Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

This Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of summer to your table. The combination of sweet grilled peaches, fresh greens, and a zesty basil vinaigrette makes it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light weeknight dinner. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste will impress your guests while being simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Vinaigrette
• How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
• Step 2: Grill the Peaches
• Step 3: Mix the Greens
• Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette
• Step 5: Assemble the Salad
• How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Pair with Grilled Proteins
• Serve as a Starter
• Add Bread on the Side
• Dress it Up
• How to Perfect Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Reheating Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette ahead of time?
• What greens work best in Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
• Can I substitute goat cheese in this recipe?
• What is the best way to slice peaches for this salad?
• How do I customize my Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 21 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, this recipe is packed with nutrition and flavor.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors from the peaches, greens, and vinaigrette create an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress.
• Healthy Choice: With plenty of fiber and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This tool gives the peaches their beautiful charred flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your salad ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your fruits and vegetables, making preparation easier.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 ripe but firm peaches (sliced into 8 wedges)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces leafy greens (I used a mix of arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 a large red onion)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 medium avocado (diced)
• 4 ounces goat cheese (could swap for feta cheese)
• 1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios (roughly chopped)

For the Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil

How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the peach wedges with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach wedges on the grill. Grill each side for about 3 minutes until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Greens

In a large mixing bowl, combine your leafy greens with sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.

Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette

In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, dijon mustard, kosher salt, and fresh basil until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Add the grilled peaches on top of the mixed greens. Drizzle generously with basil vinaigrette before serving. Toss gently to combine everything.

Enjoy your refreshing Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

This grilled peach salad is a delightful dish that shines in any setting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a simple family meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and complements the sweetness of the peaches.
• Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers bring a tasty seafood option that pairs well with the salad.

Serve as a Starter

• Appetizer Portion: Serve smaller portions in individual bowls to impress guests at dinner parties.
• Brunch Option: This salad can be a refreshing starter for a summer brunch, offering a light yet satisfying bite.

Add Bread on the Side

• Crusty Baguette: A slice of warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Flavorful garlic bread can add an aromatic touch to your meal and will enhance the overall dining experience.

Dress it Up

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra basil or mint for an added pop of flavor and color.
• Edible Flowers: For an elegant touch, sprinkle some edible flowers atop the salad for visual appeal.

How to Perfect Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

To make your grilled peach salad even more delightful, follow these tips for perfection.

• Bold Flavors: Use ripe peaches that are slightly firm for better grilling and enhanced sweetness.
• Chill Your Greens: Ensure leafy greens are cold before serving; this keeps them crisp and fresh.
• Homemade Vinaigrette: Make your own basil vinaigrette for a fresher taste; store-bought options can’t compete.
• Grilling Technique: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelization on the peaches.
• Variety of Textures: Consider adding ingredients like crunchy nuts or seeds for extra texture in every bite.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your salad; it enhances all flavors and makes each component shine.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Complementing your grilled peach salad with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes to consider.

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds heartiness while remaining light and fluffy.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter brings sweetness that harmonizes well with peaches.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers create an easy-to-eat option that mirrors flavors in the salad.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus provides a slight crunch and vibrant color contrast.
5. Couscous Salad: A lemon-herb couscous salad offers bright flavors that pair beautifully with the main dish.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs add comfort alongside the freshness of the salad.
7. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits enhances the summery feel of your meal.
8. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans create a hearty accompaniment bursting with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a grilled peach salad might seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and presentation. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using overly ripe peaches: Overripe peaches can become mushy when grilled. Choose firm peaches for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the oil: Not brushing your peaches with olive oil can lead to sticking on the grill. Always coat them lightly before grilling to enhance their caramelization.
• Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to season your salad can make it bland. Use salt and pepper generously to bring out the flavors of your ingredients.
• Overcooking the peaches: Cooking peaches for too long can turn them into mush. Aim for 4-6 minutes on medium heat for perfect grill marks and tenderness.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh basil in the vinaigrette will impact freshness. Always opt for fresh herbs for a vibrant taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your grilled peach salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of fresh ingredients like greens and avocado.
• If necessary, you may freeze only the grilled peaches in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad for about 10 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat as greens wilt quickly.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until warmed. This method helps maintain better texture compared to a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette ahead of time?

You can prepare most ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to grill the peaches just before serving for optimum freshness.

What greens work best in Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

A mix of arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Can I substitute goat cheese in this recipe?

Yes! Feta cheese is a great alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

What is the best way to slice peaches for this salad?

Cutting them into wedges allows for even grilling and easy serving alongside other salad ingredients.

How do I customize my Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds, swap out fruits, or include protein such as chicken or shrimp for added heartiness.

Final Thoughts

This grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a summer side dish or a light meal, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Give this refreshing recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any gathering!