Save to Pinterest This vibrant Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese transforms peak summer peaches into something truly special by caramelizing them on the grill and tossing them with creamy goat cheese and buttery candied pecans. It is an easy way to impress guests with hardly any prep and always becomes the first dish to disappear at barbecues and summer gatherings.
The first time I made this I had peaches from a local orchard overflowing on my counter and wanted something beyond a standard dessert. Now I crave this salad any time I see peaches in season.
Ingredients
- Fresh peaches: ripe but still a bit firm so they hold up on the grill look for deep yellow color and slight give when pressed
- Mixed salad greens: use a blend with tender arugula or baby spinach for flavor and color
- Goat cheese: crumbled for creamy tanginess choose one that is log style and soft for best texture
- Candied pecans: add sweet crunch use ready-made or toast raw pecans in a skillet with sugar until glossy
- Balsamic vinaigrette: brings acidity to balance the sweetness choose one with real balsamic for the richest taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches:
- Halve and pit the peaches using a sharp knife then lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil so they do not stick to the grill grates
- Grill the Peaches:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat lay each peach half cut side down on the grill and cook for three to four minutes until dark grill marks form and the fruit feels slightly softened but not mushy remove and cool slightly
- Dress the Greens:
- Place your salad greens in a large bowl drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss until everything is evenly coated but not soggy use your hands for a light even touch
- Assemble the Salad:
- Slice each grilled peach half into wedges for easier eating then nestle them over the greens
- Finish with Toppings:
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans generously over the top serve immediately while the peaches are still a little warm so the goat cheese softens against the fruit
Save to Pinterest This is at the top of my favorites because the goat cheese melts just slightly over the warm peaches making each bite feel a bit indulgent yet fresh. Last summer my family requested this salad three weekends in a row and we made it outside every time we lit the grill.
Storage Tips
Enjoy this salad right after assembling since grilled peaches tend to soften further as they sit. Store leftover components separately in refrigerator. Slice extra peaches at the last moment so they keep their shape and flavor. If you want to prep in advance cut and grill peaches the day before and keep chilled then bring to room temperature before arranging.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out goat cheese for feta for a saltier bite or use walnuts instead of pecans if needed. For a dairy-free version try a cashew-based cheese. Spinach or butter lettuce can stand in for greens if that is all you have.
Serving Suggestions
Pile onto a platter for sharing at parties or serve on individual plates as a first course. For a heartier meal top with grilled chicken or shrimp. Sometimes I drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for even more depth.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Grilling fruit is a technique prized in Mediterranean cooking for drawing out natural sugars. This dish celebrates peach season at its best which usually peaks midsummer to early fall. Try it with nectarines or plums when those crops come in.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap summer nectarines or plums when peaches are not available. Use baby kale and pomegranate seeds for a fall version. Add torn basil or mint for a herby twist in spring.
Success Stories
The simplest dishes often become family legends and this one definitely has at my house. One friend calls it her signature potluck salad because people always ask for the recipe after tasting it.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Although you cannot freeze the finished salad the peaches themselves can be grilled then frozen for up to two months. Let them thaw and come to room temp before adding to greens.
Save to Pinterest This summer salad is as elegant as it is effortless. Try it once and it’s sure to become a staple every peach season.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I grill peaches for this salad?
Halve and pit fresh peaches, then grill cut side down over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred and caramelized.
- → Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
Yes, feta or blue cheese can be used for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture in the salad.
- → What type of greens work best?
Mixed greens such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix complement the sweetness of the peaches and richness of the cheese.
- → Are candied pecans necessary?
Candied pecans add crunch and sweetness, but you may use regular pecans, walnuts, or omit nuts for a lighter version.
- → Which dressing pairs well?
Balsamic vinaigrette balances the sweet and savory components, but a honey-mustard or citrus dressing also works well.