Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
This grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette has quickly become my go-to favorite salad this summer. I am officially addicted. It is SO full of flavor and also so incredibly nourishing. It is the perfect summertime salad, packed with sweet peaches, creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and fresh greens tossed in a homemade basil vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a beautiful side dish for backyard cookouts, or one of your new favorite summer salads, this easy recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate peach season.
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The combination of juicy peaches, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese creates a delicious salad that feels both elegant and effortless. The stars of this dish are undoubtedly the grilled peaches and aromatic basil dressing, which take this simple salad to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Peach Salad
During peach season, fresh peaches are one of the best ways to add natural sweetness to salads. Grilling ripe peaches caramelizes their sugars and enhances their flavor, creating beautiful grill marks and a subtle smoky taste.
This grilled peach and goat cheese salad is:
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Made with fresh produce and simple ingredients
- Perfect as a side dish or main dish
- Loaded with fresh vegetables and healthy fats
- Easy to customize with different cheeses, nuts, and greens
If you’ve been searching for grilled peach salad ideas, this peach basil salad is a perfect way to enjoy the best peaches of the season.
Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients
One of the reasons I love this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette is that it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients that not only taste amazing but also provide important nutrients.
Peaches
Fresh peaches are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that help support immune health and protect cells from oxidative stress. During peach season, sweet peaches are one of the most delicious ways to add more fresh produce to your plate.
Arugula and Spinach
The combination of peppery arugula and baby spinach provides vitamins A, C, and K along with folate and beneficial plant compounds. These fresh greens add both nutrition and flavor to this perfect summer salad.
Avocado
Avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. They contribute a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the juicy peaches and creamy goat cheese.
Goat Cheese
Creamy goat cheese provides protein, calcium, and a tangy flavor that balances the natural sweetness of the grilled peaches. Many people also find goat cheese easier to digest than traditional cow’s milk cheese.
Candied Pecans
Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals. They add satisfying crunch while helping make this salad more filling. You can purchase candied pecans at most stores or make them at home for a healthier and tastier option. Here is my recipe.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil contains antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds that may help support overall wellness. Its bright, aromatic flavor is what makes the basil vinaigrette truly shine.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support heart health. It also helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins found in the vegetables.
Raw Honey
Raw honey provides natural sweetness and contains trace antioxidants, making it a wonderful alternative to refined sugar in homemade salad dressing.
Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
For the Grilled Peach Salad
- 2 ripe but firm peaches, sliced into 8 wedges
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces leafy greens (I used a mix of arugula and spinach)
- ¼ cup pickled red onions
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- ½ cup candied pecans
For the Basil Vinaigrette
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare the Basil Vinaigrette
Add the dressing ingredients to a food processor or high speed blender and blend until smooth.
If you don’t have either, finely chop the basil leaves and whisk everything together in a small bowl or mason jar. Set aside while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Grill the Peaches
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat.
Cut the peaches and then add them to a bowl. Drizzle about 1 tbsp of olive oil over the peaches with a couple of pinches of salt.
Place the peaches directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the fruit becomes slightly golden brown. Transfer the grilled peaches to a baking sheet or plate and allow them to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl or plate, combine the fresh greens, avocado, and pickled red onions. Arrange the grilled peaches on top and sprinkle with creamy goat cheese and candied pecans. Drizzle generously with basil vinaigrette and serve immediately.
Alternatively you can build individual salads on each plate.
Tips for the Best Grilled Peach Salad Recipe
- Choose ripe peaches that are still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill grates.
- Allow the peaches to cool slightly before adding them to the fresh salad.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
- If making ahead, store the dressing separately until serving.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the things I love most about this peach salad recipe is how versatile it is.
Try these new ways to customize it:
- Swap goat cheese for salty feta cheese, creamy feta, burrata cheese, or fresh mozzarella.
- Use spinach, mixed greens, or a bed of arugula.
- Add grilled chicken to transform it into a hearty main dish.
- Add pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Replace white wine vinegar with white balsamic vinegar.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice to brighten the dressing.
- Drizzle with regular balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze before serving.
Storage Tips
This fresh salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling.
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The basil vinaigrette will keep for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake in a mason jar or stir it with the back of a spoon before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peaches?
Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Canned peaches tend to be too soft and won’t hold up well on a hot grill.
Where can I find pickled red onions and candied pecans?
You can find both of these at most grocery stores. However, I love to make mine homemade, since most store bought pickled onions and candied pecans have unhealthy and unnecessary ingredients. Here is my candied pecans with coconut sugar recipe and my pickled red onions recipe. You can make these ahead of time and have them on hand when you need them.
Where can I buy good peaches?
During peach season, your local farmer’s market is often the best place to find ripe peaches. You can also find descent fresh produce at grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the basil vinaigrette up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What makes this the perfect summer salad?
The combination of sweet stone fruit, fresh greens, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and aromatic basil captures everything we love about this time of year. It’s light enough for a summer meal yet satisfying enough to serve as a main dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a grilled peach salad with goat cheese that showcases the flavors of summer, this grilled peach salad with basil vinaigrette is it. The sweet grilled peaches, creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and vibrant basil vinaigrette create a balance of flavors that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re serving it at backyard cookouts, bringing it to a gathering, or enjoying it for a simple weeknight dinner, this grilled peach salad recipe is a delicious way to make the most of peach season.
More Reader Favorite Salad Recipes
If you enjoy this Grilled Peach summer salad, try some of these other fresh and flavorful salads:
Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
Beet & Arugula Salad
Authentic Greek Salad
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Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Peach Salad
- 2 organic peaches sliced into 8 wedges
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces leafy greens I prefer spinach and arugula
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- 1 medium organic avocado
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
Basil Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- kosher salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the dressing ingredients to a food processor or high speed blender and blend until smooth. If you don't have either, finely chop the basil leaves and whisk everything together in a small bowl or mason jar. Set aside while you prepare the salad.1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp raw honey, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1/4 cup fresh basil, kosher salt, pepper
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat. Slice the peaches and then add them to a bowl. Drizzle about 1 tbsp of olive oil over the peaches with a couple of pinches of salt. Place the peaches directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the fruit becomes slightly golden brown. Transfer the grilled peaches to a baking sheet or plate and allow them to cool slightly.2 organic peaches, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- In a large bowl or plate, combine the fresh greens, avocado, and pickled red onions. Arrange the grilled peaches on top and sprinkle with creamy goat cheese and candied pecans. Drizzle generously with basil vinaigrette and serve immediately.Alternatively, you can build individual salads on each plate.8 ounces leafy greens, 1/4 cup pickled red onions, 1 medium organic avocado, 1/2 cup candied pecans
Notes
- For the best results, choose ripe but firm peaches. Overripe peaches can become too soft and may fall apart on the grill.
- You can use either homemade or store-bought candied pecans in this recipe. If you’d like to make your own, try my Homemade Candied Pecans recipe for a delicious from-scratch option.
- Homemade or store-bought pickled red onions both work beautifully in this salad. My Pickled Red Onions recipe is quick and easy to make and adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet grilled peaches.
- No outdoor grill? A grill pan or griddle pan works just as well and will still give you beautiful grill marks.
- Fresh basil provides the best flavor for the basil vinaigrette. I don’t recommend substituting dried basil.
- This salad is best served immediately after assembling. If making ahead, prepare the dressing and grill the peaches in advance, then assemble just before serving.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta cheese, burrata, or fresh mozzarella depending on your preference.
- Store leftover basil vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before serving.
