This bright salad features juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and crunchy greens, topped off with a tasty dressing. It’s perfect for summer picnics or light dinners!
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist sneaking a peach slice or two while grilling. Who can blame me? It’s just too good! 🍑🐔
Making this salad is a breeze! Just grill your chicken and peaches, toss everything together, and enjoy the sweet and savory bites. Easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a sweet and juicy flavor. If they’re out of season, try plums or nectarines as tasty alternatives.
Chicken Breasts: Grilled chicken gives this salad its protein punch. You can use thighs for more flavor or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is a nutrition powerhouse. If you prefer, kale or mixed salad greens work well too. Just remember that tougher greens might need a little extra massage to soften them up.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang. If you’re vegan, try crumbled tofu or a dairy-free feta substitute. It won’t be the same but will still taste great!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch. Feel free to swap them for pecans, sunflower seeds, or leave them out if you have nut allergies.
How Can I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken might feel challenging, but with a few tips, you’ll master it! The key is to ensure the chicken is seasoned well and grilled properly.
- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat—this helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, but don’t peek too often! This helps to get those nice grill marks.
- For best results, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy when you slice it.
How to Make Ultimate Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium-sized peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the chicken and peaches, and the rest is for mixing and tossing together the ingredients. Quick and easy, perfect for a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grilling the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, brush both chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season them with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked. When done, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
2. Grilling the Peaches:
While the chicken is grilling, take the peach halves and brush them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the peach halves on the grill and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want to see nice grill marks and have them slightly softened. Once done, remove them from the grill and slice them up.
3. Preparing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, blueberries, and chopped walnuts. These colorful ingredients will add great flavor and texture to your salad.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing brings all the flavors together, so drizzle it over your salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything well.
5. Assembling the Salad:
To finish, top your salad with the sliced grilled chicken, the beautiful slices of grilled peaches, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. This step makes your salad not just tasty but visually appealing too!
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you want, add some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious Ultimate Grilled Peach Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely first! The best way to do this is to place the chicken in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quicker option. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before grilling to ensure it gets those nice grill marks!
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or even cubed mozzarella for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the creaminess of feta will be missing if you choose a firmer cheese, but it will still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The grilled chicken can be stored in the same way. When ready to enjoy, just add the dressing before serving to keep the salad fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead and store them separately. Grill the chicken and peaches a few hours before serving, and refrigerate. Just toss everything together with the dressing right before you’re ready to serve to ensure it remains fresh and vibrant!
