This fresh salad brings together juicy grilled peaches, peppery arugula, and creamy blue cheese for a tasty mix. It’s perfect for summer days or a light dinner!
I love how the warm peaches contrast with the crunchy greens. It’s like a little taste of sunshine on my plate! Add some nuts for extra crunch, and you’re all set. 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this salad! If peaches aren’t in season, you can use nectarines for a similar flavor and texture. Grilled pears or apples also work well!
Arugula: Arugula gives a nice peppery kick. If you’re not a fan, try spinach or mixed greens instead. They will add a different taste but are still delicious.
Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese is perfect for this recipe, adding creaminess and tang. If you prefer something milder, feta or goat cheese can be great substitutes.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. No nuts? Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can be good alternatives. You can also skip them for a nut-free option.
Balsamic Vinegar: This vinegar adds depth to the dressing. If needed, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, but they’ll change the flavor profile a bit.
How Do You Grill Peaches Like a Pro?
Grilling peaches really enhances their sweetness and flavor. Here’s how to get perfect grilled peaches every time!
- Start with ripe peaches—these break down well and grill nicely.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures proper searing.
- Brush the cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place them cut-side down on the grill and don’t move them for 4-5 minutes. You want nice grill marks!
- Flip them to the skin side and grill for another 2 minutes until slightly soft.
Let them cool a bit before adding to your salad. This prevents wilting the greens and maintains their shape!
How to Make 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 blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and grill the peaches. After that, it’s just a matter of mixing everything together, making it a quick and fresh dish in about 20 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for grilling the peaches.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This will help them grill nicely and add flavor!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves on the grill, cut side down. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes, or until you see good grill marks and the peaches start to soften. Then, flip the peaches over and grill for an additional 2 minutes. Once they are done, take them off the grill and let them cool slightly.
4. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh arugula, sliced grilled peaches, red onion, and toasted nuts if you’re using them. This mix will give you a great combination of flavors and textures!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing is going to add a lovely tangy sweetness to your salad.
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to combine. You want all those beautiful ingredients to get coated with that flavorful dressing.
7. Add the Blue Cheese:
Top the salad with crumbled blue cheese for that creamy, salty goodness that pairs perfectly with the sweet peaches.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side or a light main dish. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in every bite!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, canned peaches can work in a pinch! Just drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before grilling or adding them to the salad. Keep in mind that they won’t have the same charred flavor, so consider using a bit less dressing to balance the sweetness.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the blue cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Additionally, use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep some components ahead of time! Grill the peaches and make the dressing up to a day in advance. Store the peaches in an airtight container in the fridge. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the arugula may wilt, so it’s best to separate the dressing if possible and add it right before eating to maintain freshness!
