This vibrant salad bursts with summer flavors! Grilled peaches and fresh blueberries come together over a bed of greens, making it sweet and refreshing. Yum!
Whenever I make this salad, it feels like a sunny picnic on a plate! Don’t forget to add some crunchy nuts for extra fun—you’ll want to keep coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Choose ripe peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines are a great substitute. They’ll add a similar sweetness and work well on the grill, too.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are delicious, but you could use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them beforehand so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Red Onion: While red onions give a mild sweetness, you can swap in scallions or shallots for a different flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, soak sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes before using.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty contrast. If you want a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or leave it out entirely. Fresh herbs like basil can add a nice touch, too.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches adds a delicious smoky flavor. However, it’s important to get that perfect char without turning them mushy. Here’s how to do that:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This is key for good grill marks!
- Brush peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Place them cut-side down on the grill for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the goal is grill marks and slight softness, not mushiness.
- Once done, let them cool briefly before slicing. This helps maintain their shape for your salad.
How to Make Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 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 will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your peaches get those nice grill marks and soften up perfectly.
2. Grill the Peaches:
Brush the cut-side of the peach halves with olive oil. Place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see grill marks and the peaches are slightly softened. This will enhance their sweetness!
3. Cool and Slice the Peaches:
Once grilled, remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. After they’ve cooled, slice the peaches into wedges. The combination of warm peach with cold blueberries is lovely!
4. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the grilled peach wedges, fresh blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This will create a simple, yet flavorful dressing to enhance the salad.
6. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
7. Add the Parsley:
Next, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad and give it another light toss. This adds a fresh flavor and color to your beautiful dish!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad for an extra creamy touch. Serve immediately or, for an even more refreshing experience, chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Enjoy your refreshing grilled peach blueberry salad! It’s a tasty way to enjoy summer flavors!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but keep in mind they won’t have the same flavor and texture as fresh ones. Drain them well and skip the grilling step, since they’re already soft. Just slice them and add to the salad!
What Dressing Substitutes Can I Use?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as an alternative. Just adjust the amount slightly to taste, as these vinegars can be sharper. A splash of lemon juice also works nicely!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may get a bit soggy due to the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you plan to enjoy it later, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the grilled peaches and salad ingredients a few hours in advance. Just toss everything together and drizzle the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and colorful!
