This Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad is a tasty mix of sweet peaches, peppery arugula, and creamy blue cheese. It’s a lovely way to enjoy summer flavors!
Grilling the peaches adds a special touch, making them extra sweet and smoky. I love enjoying this salad for lunch or as a side dish—it’s both fresh and satisfying! 🍑💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for sweetness and juiciness in this salad. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with nectarines or even ripe plums for a similar flavor. I love using fresh fruits when possible!
Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery kick. If you prefer a milder taste, you can swap it for spinach or mixed greens. Just remember that spinach is softer, which changes the texture a bit.
Blue Cheese: The crumbled blue cheese adds creaminess and a distinct flavor. If you’re not a fan, feta cheese or goat cheese can work beautifully too. I often go for feta, as its tanginess is a nice alternative.
Walnuts: They add crunch and healthy fats. If you’re nut-free, toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great substitutes. I sometimes skip the nuts for a lighter salad!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Peaches?
Grilling peaches brings out their sweetness and gives a lovely smokiness. Here’s how to make sure they’re perfectly grilled:
- Start with ripe but firm peaches; they should yield slightly when pressed.
- Brush the cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor. This makes a big difference!
- Place the peaches cut-side down on a preheated grill (medium heat is ideal) and grill for about 4-5 minutes. Look for nice grill marks.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into wedges — this helps maintain their shape!
How to Make Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 5 minutes to grill the peaches. In no time, you’ll have a fresh and tasty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by getting your grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium heat. This will help give the peaches those beautiful grill marks and a yummy smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Using a brush or a spoon, lightly coat the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This step is important to keep them from sticking to the grill.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to have pretty grill marks and soften just a bit. Once done, carefully take them off the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the arugula, sliced red onion, and walnuts if you’re using them. This will be the base of your salad.
5. Add the Grilled Peaches:
Slice the grilled peaches into wedges and toss them gently into the bowl with the arugula and onion. Their sweetness will really enhance the flavors!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with the balsamic vinegar and a touch more olive oil. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. This will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
7. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss all the ingredients in the bowl until everything is combined and evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top, and you’re ready to dig in!
Enjoy your refreshing grilled peach and arugula salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Blue Cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just crumble or shred the cheese to your liking and add it on top of the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the blue cheese and consider adding avocado for creaminess instead. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative or add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Is the Best Way to Grill Peaches?
Grilling peaches is super easy! Make sure they are ripe but still firm. Brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and place them cut-side down on a hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks. Don’t overcook them, as they should still hold their shape in the salad!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again, as this will help prevent the arugula from wilting. Enjoy the leftovers within 1-2 days for the best quality!
