This Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad is a fun twist for your next meal! Juicy grilled peaches paired with tender chicken and fresh greens create a delicious topping for your taste buds.
Add a little sweetness to your day! I love how the juicy peaches warm up on the grill. It feels fancy, but it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are perfect for grilling, adding sweetness and flavor. If they aren’t in season, try substituting with nectarines or canned peaches (drained) for a quicker alternative.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice, but you can use thighs for juicier meat. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works well, too!
Greens: Spinach is my go-to, but feel free to mix in arugula or kale for a different taste. Mixed greens also add variety!
Nuts: Pecans give a nice crunch, but walnuts or sliced almonds would work too. For a nut-free option, try pumpkin seeds.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor. If you prefer, goat cheese or even blue cheese can replace it for a stronger taste.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Peaches?
Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps to caramelize the sugars in the peaches quickly.
- Halve and pit the peaches, brushing the cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes. Look for nice grill marks!
- Once they soften, flip them over for another minute or two to heat through. This way, they get warm and stay delicious!
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups fresh spinach or mixed 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 15-20 minutes for grilling the chicken and peaches. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in around 30-35 minutes. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that your peaches and chicken get perfect grill marks and a nice char.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Peaches:
Brush the halved peaches and chicken breasts with olive oil. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Make sure the peaches are well-coated to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Peaches:
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 they soften slightly. After that, remove them from the grill and set aside.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Now, grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re cooked through. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. Slice Ingredients:
Once the peaches are cool enough, cut them into wedges. Slice the chicken breasts into strips. This makes it easy to toss into your salad!
6. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach or mixed greens, fresh blueberries, chopped pecans, sliced red onion, grilled peach wedges, and sliced chicken.
7. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create your dressing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste!
8. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the flavors. Ensure everything is well mixed and coated with the delicious dressing.
9. Top with Feta:
Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for a creamy finish. It adds a lovely tanginess that complements the sweetness of the peaches!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately while it’s fresh. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful grilled peach chicken salad that’s perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first! The best way to thaw is by leaving it overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method: seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1-2 hours.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, feel free to use nectarines or canned peaches (drained) instead! Grilled pineapple can also make a delicious alternative for a tropical twist.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time! Grill the chicken and peaches and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste!
