This Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad is a sweet and fresh delight! Juicy grilled peaches and plump blueberries mix with crunchy greens for a colorful dish that shines on your table.
Besides looking pretty, this salad tastes amazing—it’s like summer on a plate! I love adding a splash of balsamic for an extra zing. Yum! 🍑🫐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are sweet and juicy, perfect for grilling. If peaches aren’t in season, try nectarines or plums for a similar effect.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add vibrant color and flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, use frozen blueberries — just thaw and drain them before adding.
Red Onion: Their sharpness enhances the salad’s flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using green onions or shallots instead.
Olive Oil: This adds richness. You could substitute avocado oil or even a flavored oil like garlic-infused oil for a twist.
Balsamic Vinegar: It brings acidity and depth. Apple cider vinegar could work as a substitute if you’re out of balsamic.
Feta Cheese: This is optional but adds creaminess. You can replace it with goat cheese for a tangy flavor or omit it for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches is simple but requires a bit of attention. The goal is to achieve sweet, tender fruit with those lovely grill marks. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Brush peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place them on the grill cut-side down. Grill for 3-4 minutes, just until you see those beautiful char marks and they soften slightly.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing; this makes handling easier and helps keep their shape.
I personally find that grilling brings out the natural sugars, making the peaches irresistible! Enjoy your salad with perfectly grilled peaches!
How to Make Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: feta cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 5-7 minutes to grill the peaches. Overall, you’ll have a delicious and vibrant salad ready in about 20-25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot and ready to give those peaches beautiful grill marks!
2. Preparing the Peaches:
Take your peach halves and brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them for extra flavor. This will help them become deliciously tasty on the grill.
3. Grilling the Peaches:
Now, place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches feel tender. Once done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly before slicing them into wedges.
4. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your grilled peach wedges with the fresh blueberries and thinly sliced red onion. This will bring all the lovely colors and flavors together!
5. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Once mixed, pour this delicious dressing over your salad ingredients.
6. Adding Freshness:
Add the chopped parsley to the salad and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are combined and coated with the dressing.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you’d like, sprinkle some feta cheese on top for an extra flavor boost before serving.
8. Serving:
This salad can be served fresh or chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Enjoy each refreshing bite!
Enjoy your delightful Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are ideal for grilling, you can use canned or frozen peaches if necessary. If using canned, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. For frozen peaches, thaw them completely and pat dry before grilling; otherwise, they may become too mushy when cooked.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the salad may become a bit soggy due to the dressing and fruit juices. To keep it fresher, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese or prefer a dairy-free option, you can swap it with goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a nutty touch, try adding roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds instead!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Grill the peaches and store them in the fridge, and keep the blueberries, red onion, and dressing separate until just before serving. Assembling it right before serving will keep everything fresh and vibrant!
