This refreshing salad combines sweet grilled peaches with peppery arugula and creamy blue cheese. It’s a perfect mix of flavors that makes your taste buds dance!
Whenever I make this salad, I can’t help but smile at the beautiful colors on my plate. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends at a summer BBQ—no one can resist those juicy peaches! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for a sweet taste. If they’re out of season, feel free to swap them for nectarines or plums, which will also grill nicely.
Arugula: This peppery green brings brightness to the salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, baby spinach or mixed greens are great alternatives.
Blue Cheese: The tangy flavor of blue cheese is hard to beat! If you’re not a fan, you could use feta or goat cheese for a different twist, keeping it creamy and delicious.
Walnuts/Pecans: Toasted nuts add great crunch. If allergies are a concern, you can skip them or use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for some added texture.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: These staples are great for the dressing. You can try avocado oil or red wine vinegar as substitutes for a mild flavor.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches can sound tricky, but it’s quite simple! Start with ripe peaches to get the best results. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the grill on medium heat—this ensures nice grill marks without burning.
- Lightly brush the peach halves with olive oil to keep them from sticking.
- Set them cut-side down on the grill for 3-4 minutes without moving them. This gives you beautiful grill marks.
When done, they should be soft but still hold their shape. Let them cool a bit before slicing. Enjoy the sweet smokiness they bring to the salad!
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups arugula, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and 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 delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and grill the peaches. Enjoy every bite in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. While the grill heats up, take your peach halves and lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil. This way, they won’t stick when grilling!
2. Grill the Peaches:
Once the grill is hot, place the peach halves cut side down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on them until you see those lovely grill marks and the peaches begin to soften. After grilling, take them off the grill and let them cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the fresh arugula, sliced red onion, and toasted walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. This mix is a great foundation for your salad!
4. Slice the Grilled Peaches:
Once the peaches have cooled a bit, slice them into wedges. Add the peach wedges to your salad mixture for that sweet, smoky flavor!
5. Add the Blue Cheese:
Now it’s time to bring on the flavor! Crumble the creamy blue cheese over the salad ingredients, spreading it out nicely for a bit in every bite.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will tie all the flavors together.
7. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. You want to make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated without bruising the arugula.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately and revel in the harmonious flavors and textures. Happy eating!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Blue Cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will give the salad a unique twist, so feel free to choose based on your taste preferences!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, as arugula can wilt if left sitting in the dressing. Simply toss the salad with the dressing right before serving!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches?
Canned or frozen peaches can be used as a substitute, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen peaches. Since they may not grill as well as fresh peaches, consider broiling them in the oven for a similar caramelized flavor!
What Alternatives Can I Use for the Nuts?
If you need a nut-free option, you can skip the nuts altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They will add a nice crunch without the allergens!
