This tasty grilled peach chicken salad brings together sweet peaches, juicy chicken, and crisp greens in a bowl. It’s the perfect mix of flavors and textures for a sunny day!
I love how easy it is to make this salad. Just grill the peaches and chicken, toss everything together, and enjoy a refreshing meal. You might even want to make it twice a week! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you want a quicker option, rotisserie chicken also works well and saves time.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a sweet touch. If peaches are out of season, you could use nectarines or even mango for a different flavor.
Greens: Baby spinach is my go-to because it’s tender and mild. Mixed greens or arugula are also excellent choices for a bit more flavor.
Blueberries: These add freshness and juiciness. You can replace them with sliced strawberries or raspberries if blueberries are unavailable.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess. If you prefer a different flavor, goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella can be a tasty substitute.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken and Peaches?
Grilling can be tricky, but with some simple steps, you’ll achieve delicious results!
- Preheat your grill well—it should be hot to get nice grill marks.
- Make sure to brush both the chicken and peaches with oil to prevent sticking.
- For chicken, grill each side for about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- For the peaches, grill them cut side down for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly soft and marked. This enhances their sweetness!
Letting the chicken rest before slicing is important. It helps retain the juices, making your chicken tender and juicy.
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is important for getting nice grill marks and achieving that smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Peaches:
While the grill heats up, brush the chicken breasts and halved peaches with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Don’t forget to season the chicken with salt and pepper to bring out its flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Next, add the peach halves, cut side down, to the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes until you see grill marks and the peaches have softened slightly. Remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or white balsamic), honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened.
6. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach (or mixed greens), sliced chicken, grilled peaches, blueberries, red onions, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. It’s a colorful mix!
7. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure all the delicious ingredients get coated in that yummy dressing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately, savoring the fresh and delicious flavors of the grilled peaches and chicken. It’s the perfect light meal!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Salad?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before grilling. This will help them grill better and maintain their flavor.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily omit the chicken and replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. The rest of the ingredients will still complement a vegetarian option beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens—add it just before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, try using goat cheese or crumbled almond feta. Shredded mozzarella or even avocado can also add a creamy texture to the salad!
