This fresh and fruity salad features juicy grilled peaches and sweet blueberries, making it a perfect summer dish. It’s bright and healthy, great for a quick meal or picnic!
When I toss in some crunchy nuts and creamy feta, it becomes my go-to side dish. Plus, who can resist the smoky flavor from the grill? Yum! 😋
Making this salad is a breeze! Just grill the peaches, add blueberries, and mix in your favorite toppings. It’s so easy, anyone can whip it up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are a must for this salad. If they’re out of season, try nectarines or even mangoes for a similar sweetness. Just keep an eye on the ripeness when choosing substitutes!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are the star here, but frozen ones can work in a pinch. They may burst open a bit when mixed, creating a lovely color. If you prefer, you could use blackberries or raspberries as alternative berries.
Red Onion: This adds a nice kick to the salad. If raw onion is too strong for you, swap it for sweet onion or shallots. Grilling really tones down the sharpness and adds flavor!
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil will enhance the flavor of the salad. If you’re out, avocado oil or canola oil can also work, though they won’t have the same richness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These add a touch of sweetness. You could use agave syrup or omit altogether if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
How Can I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches really brings out their sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor. Follow these easy steps for perfect grilled peaches:
- Choose ripe peaches; they should yield slightly when pressed but not be mushy.
- Halve and pit the peaches, brushing them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the peaches cut side down for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip them and grill for another 3-4 minutes. You want nice grill marks and softening, but not falling apart!
Let them cool a little before slicing. They’ll pair beautifully with blueberries in the salad!
Easy Grilled Peach and Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for grilling, so you’ll have a fresh salad ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick summer side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is important to get those beautiful grill marks on the peaches and onions!
2. Prepare the Peaches and Onions:
Brush the halved peaches and onion wedges lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and add flavor during grilling.
3. Grill the Peaches and Onions:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the peach halves cut side down along with the onion wedges on the grill. Grill the peaches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they have nice grill marks and are tender. Grill the onion wedges for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and charred on the edges. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly.
4. Slice the Grilled Fruits:
After the peaches have cooled for a few moments, slice them into wedges or chunks. This will make them easier to mix with the salad.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled peach pieces, grilled red onion, and fresh blueberries. This combination of flavors will be delicious!
6. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
7. Mix it All Together:
Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and onion mixture and toss gently to combine everything. Be careful not to squish the blueberries!
8. Add Fresh Herbs:
Finally, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the salad and give it a gentle toss for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately as a fresh side salad or chill it in the fridge for a little while before serving. Enjoy the bright, smoky, and sweet flavors of this delicious grilled peach and blueberry salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with nectarines, plums, or even grilled pineapple for a tropical twist. Fresh strawberries or raspberries can replace blueberries if preferred!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best eaten fresh, but if it gets a little soggy, a quick toss with some fresh greens can help revive it!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can grill the peaches and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just prepare the dressing separately and mix it all together just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What Can I Pair This Salad With?
This salad is versatile! It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side for any picnic or barbecue. For a heartier meal, try it with quinoa or mixed greens.
