This Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad is a burst of summer! Juicy peaches, sweet blueberries, and crunchy greens come together for a fresh and tasty dish that’s perfect for sunny days.
The best part? The grilled peaches add a yummy twist. I love putting this salad together for picnics—it’s super easy, and everyone always asks for the recipe (shh, it’s our little secret!). 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of this salad, providing sweetness and a lovely smoky flavor when grilled. If you can’t find fresh peaches, nectarines work well too; they have a similar taste and texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a pop of color and juice. Frozen blueberries can be used in a pinch, but they may not have the same firmness or flavor. Raspberries or blackberries would also make great substitutes.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a nice bite to the salad. If you’re not a fan of onion or want a milder taste, consider using green onions or shallots instead.
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. For balsamic vinegar, a good quality one makes a difference, but you can substitute apple cider vinegar if you’re in a hurry.
Feta Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan feta or leave it out altogether. For a tangy alternative, crumbled goat cheese adds a wonderful flavor too!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Peaches?
Grilling peaches enhances their sweetness and adds charred flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking and facilitate browning.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes until grill marks form.
- Keep an eye on them; overcooking makes them mushy. You want them softened but still holding shape.
How to Make Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes for grilling, making it a quick and refreshing dish ready in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that your peaches get lovely grill marks and that nice smoky flavor!
2. Grilling the Peaches:
While your grill is heating up, brush the peach halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them. Once the grill is ready, place the peach halves cut-side down onto the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes, or until you see those beautiful grill marks and the peaches soften a bit. After grilling, remove them from the grill and set them aside to cool for a few minutes.
3. Mixing the Salad:
While the peaches are cooling, let’s make the salad base! In a large bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. They will all come together beautifully with the grilled peaches soon!
4. Assembling The Salad:
Once the peaches have cooled enough to handle, slice them into wedges. Gently add these peach wedges to the bowl with the blueberries and onion.
5. Dressing the Salad:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Drizzle this dressing over your salad mixture, and toss everything gently to combine. You want all those flavors to blend nicely without squishing the fruit!
6. Final Touches:
Season your salad with a little more salt and pepper to taste, if desired. If you’d like to add some extra creaminess, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. Your grilled peach blueberry salad is now ready to be enjoyed fresh and flavorful!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are recommended for grilling, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. However, keep in mind that they won’t get those lovely grill marks.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy ingredients. Just toss the dressing in right before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option. Each will add a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Salad?
Absolutely! Other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even diced mango can complement this salad beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the amounts of other ingredients accordingly to keep the balance of flavors!
