Grilled Peach Summer Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
This grilled peach summer salad is a fresh and flavourful option for lunch, dinner, or appetizer. Juicy, caramelized peaches bring a smoky sweetness, paired with peppery arugula, crunchy pecans, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy-sweet maple vinaigrette. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant summer goodness!
Summer seems to whipping by, so I’m soaking up every last drop I can. Are you feeling the same way? I think it mostly has to do with the carefree and relaxed vibe that tends to go hand in hand with the season.
Take mealtime, for instance. It’s so easy to fire up the grill and throw together a flavourful salad. And, with fresh produce at its best right now, preparing wholesome and delicious lunches and dinners takes no time at all. Hooray to that, whether you’re a busy parent, weeknight cook or entertainer!
Nothing Beats a Fresh Peach: Tips for Picking the Best
At the moment, sweet and succulent fresh peaches are my thing. You know the ones where juice drips down your wrists as you eat them over the kitchen sink? It truly doesn’t get better than that, especially with all the vitamins, minerals, and fiber packed into each juicy bite.
Recipe Tip: Cut the peach lengthwise all around, then gently twist the two halves apart to expose the pit.
Luckily, we have access to the best. The peaches in this recipe were grown under the warm sun of the Okanagan Valley, hand-picked from orchards tended by local grower families. I love that kind of garden-to-table freshness!
Flavourful peaches are colourful, aromatic and slightly soft. Use your nose to pick out a tasty one.
Grilled Peach Salad Ingredients
You’re going to need at least two Peaches to make this salad. Ensure they’re ripe for maximum flavour. Of course, you’ll want even more. (I ate half a peach while making this salad and my son devoured for the rest).
Freestone peaches are perfect for canning and making delicious desserts like peach crisp in a jar. You can also freeze them. Look for fresh peaches typically from late July to early September.
You will also need:
- arugula and baby spinach
- mint leaves
- english cucumber
- fresh mozzarella
- pecans
- olive oil and white wine vinegar
- maple syrup
- salt and pepper
The full list of ingredient measurements, plus instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. Keep reading!
Why Grill Peaches for Summer Salads and More?
Before I had ever tried them, I asked myself the same thing. Then, I quickly realized how much it enhances the natural sweetness, while giving them a slightly caramelized, smoky flavour.
Get ready to be wowed. Plus, they look so darn pretty with the grill marks!
How to Grill Peaches
Preheat grill (BBQ) to medium. Lightly brush peach slices on both sides with oil, then place cut side down on hot grill for about 5 minutes per side. Peaches will be done when grill marks appear and peaches become slightly soft.
Cooled, then served over top a bed of spinach, arugula, mint, cucumber and fresh mozzarella, these grilled peaches are amazing! Of course, toasted pecans and maple vinaigrette are the perfect way to finish it all off. Yum!
This salad brings summertime sunshine to every bowl or plate. Ready to dig in?
Recipe Revisions and Tips
Want to add more protein or make this a meal on its own? This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon.
Make it vegan by omitting mozzarella or swapping it out for plant-based cheese.
Want to prep ahead? Layer ingredients in bowl, cover and store in refrigerator up to one day before. Toss pecans and dressing immediately before serving.
This bright vinaigrette also works well on this strawberry spinach salad.
All I can say is, be prepared for your family or guests to go back for second helpings. This grilled peach summer salad is impossible to resist (and nutritious too. Shh…). Enjoy!
Other Ways to Use Grilled Peaches
- Top with vanilla ice cream, toasted almonds, and honey for an easy grilled peach dessert.
- Layer into a peach yogurt parfait for a healthy and refreshing breakfast or snack.
- Serve with grilled pork chops to add a sweet and smoky twist to your summer dinner.
- Chop and mix into a peach salsa to pair with grilled chicken, fish, or tortilla chips.
- Add to a summer cheeseboard for a flavourful contrast to salty meats and cheeses.
- Use on flatbreads, sandwiches, or pizza for a gourmet, seasonal upgrade.
There are so many ways to eat this delicious grilled stone fruit!
More Summer Salad Recipes
Grilled Peach Summer Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
For the Salad
- 2 peaches (cut into 8 slices each, pits removed)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups arugula
- 6 mint leaves, torn into small pieces
- ½ cup english cucumber, sliced and halved
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- ½ cup pecans, toasted toasted
Instructions
- Mix together dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Combine well.
- Preheat grill (BBQ) to medium. Lightly brush peach slices on both sides and place cut side down on hot grill for about 5 minutes per side. Peaches will be done when grill marks appear and peaches become slightly soft. Transfer to plate and cool.
- In a large serving bowl, layer spinach, arugula, mint, cucumber, fresh mozzarella and pecans. Top with grilled peaches.
- Drizzle salad evenly with dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut the peach lengthwise all around, then gently twist the two halves apart to expose the pit.
- For added protein, this salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon.
- Make it vegan by omitting mozzarella or swapping it out for plant-based cheese.
- Want to prep ahead? Layer ingredients in bowl, cover and store in refrigerator up to one day before. Toss pecans and dressing immediately before serving.
Be sure to pin this summer peach salad recipe for later!
What’s your favourite fruit-grilled combination? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Want more delicious recipes and ideas like these sent directly to your inbox? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE.
Enjoy the sunshine!
This grilled peach salad recipe was originally published August 2018. Updated with fresh new ideas and helpful tips.
This looks so so good. We are in peach season here so it’s perfect.
It’s definitely one of our favourite salads. Love peaches, especially this time of year when they’re so juicy and fresh!
These look like the juiciest peaches – yum!! I’ll make this amazing salad – I know my guys will love it!
Those peaches are so tasty. I was thinking after, why don’t I make more peach dishes? LOVE THEM! Thanks for stopping by, my friend :)
So much peach goodness floating around the internet lately, and I am here.for.it. So delicious – love the grilled peach in this salad!
Right?! I LOVE peaches! Glad you stopped by :)
That looks so delicious! I love peaches, but haven’t ever thought about adding them to a salad! Going to have to try this!
Thanks, Jenna :) Love the sweetness of the peaches with the savoury salad. You’ve gotta give it a try!
I never realized that fruits were delicious in salad until I was an adult. Now I love them!
I totally agree! My neighbour put nectarines in a salad years and years ago and I thought she was crazy until I tried it. So delicious! Now fruit is a regular ingredient in our salads.