This tasty Grilled Peach Chicken Salad is a summer delight! Juicy grilled peaches and tender chicken come together with fresh greens for a colorful meal packed with flavor.
You’ll love how the sweet peaches balance the savory chicken. I often throw on a bit of feta cheese for some extra yum! It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for warm days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad. If you prefer lighter options, grilled shrimp or even sliced grilled tofu work well for a vegetarian version.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add sweetness, but if they’re out of season, try nectarines or even grilled pineapple for a tropical twist!
Greens: While spinach is commonly used, mixed greens or arugula can add different flavors. If you’re looking for more crunch, consider using kale or romaine lettuce.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are fantastic, but you can swap them with strawberries or raspberries based on your preference or what’s available.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch, but walnuts or almonds would make excellent alternatives. You could also skip the nuts if nut allergies are a concern.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try using crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Grilling chicken perfectly can be a challenge, but here’s how to keep it juicy:
- Start with chicken at room temperature for even cooking.
- Brushing olive oil and seasoning before grilling creates a tasty crust.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Peaches?
Grilling peaches adds a lovely smoky sweetness, but follow these steps for perfect results:
- Make sure peaches are ripe but firm to the touch for the best grilling.
- Grill them cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks.
- Keep the skin side up to finish; this prevents burning and keeps them juicy.
These tips will help you make a delicious Grilled Peach Chicken Salad that is both easy and impressive! Enjoy every bite!
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 pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (whole grain if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. Overall, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot for perfectly grilled chicken and peaches!
2. Prepare the Chicken and Peaches:
Brush the chicken breasts and the halved peaches with olive oil. Season everything generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked with juices running clear. After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Next, grill the peach halves cut-side down for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they soften slightly. Remove them from the grill and slice each half into wedges for the salad.
5. Make the Dressing:
While the grill is still warm, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until it’s fully combined and emulsified.
6. Combine the Greens:
In a large salad bowl, toss the fresh spinach or mixed greens with half of the dressing to coat the leaves well.
7. Assemble the Salad:
Top the greens with the sliced grilled chicken, peach wedges, fresh blueberries, chopped pecans, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese for that delicious tang.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. You can also serve the dressing on the side if you prefer.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your salad immediately while the chicken and peaches are still warm. Enjoy this perfect blend of flavors—sweet, savory, and fresh!
This salad is not only vibrant and colorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for light lunches or refreshing summer dinners!
FAQ about Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken if necessary. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method before grilling.
What Can I Substitute for Peaches?
If peaches aren’t in season or available, you can use nectarines or plums as a great alternative. Grilled pineapple is also delicious and adds a tropical flair to the salad!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken and peaches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just assemble the salad fresh with greens and dressing right before serving to keep it crisp.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the crispness of the greens.
