This vibrant salad features juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and fresh greens, making it a perfect dish for warm days. The sweetness of the peaches pairs beautifully with savory chicken!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just grill the peaches and chicken, toss them together with your favorite dressing, and voilà! A tasty meal that feels fancy but is super simple. 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay juicy. You could also use chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Peaches: Ripe peaches add sweetness and a lovely smoky flavor when grilled. If peaches aren’t in season, try nectarines or even grilled pineapple for a fun twist.
Greens: A combination of spinach and mixed salad greens creates texture and flavor. If you prefer something different, use kale or arugula; just remember to massage kale leaves a bit to make them tender.
Cheese: Goat cheese gives a tangy kick, but feta is a good replacement if you’d like a similar taste. For a dairy-free option, try a nut cheese or skip it altogether.
Nuts: Walnuts add a nice crunch. You can substitute with pecans or almonds, or even leave them out for a nut-free salad.
How Do You Grill Chicken to Perfect Juiciness?
The key to juicy grilled chicken lies in how you cook it. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat. Too high and the chicken will dry out.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, and use a little olive oil to keep it moist.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check – it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
How to Make Ultimate Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mixed salad greens
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes grilling the chicken and peaches, and the rest of the time assembling the salad and dressing. It’s perfect for a quick yet impressive meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium heat. A hot grill gives your chicken and peaches nice char marks, adding flavor.
2. Season and Grill Chicken:
While the grill heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little drizzle of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and enhances the flavor. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Grill the Peaches:
While the chicken is grilling, add the peach halves to the grill, cut side down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until they have lovely grill marks and are slightly softened. These grilled peaches will add a sweet touch to your salad!
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the fresh spinach, mixed greens, blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful combination is not just tasty but also beautiful!
5. Assemble the Salad:
Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips and place it on top of your salad mix. Add the grilled peach halves, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts to the bowl. It’s starting to look delicious, right?
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if you’re using it), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.
7. Dress and Toss:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure each bite is coated in that lovely dressing!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add fresh basil leaves on top for an extra pop of flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your Ultimate Grilled Peach Chicken Salad! It’s refreshing, filling, and absolutely delightful!
Can I Substitute Chicken for Another Protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein, grilled shrimp or salmon would work wonderfully in this salad. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly – shrimp typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side, while salmon fillets will need about 4-5 minutes per side on the grill.
What If I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
No worries! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches packed in juice or syrup. Just drain them well and grill them for a couple of minutes to caramelize the sugars. Alternatively, nectarines would make a great substitute!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to serve, just drizzle the dressing and toss!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare some components ahead of time! Grill the chicken and peaches earlier in the day, then store them in the fridge. You can also wash and mix the greens in advance. Just assemble everything and add the dressing right before serving for the freshest taste!
