This Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and fresh greens. It’s a bright dish perfect for warm days!
Honestly, who can resist that sweet and smoky peach flavor? I love adding a little crunch with nuts or seeds. It’s like a summer party in a bowl! 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you’re looking for a meat-free alternative, grilled tofu or chickpeas would work well too!
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are ideal, but if they’re not in season, you can replace them with nectarines or even canned peaches, drained and grilled briefly.
Mixed Greens: Spinach works wonderfully, but feel free to use kale or arugula for a different texture. Any fresh greens you have on hand can brighten up the dish.
Pecans: If you’re nut-free, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make a great crunchy topping. I personally love the flavor of walnuts too!
Feta Cheese: You can swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier taste. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try using a vegan cheese alternative.
How Do You Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it every time! First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps to sear the chicken quickly, keeping it juicy.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil and season it well with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side. Don’t flip too often; let it develop grill marks!
- Always use a meat thermometer for safety. Chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy when you slice into it!
Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time, complementing the sweet peaches wonderfully!
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 5 cups fresh spinach and mixed greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling chicken and peaches)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to enjoy this delightful dish! It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is essential for getting those beautiful grill marks on your chicken and peaches!
2. Prepare the Chicken and Peaches:
Brush the chicken breasts and cut peaches lightly with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste so it’s flavorful.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Put the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until there is no pink in the center and the juices run clear. Once done, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them thinly.
4. Grill the Peaches:
While your chicken is grilling, place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Grill these for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they are tender. Remove from the grill, allow them to cool slightly, then cut them into slices.
5. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the spinach and mixed greens, blueberries, sliced red onion, toasted pecans, grilled peach slices, and sliced chicken. This creates a colorful and delicious base for your salad!
6. Add Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. It adds a nice creamy texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
7. Make the Dressing:
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well mixed and emulsified. This simple dressing brings everything together.
8. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for a fresh experience. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet grilled peaches, savory chicken, and crunchy greens!
This salad beautifully balances the sweetness of grilled peaches and blueberries with savory grilled chicken, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta, making it a simple yet impressive dish! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Leftovers in This Salad?
Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled chicken, simply slice it and toss it in the salad. Just ensure it’s reheated to your liking, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, before adding it to the salad.
What if I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
No worries! If ripe peaches aren’t available, you can substitute them with nectarines or even halved plums. Canned peaches also work—just drain them well and grill briefly to enhance their flavor.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad components in advance! Grill the chicken and peaches, and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine everything and add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to prevent sogginess. Gently toss before serving!
