This easy grilled peach blueberry salad is bright and refreshing! The juicy peaches, sweet blueberries, and crisp greens come together for a tasty combo. Perfect for summer days!
Grilling the peaches gives them a yummy smoky flavor that makes this salad stand out. I love tossing it together for a light lunch or a side dish at picnics. So tasty and simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for sweetness and flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use nectarines. They have a similar texture and taste.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are delicious, but frozen can work too. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained beforehand to avoid excess water in your salad.
Red Onion: The red onion adds a nice crunch and color. If you’re not a fan of raw onion’s bite, switch to shallots or use green onion tops for a milder flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dressing a nice tang. You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste or rice vinegar for a milder option.
How Do I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Peaches?
Getting good grill marks on your peaches elevates the look and flavor! First, make sure the grill is hot enough. Preheating helps achieve those lovely marks.
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place peach wedges cut-side down directly on the grill. Let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
- Once you see grill marks, flip them carefully with tongs. Grilling both sides enhances sweetness.
Easy Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 small red onion, peeled and sliced
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Time Estimate:
This delightful salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 5-6 minutes to grill the peaches and onions. A quick and refreshing option for a meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the peaches and onions will get those lovely grill marks and perfect caramelization.
2. Prepare the Produce:
In a mixing bowl, toss the peach wedges and sliced red onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure they’re well-coated for that delicious grilled flavor.
3. Grill the Peaches and Onions:
Place the coated peaches and red onion slices on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the fruit softens slightly. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool a little.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled peaches, grilled onions, and fresh blueberries for a delightful mix of flavors.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This dressing will tie all the flavors together!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and onion mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated and deliciously dressed.
7. Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle chopped parsley and chives over the salad for a touch of freshness and a pop of color. This makes the dish as beautiful as it is tasty!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor. You can also chill it briefly in the fridge if you prefer it cold. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal on a warm day!
Enjoy the heavenly combo of smoky sweetness from the grilled peaches and the tartness from fresh blueberries, all brought together by a tangy dressing and fresh herbs!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to substitute them with nectarines or plums for similar flavors. You could also add strawberries or raspberries for an extra berry boost!
What if I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even a broiler in the oven. Just keep an eye on the peaches and onions to prevent burning, flipping them as needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the fruit.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the grilled peaches and onions in advance and store them in the fridge. Just wait to combine them with the blueberries and dressing until you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture!
