This bright salad combines juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and fresh greens. It’s a fun twist on your regular salad and perfect for warm days!
I love how the sweet peaches and savory chicken work together. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends at summer BBQs without breaking a sweat. Who doesn’t love easy and tasty? 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are easy to grill and taste great. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can work well too—just shred it and add it to the salad!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star here. If peaches are out of season, try using nectarines or even apricots for a similar sweetness.
Spinach: Baby spinach is lovely for its mild flavor, but you could swap it with kale or arugula for a different twist. Just make sure to massage the kale slightly to soften it!
Pecans: These add nice crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent substitutes.
Feta: Crumbled feta brings a creamy tang. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can work beautifully in this salad.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches is all about timing and temperature. You want them to get those nice grill marks but not turn mushy. Here are a few tips:
- Use ripe but slightly firm peaches for grilling. They hold their shape better.
- Brush the peach halves with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grilling.
- Grill over medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side. Flip when they’re warm and have nice grill marks!
- Always let them cool slightly before cutting to keep the juices in.
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 15 minutes for grilling. So, in under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Peaches:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken breasts and brush them lightly with olive oil. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Do the same with the peach halves — brushing them with a little olive oil will help them grill beautifully!
2. Grill:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and the juices run clear. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest. At the same time, grill the peach halves for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see nice grill marks and they soften up a bit. They’ll be so sweet and flavorful!
3. Slice Chicken and Peaches:
After the chicken and peaches have cooled slightly, slice the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and cut the peaches into slices as well. Everything should look colorful and appetizing!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, add the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well until everything is combined and emulsified. This dressing will really tie all the flavors together!
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, mix together the baby spinach, basil leaves, sliced red onion, blueberries, and chopped pecans. Then, layer on the grilled chicken and peach slices. It’s looking good already!
6. Add Cheese and Dressing:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and then drizzle your homemade dressing evenly over everything. Take a moment to appreciate how fresh and colorful it looks!
7. Serve:
Give everything a gentle toss if you’d like to mix all those delicious flavors together. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderful grilled peach chicken salad—sweet, savory, and totally refreshing!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before grilling. The safest way to do this is by placing it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can submerge the sealed chicken in cold water until thawed. Pat it dry before seasoning!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, nectarines make a great alternative with a similar flavor and texture. You could also use apricots or even plums for a different sweet twist. Just ensure whatever fruit you choose is ripe enough for grilling!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the greens fresh, consider storing the salad and dressing separately. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold in the salad!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add extra protein with chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even some roasted quinoa for a hearty, filling salad. The flavors from the peaches and dressing will still shine!
