blue cheese complements the sweetness of the peaches. If you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese could serve as milder alternatives.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can offer similar texture without the nuts.
Balsamic Vinegar: For the dressing, balsamic adds a great tang. You could substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches brings out their sweetness and adds a lovely smokiness. The key is to preheat your grill and use ripe peaches. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with ripe peaches that have some give when you press them gently.
- Brush the cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Place them cut-side down on the grill. Don’t rush; let them grill for 3-4 minutes until you see those lovely grill marks.
- Remove them when they are tender but still holding their shape, then let them cool before cutting.
Taking your time while grilling ensures they caramelize nicely without burning. Enjoy your sweet and smoky peaches in the salad!
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 pecans, 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 10 minutes to prepare and 4 minutes to grill the peaches, making the total time around 14 minutes. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help the peaches grill evenly and develop those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Brush the cut sides of the halved peaches with a little olive oil. Once the grill is ready, place the peaches cut-side down on it. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see grill marks and the peaches are tender.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
While the peaches are grilling, take a large bowl and combine the fresh arugula, sliced red onion, and pecans if you’re using them. This will give your salad a nice crunch!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing adds a delicious flavor to your salad!
5. Add the Grilled Peaches:
Once the peaches are done, carefully take them off the grill and let them cool for a minute. Then, slice the grilled peaches into smaller pieces and add them to your arugula mixture.
6. Combine and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to make sure it mixes well. Finally, top the salad with crumbled blue cheese for that extra zing. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, tasty salad!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead?
While fresh peaches are ideal for grilling, you can use canned or frozen peaches if needed. For canned peaches, opt for those packed in their juice or water, and make sure to drain them thoroughly. For frozen peaches, thaw them completely and pat dry to prevent excessive moisture during grilling.
How to Make This Salad Vegetarian?
This salad is already vegetarian! To make it vegan-friendly, simply substitute the blue cheese with a plant-based alternative or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Also, make sure the balsamic vinegar is free from any additives that aren’t vegan.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the individual components in advance! Grill the peaches and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also chop the onions and pecans ahead of time. Just combine everything and dress the salad right before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container, but keep the dressing separate to prevent wilting. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just remember that the arugula will lose some freshness the longer it sits!
