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Grilled Peach & Arugula Summer Salad

Grilled Peach & Arugula Summer Salad

A fresh and vibrant Grilled Peach & Arugula Summer Salad combining smoky grilled peaches, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, tossed in a light lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy dinner option that celebrates the flavors of summer with sweet, tangy, and peppery notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 34 ripe but firm fresh peaches
  • 4 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for brushing peaches)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peaches: Wash and halve the peaches, removing the pits. Lightly brush both sides of the peaches with olive oil to help caramelize them and prevent sticking on the grill.
  2. Grill the Peaches: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place peaches cut side down on the grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes until char marks appear and peaches soften slightly. Flip and grill the skin side for another 2 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
  3. Toss the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine fresh arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted nuts. Slice the grilled peaches into wedges and gently fold them into the salad mix.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, garnish as desired (such as fresh basil, mint, or thinly sliced red onions), and serve immediately to enjoy a refreshing blend of sweet, peppery, and creamy flavors.

Notes

  • Choose firm peaches that yield slightly to pressure but are not overly soft to avoid mushy texture.
  • Preheat the grill thoroughly to create beautiful grill marks and proper caramelization on the peaches.
  • Add dressing gradually to prevent the arugula from wilting and keep it fresh.
  • Toast nuts freshly before adding for maximum crunch and flavor.
  • Serve the salad immediately after assembling to maintain fresh textures and bright flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled peach salad, arugula salad, summer salad, healthy salad, light meal, grilled fruit, fresh salad, gluten free salad