This Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad is a bright and fresh treat! With sweet, smoky peaches and juicy blueberries, it’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sunny days.
Nothing screams summer like this salad! I love tossing in some feta for a creamy touch. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this sweet and savory surprise!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are essential for a juicy salad. If they’re out of season, nectarines or plums can work as tasty substitutes. Just make sure they’re ripe for that wonderful flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are perfect, but if you can’t find them, you can use blackberries or raspberries for a different twist. Both berries add a nice tartness that complements the peaches.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite. If red onion is too strong for your taste, try using green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor. If you need alternatives, avocado oil or a light sesame oil can also work well.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a sweet tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar might be good substitutes, though they’ll change the flavor slightly. For sweetness, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Preheat your grill on medium-high heat. It’s essential to get the grill nice and hot for good grill marks.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool a bit before cutting them into wedges for the salad.
These simple steps will ensure perfectly grilled peaches that elevate your salad’s flavor!
How to Make Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fruits:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Vegetables:
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill the peaches. So, in total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to whip this up and enjoy a fresh, flavorful salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial to get those perfect grill marks on the peaches!
2. Grill the Peaches:
Brush the cut sides of the peach halves lightly with olive oil. Once the grill is hot, place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are slightly softened. After grilling, remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool for a bit.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, take the grilled peaches and slice them into wedges. Add the fresh blueberries and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. This combination of flavors is going to be amazing!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. If you want a sweeter kick, add the honey or maple syrup. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything gently so that the peaches and blueberries are nicely coated in the delicious dressing.
6. Add Parsley:
Finally, sprinkle in the chopped parsley and give it another gentle toss. This adds a fresh touch to your salad!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor, or if you have a little patience, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and become even tastier. Enjoy your refreshing grilled peach blueberry salad!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but they won’t have the same grilled flavor. Drain and rinse the peaches well to reduce the syrupiness. If you still want a lightly charred flavor, you might grill them briefly on medium heat, but be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll be softer than fresh peaches.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is naturally vegan if you skip the honey. You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a sweetener instead. Ensure the balsamic vinegar you choose is labeled vegan, as some varieties may contain non-vegan ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Toss it with the dressing just before serving!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced kiwi. For extra crunch, you can add some cucumber or nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor!
