This refreshing grilled peach chicken salad is perfect for warm days! It features juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and mixed greens topped with a light dressing.
I love how the sweet peaches pair perfectly with the savory chicken. It’s like summer on a plate! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a bit of grill magic? 🍑🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are key for sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use nectarines or canned peaches (just drain them well) as a substitute.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy and quick to grill. You can swap them with grilled chicken thighs for more flavor or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Spinach or Mixed Greens: Fresh baby spinach gives a mild flavor and nice texture. If you prefer, kale or arugula can be exciting alternatives; just massage kale to make it tender.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add color and sweetness. Feel free to use raspberries or strawberries if you prefer; they provide a great pop of flavor!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese for a similar effect.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch, but if someone has nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent substitutions.
How Can I Perfectly Grill Chicken for My Salad?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here are some helpful steps to get it juicy and flavorful every time.
- Start with even thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven, they can cook unevenly. To fix this, pound them gently to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Preheat the grill properly: A hot grill helps to sear the outside and keep the juices inside. Aim for medium-high heat.
- Use oil and season: Brush the chicken lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Watch the time: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps the juices from running out when you slice it.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken ready for your salad! Enjoy!
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (preferably whole grain)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious salad will take about 20 minutes in total—5 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. A hot grill will help achieve nice grill marks and keep the chicken juicy.
2. Prep the Chicken and Peaches:
Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil. Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and drizzle a bit of olive oil to keep them moist while grilling.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Grill the Peaches:
On the same grill, place the peach halves cut side down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and they soften slightly. Remove them from the grill, let them cool a bit, and then slice.
5. Assemble the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, add fresh spinach or mixed greens as your base. Then slice the grilled chicken into strips and add them on top of the greens.
6. Add Fruits and Nuts:
Now it’s time to add the delicious toppings! Toss in the grilled peach slices, fresh blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped pecans for that crunchy texture.
7. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and emulsified.
8. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad and gently toss everything together until it’s perfectly mixed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your grilled peach chicken salad is ready to be served! Enjoy this vibrant and fresh dish that captures the essence of summer!
This salad perfectly balances sweet grilled peaches and berries with savory chicken, tangy feta, and crunchy nuts—creating an easy and elegant meal that’s bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Fresh peaches are recommended for their sweet flavor and texture, but if you have frozen peaches, you can use them! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before grilling to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, goat cheese or a plant-based cheese would work well. You could also skip the cheese entirely or replace it with avocado for creaminess.
How do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. The salad will last in the fridge for about 1-2 days. Just before serving, you can add fresh dressing for best flavor!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken. For added protein, consider including chickpeas or grilled tofu. It will still be delicious with the grilled peaches and toppings!
