My family went absolutely bonkers for it. Even my picky eater, little Timmy, who usually turns his nose up at anything green, was happily munching away! We’ve tweaked it over the years, adding different cheeses, nuts, and greens, but the heart of it always remains the same: perfectly grilled peaches and that vibrant basil vinaigrette dressing. I had a little kitchen mishap the first time I attempted it – I completely forgot about the peaches on the grill and they ended up a bit…charred, let’s say. But even then, the grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette was still delicious! It just taught me a valuable lesson: keep a close eye on those peaches!

This grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette fits perfectly into our busy family life because it’s quick to throw together, especially if you prep the basil vinaigrette dressing ahead of time. It’s also a great way to use up those perfectly ripe summer peaches. Trust me, once you try this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette, it’ll become a staple in your house too! It is the perfect summer salad recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette. Remember, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the flavors of this dish. Opt for ripe but firm peaches that can withstand the heat of the grill without becoming too mushy. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your salad will be!

4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
5 ounces mixed greens
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted

For the Basil Vinaigrette:

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Now, let me share some secrets! I always use local honey for my grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette. It just adds a little something special. When making the basil vinaigrette dressing, you can find the freshest basil at your local farmer’s market or even grow your own! Here’s a grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette trick I learned from my mom: rub the cut sides of the peaches with a little olive oil before grilling. It prevents them from sticking and helps them caramelize beautifully. This not only enhances the flavor but also creates those beautiful grill marks that make the salad so visually appealing.

For those super busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy this delightful salad, pre-crumble the goat cheese and toast the nuts on Sunday. That way, when you want grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette, you’re already halfway there! To save a few pennies (because let’s face it, groceries are expensive!), buy peaches when they’re in season and on sale. You can even freeze peach slices for later use. Just be sure to check out the Home Food Preservation for proper freezing techniques. Store leftover basil leaves wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer. This prevents them from wilting and keeps them vibrant for several days.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette step-by-step. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of steps, each one is simple and contributes to the overall deliciousness of the salad. The key is to be organized and have all your ingredients prepped before you start grilling.

Prepare the Basil Vinaigrette: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean! A clean grill will prevent the peaches from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Grill the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with a little olive oil. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened. Don’t worry if your grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette peaches get a little char – that’s where the flavor is!
Flip and Grill Briefly: Flip the peaches and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the skin side. You just want to warm them through. I learned the hard way with grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette that overcooking them turns them to mush!
Remove from Grill: Carefully remove the grilled peaches from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans or walnuts.
Slice the Peaches (Optional): If desired, slice the grilled peaches into wedges before adding them to the salad. This makes it easier to eat!
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the basil vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to combine. Don’t drown it! You want just enough to coat everything lightly.
Serve Immediately: Serve the grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette immediately and enjoy! In my kitchen, grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

While the grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette is cooking, I usually set the table and pour some iced tea. Your grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette should smell like sweet peaches and fresh basil – heavenly! And here’s a family-tested shortcut: if you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even roast the peaches in the oven! Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and is a great alternative when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Serving Suggestions for Your Stone Fruit Salad

Oh, this is the best part! Serving up this delicious grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette and seeing everyone’s faces light up. The kids love our grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette when I add grilled chicken or shrimp to it. It turns it into a complete meal! Adding a protein not only makes it more filling but also adds another layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches and the tanginess of the vinaigrette.

My go-to side dishes that pair with grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette are grilled corn on the cob and crusty bread. The sweetness of the corn complements the peaches, and the bread is perfect for soaking up that amazing basil vinaigrette dressing. This grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a light and refreshing lunch. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any occasion.

For presentation, I like to arrange the grilled peach slices artfully on top of the greens and then sprinkle the goat cheese and nuts over the top. A final drizzle of basil vinaigrette and a few fresh basil leaves make it look extra fancy! If you have extra grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The greens might wilt a bit, but it will still taste delicious the next day.

You can even add the leftover grilled peaches to yogurt or oatmeal for a tasty breakfast! My friends always ask for this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette recipe whenever I make it. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For a seasonal variation, try adding grilled nectarines or plums instead of peaches. It’s a delicious way to switch things up! I also love adding a handful of blueberries for extra sweetness and color. This is a flexible peach salad recipe, so feel free to experiment!

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette. I’ve compiled these based on years of making this salad and answering queries from friends and family. Hopefully, these will help you troubleshoot any issues and perfect your own version of this delightful dish.

Q: Can I make the basil vinaigrette dressing ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. The flavors meld together even more if you let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) in the refrigerator. You know what I do when my grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette is for a party? I make the vinaigrette the day before!

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

A: No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or roast the peaches in the oven. Just toss the peach halves with a little olive oil and roast them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. It still tastes amazing as a peach salad recipe, don’t you worry!

Q: Can I use frozen peaches?

A: While fresh peaches are best, you can use frozen peach slices in a pinch. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before grilling. They might not get quite as caramelized, but they’ll still add that peachy flavor.

Q: What kind of goat cheese is best?

A: I prefer a soft, creamy goat cheese for this salad. But you can use whatever kind you like! A firmer goat cheese will hold its shape better, while a softer one will melt a bit more.

Q: Can I add protein to this salad?

A: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be delicious additions. It’s a great way to turn this into a more substantial meal.

Q: What other greens can I use?

A: Arugula, spinach, or even romaine lettuce would work well in this salad. Just use whatever you have on hand!

Q: My basil vinaigrette dressing is too thick. What can I do?

A: Just add a little more olive oil or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: The peaches I bought are not that sweet. What can I do to make them sweeter for my grilled peach salad?

A: If your peaches are not as sweet, you can sprinkle them with a bit of brown sugar or honey before grilling to enhance their sweetness.

Q: Can I make this grilled peach salad with other stone fruits?

A: Yes! Nectarines, plums, or even apricots would work well in this stone fruit salad. Adjust grilling times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of warm summer days, family gatherings, and simple pleasures. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for any occasion. It’s more than just a salad; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Here are some of my pro tips for the best grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette:

Don’t overcook the peaches! They should be slightly softened, but still hold their shape.
Taste the basil vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone’s taste is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.

Here are some grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette variations I’ve tried with my family:

Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the basil vinaigrette. My husband loves this one!
Fruity version: Add blueberries or raspberries to the salad. The kids adore this version.
Cheesy version: Use burrata cheese instead of goat cheese. So creamy and decadent!

I encourage you to make this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. I hope you love making and eating this salad as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to celebrate the bounty of summer. And remember, even if your peaches get a little charred, it will still be delicious! So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it when trying this grilled peach salad.

This grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette recipe is a guaranteed hit! Check out my greek salad recipe or my grilled corn salad recipe for more summer salad inspiration!

Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette: A Summer Delight

Print Recipe

This grilled peach salad is a summer delight! Sweet grilled peaches combine with savory greens and a tangy vinaigrette for a flavor explosion.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
5 oz mixed greens
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup toasted pecans
2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Optional: grilled chicken or shrimp

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium heat.
Brush peach halves with oil.
Grill peaches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and peaches are slightly softened.
Let peaches cool slightly, then slice into wedges.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, grilled peaches, goat cheese, and pecans.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
Optional: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm peaches. You can also add other toppings like red onion or avocado.