Description
A refreshing and vibrant Grilled Peach Salad featuring sweet, smoky peaches grilled to perfection and tossed with fresh mixed greens, all dressed in a fragrant basil vinaigrette. This salad balances sweetness, acidity, and herbal notes for a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale)
Basil Vinaigrette
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure it is hot enough for grilling the peaches evenly and creating perfect grill marks.
- Grill the peaches: Lightly brush the cut sides of each peach half with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly.
- Prepare the basil vinaigrette: Place the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, raw honey, salt, and pepper into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, forming a flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens and gently toss them. Slice the grilled peaches and arrange them on top of the greens evenly.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the basil vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat the greens and peaches evenly with the dressing.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve the salad right away to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for grilling to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- You can substitute raw honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- The basil vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts on top.
