Pin Grilled Peach Salad with Feta and Balsamic Glaze is the sort of dish I turn to when my kitchen is overflowing with ripe peaches and I want something light but big on flavor. Juicy stone fruit gets a smoky kiss from the grill, tangy feta and crunchy walnuts bring texture, while a quick swirl of balsamic glaze ties it all together over a bed of peppery greens. It comes together in under thirty minutes and has rescued many last minute summer dinners on my patio.
The first time I made this was for a backyard party and it completely upstaged the main course. By the end of the night, everyone wanted the recipe and it became my warm weather signature.
Ingredients
- Peaches: choose ripe but firm peaches as they hold up well on the grill and caramelize beautifully
- Feta cheese: opt for a block rather than precrumbled for extra creaminess and less saltiness
- Arugula or mixed greens: select fresh and crisp greens to balance the sweetness of the fruit
- Walnuts: toast lightly in a dry pan for deeper flavor and nutty crunch
- Balsamic glaze: use a high quality store bought or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey
- Olive oil: good extra virgin olive oil amplifies all the fresh flavors
- Salt and pepper: a light seasoning draws out the natural juiciness of the peaches and enhances all elements
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill:
- Bring your grill up to medium heat so it will sear the peaches but not burn them. A clean grill grate makes removal easy and gives those pretty marks.
- Brush and Season the Peaches:
- Dip a pastry brush into your olive oil and coat each peach half. Sprinkle all sides with salt and pepper to bring out their juices and flavor.
- Grill the Peaches:
- Place peaches cut side down on the hot grates. Leave them untouched for four to five minutes so grill marks develop and the flesh softens. Flip if you like more char on all sides.
- Cool the Peaches:
- Transfer grilled peaches to a plate to cool briefly. If they are too hot they will wilt the greens immediately so give them a few minutes.
- Combine the Salad:
- Fill a large bowl with arugula or mixed greens. Slice each peach half into wedges and scatter over the greens with crumbled feta and toasted walnuts.
- Dress and Toss:
- Drizzle everything evenly with balsamic glaze. Toss gingerly just once or twice so the ingredients stay distinct and the peaches do not break down.
- Serve Immediately:
- Pile onto plates and enjoy at once while the peaches are still slightly warm and the feta is creamy.
Pin The juicy grilled peaches are honestly the reason I look forward to peach season every year. My little sister, who claims not to like salad, always asks for seconds of this one and sometimes we skip dinner and just eat the whole bowl together on the porch.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store the salad undressed in the fridge in a covered bowl for up to two days. Keep any extra balsamic glaze in a small jar and add it right before serving so the greens stay crisp. Grilled peaches can be kept in an airtight container and thrown into other salads or grain bowls within a day.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap feta for goat cheese or even creamy burrata for extra indulgence. Pecans or sliced almonds stand in well for walnuts if you are out. For a vegan version use a vegan feta style cheese or skip the cheese and add some avocado for richness.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp skewers if you want to add more protein. It makes a perfect side to grilled fish or can be piled atop crusty sourdough for a hearty lunch. I love to add a handful of torn basil leaves for extra freshness.
Pin This colorful salad is a celebration of the summer season and always a hit at any table. Enjoy with friends, family, or simply for yourself as a delicious and vibrant escape.
Recipe Questions
- → How should peaches be prepared for grilling?
Halve and pit the peaches, then brush with olive oil and season lightly before grilling cut side down.
- → Can you substitute another cheese for feta?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives if a milder or tangier cheese is preferred.
- → What greens pair best with grilled peaches?
Arugula adds peppery notes, while mixed salad greens balance sweetness and provide freshness.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Yes, omit walnuts or replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin for crunch without nuts.
- → Can this salad be made ahead?
Grill the peaches and prep ingredients in advance, but assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
- → What wine goes well with this salad?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh, fruity, and tangy flavors beautifully.