This Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad is perfect for warm days! It features juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and crisp greens, all tossed together for a colorful dish.
I love how the sweet peaches really brighten up the chicken. It’s like a party on your plate! 🥳 Plus, it’s super easy to make for a light lunch or dinner!
You can throw this together in no time, and it looks gorgeous! Just grill, chop, and mix. Enjoying it on a sunny day feels like a mini-vacation! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I go for boneless, skinless breasts for a lean option, but thighs can add richer flavor and juiciness. If you’re vegetarian, grilled tofu can be a great alternative!
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are the star of this dish. If they’re out of season, try using nectarines or even canned peaches for a convenience switch.
Greens: Spinach is my go-to, but mixed greens work just as well. Kale can also add a nice texture, plus it’s super nutritious!
Cheese: Goat cheese adds creaminess and tang, but feta is a fantastic substitute. For a dairy-free option, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Nuts: I love pecans for their sweetness, but walnuts or almonds are tasty alternatives. Toast them lightly for extra flavor!
How Do I Grill Chicken and Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling adds amazing flavor, but getting it just right is key. Here’s how:
- Start with a preheated grill at medium-high heat—this helps achieve those nice grill marks!
- Brush your chicken and peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side. Check if it’s done by ensuring the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For the peaches, grill cut-side down for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly softened and have those lovely grill marks.
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your grilled goodies!
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 25 minutes to prepare, including grilling and assembly time. It’s quick to make, perfect for a light meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Don’t forget to oil the grates to prevent sticking, ensuring your food comes off easily and stays intact!
2. Season Chicken and Peaches:
Brush the chicken breasts and peach halves with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. This is what will help create a tasty crust on both the chicken and peaches when we grill them!
3. Grill Chicken and Peaches:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden color and for them to be fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). At the same time, grill the peach halves cut-side down for 3–4 minutes until they have beautiful grill marks and are tender but not mushy!
4. Rest and Slice:
Once grilled, remove the chicken and peaches from the grill. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes (this keeps it juicy!), then slice it into strips. Cut the grilled peach halves into wedges to add to the salad.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is well mixed and emulsified. This dressing is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy!
6. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl or on serving plates, lay down the fresh spinach or mixed greens. Top it off with the sliced chicken, grilled peach wedges, fresh blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, and chopped nuts. It’s a colorful mix that looks as good as it tastes!
7. Dress and Serve:
Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. You can toss everything lightly if you’d like. Serve it fresh, and enjoy this vibrant and tasty grilled peach chicken salad!
This colorful and flavorful salad brings together the sweet smokiness of grilled peaches, juicy chicken, tangy cheese, and fresh greens for a quick, nutritious meal perfect for warm weather!
FAQ about Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for optimal flavor and texture. However, if you have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method before grilling.
What If I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute them with nectarines or even canned peaches (preferably in juice). Just make sure to drain and pat them dry before grilling for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add in extra veggies like bell peppers or avocados for added flavor and texture!
