This Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad brings together juicy grilled chicken and sweet, caramelized peaches. It’s a refreshing dish, perfect for warm days or anytime you want a tasty meal!
Trust me, those peaches add a fun twist! I like to serve it with a light dressing and some crunchy nuts for extra zing. It’s simple, satisfying, and great for impressing friends! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean protein base. If you prefer, use thighs for a juicier option, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season, try nectarines, or even canned peaches (just drain them well).
Spinach: Baby spinach is mild and tender, but any mixed greens or arugula works nicely, too. If you’re after more crunch, try romaine or kale.
Pecans: I love pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts or almonds make great substitutes. If you want something nut-free, consider sunflower seeds.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds tanginess. For a non-dairy option, some cashew cheese can mimic the flavor, or skip it entirely for a lighter salad.
How Do I Get The Chicken Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken properly ensures it’s moist and full of flavor. Here are a few tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling, so the juices redistribute.
- If your chicken is thicker, consider pounding it to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Peaches?
Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely char. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the grill is hot before placing the peaches on it.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit, then brush the cut side with a light coat of oil.
- Grill cut-side down for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks.
Enjoy these helpful tips and have fun preparing your delicious salad!
How to Make Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious salad will take about 25 minutes to prepare, including the grilling time for the chicken and peaches. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, brush both the chicken breasts and peach halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Don’t forget to season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
2. Grill the Chicken
Once your grill is ready, place the chicken breasts on it. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and the juices run clear. This ensures the chicken is juicy and delicious. Once done, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
3. Grill the Peaches
Next, put the peach halves on the grill, cut side down. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and the peaches soften up a bit. After grilling, set them aside to cool slightly before slicing each half into wedges.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing adds a nice zing to your salad!
5. Combine the Salad
Now for the fun part! In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, fresh blueberries, sliced red onion, chopped pecans, and the grilled peach wedges. Toss them together gently to mix all the flavors.
6. Add Chicken and Dressing
Slice the grilled chicken into strips and add them to the top of the salad. Drizzle your homemade dressing over everything and toss again gently to combine all the ingredients without squishing anything.
7. Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and the optional fresh basil leaves on top for extra color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your light, refreshing, and flavorful grilled peach chicken salad! Perfect for a summer day or any time you need a quick meal!
FAQ About Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before grilling. You can overnight it in the fridge or use the cold water method by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Peaches?
If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines are a great alternative! You can also use canned peaches (just drain them well) or even fresh mangos for a unique twist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can grill the chicken and peaches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just layer the salad ingredients without the dressing and add it right before serving for the freshest taste!
