This Ultimate Grilled Peach Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, sweet grilled peaches, and fresh greens. It’s a bright dish that’s perfect for warm days or when you want something special!
Honestly, who knew salad could be this good? I love how the sweetness of the peaches perfectly balances with the savory chicken—it’s like a party in every bite! 🎉
Whenever I make this salad, I can’t resist adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It makes everything taste even better! It’s both simple to prepare and fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this salad. If you’re looking for a shortcut, grilled chicken strips from the deli are a convenient option. You could also use grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Peaches: Ripe peaches are juicy and sweet, perfect for grilling. If peaches are out of season, nectarines or even plums can be lovely substitutes. Just remember, they should be firm but ripe.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the salad a vibrant color and texture. If you prefer something different, try arugula for a peppery kick or mixed greens for variety.
Goat Cheese: I love the tanginess of goat cheese here, but feta or blue cheese can also work well. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled avocado to add creaminess!
Balsamic Vinaigrette: A homemade vinaigrette is easy to make, just mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a bit of honey, and mustard. It’s customizable too! You could even use lemon juice for a brighter taste.
How Do I Grill Chicken and Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling chicken and peaches can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with timing. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for flavor. Grill them 6-7 minutes on each side until the juices run clear. Don’t cut into them right away; let them rest for juiciness.
- For the peaches, grill them cut-side down for 3-4 minutes. This creates those beautiful grill marks and enhances their sweetness.
These steps will make your chicken juicy and peaches perfectly caramelized, adding fantastic flavors to your salad! Enjoy the grilling process!
How to Make Ultimate Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the chicken and peaches and 15 minutes assembling the salad. Quick and easy for a healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those nice grill marks on your chicken and peaches! Lightly brush the grill grates with some olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Chicken:
While the grill is heating up, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to be cooked through, so the juices run clear. Once done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Grill the Peaches:
While your chicken is resting, it’s time to grill the peaches! Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until they have those lovely grill marks and are tender. Once grilled, take them off the grill and set aside.
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts. Toss these together gently to mix them up nicely.
5. Add Chicken and Peaches:
Slice the rested grilled chicken and lay it on top of your salad mixture. Now, add the grilled peach halves around the salad for a beautiful presentation!
6. Dressing and Final Touches:
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over your salad. Toss everything gently to combine, adding more salt and pepper to taste if you’d like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your refreshing grilled peach chicken salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it right away, and savor the amazing flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for grilling to achieve ideal texture and flavor. However, if using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method before grilling. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear!
What if I Don’t Have Peaches?
No problem! You can substitute the peaches with nectarines, plums, or even apricots for a similar flavor profile. Just follow the same grilling instructions for whichever fruit you choose, and you’ll still get delicious results!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
To prep ahead, grill the chicken and peaches in advance, then cool and store them separately in the fridge. Combine the salad ingredients minus the dressing and store that as well. Just add the grilled items and dressing right before serving for freshness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the spinach crisp, it’s best to store the salad components (and dressing) separately. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss it all together again when ready to eat!
