This refreshing salad features sweet grilled peaches and juicy blueberries, all tossed together with some greens. It’s like a summer party in a bowl!
The best part? The warm peaches give a lovely twist to the fresh flavors. I could eat this for lunch every day and not get tired of it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe peaches for natural sweetness and a juicy texture. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or even plums work well as substitutes. They’ll give you a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are a must for this salad because they burst with flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen blueberries will do! Just thaw them before adding to the salad.
Red Onion: A small red onion adds a nice bite. For a milder flavor, you can use shallots or even green onions instead. They’ll give a sweeter, less pungent taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds acidity and depth. If you don’t have balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good alternatives. You can also leave out the honey if you want a tangier dressing!
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches is such a fun way to enhance their natural sweetness! Here’s how to get it right:
- First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. A hot grill creates those beautiful char marks.
- Toss the peach halves in oil, salt, and pepper to help prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill the peaches cut side down for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’ll want them to soften just slightly without falling apart!
- Flip them carefully for another minute to get a nice char on the other side.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them into bite-sized pieces for the salad.
These steps will ensure your grilled peaches are deliciously caramelized and a standout in your salad!
Easy Grilled Peach and Blueberry Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe peaches, pitted and quartered
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, sliced (optional)
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Time Estimate:
This delicious salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a few minutes for grilling! It’s a quick and easy dish you can whip up for lunch or dinner and tastes so fresh.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it to medium-high. This helps create those wonderful grill marks on the peaches and onions.
2. Prepare the Peaches and Onion:
In a bowl, toss the quartered peaches and chopped red onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with some salt and pepper. Make sure they’re well coated!
3. Grill the Peaches and Onion:
Take the seasoned peaches and onion to the grill. Grill the peach quarters for about 2-3 minutes on each side until you see lovely grill marks and they feel a bit softer. Grill the onion for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred.
4. Cool and Combine:
Remove the peaches and onion from the grill and let them cool for a moment. In a large bowl, combine the grilled peaches, grilled onions, fresh blueberries, chopped parsley, and chives if you’re using them.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
6. Toss It All Together:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mix and gently toss everything together until well combined. It’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cold. It’s a perfect accompaniment to greens or can stand alone for a refreshing dish!
Enjoy the sweet, smoky, and fresh flavors of this summery grilled peach and blueberry salad!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach and Blueberry Salad
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are best for grilling, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before grilling to prevent them from falling apart.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can still enjoy it for a quick snack or lunch!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan-friendly if you skip the honey and use maple syrup instead. The salad is packed with flavor even without any animal products!
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or can serve as a main dish itself. It also complements a variety of greens like arugula or spinach, making for a perfect side salad!
