This easy grilled peach chicken salad is bright and refreshing! Juicy peaches, tender chicken, and crisp greens come together for a tasty meal that feels special without much fuss.
Honestly, grilled peaches are a game changer! I like to add a drizzle of balsamic dressing for an extra kick—perfect for summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you could substitute with canned peaches (drained) or even grilled nectarines for a similar sweet addition.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Grilled tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian version.
Greens: Baby spinach is great, but feel free to mix it up with arugula or kale. Each will add a unique flavor and texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are lovely, but frozen would work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain before adding. Try raspberries or strawberries as alternatives for a different twist!
Pecans: While pecans add a nice crunch, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. If nuts aren’t your thing, sunflower seeds provide a nice, nut-free crunch.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken breasts can be tricky. Here are my top tips to ensure they’re juicy and cooked perfectly:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot before cooking to get good grill marks.
- Brush your chicken and peaches lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs for boost in flavor.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps moisture locked inside.
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled peach chicken salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare. It includes 10 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes of grilling time. Perfect for a quick and refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will help you achieve those beautiful grill marks and cook your chicken and peaches properly.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
Brush the chicken breasts and peach halves lightly with olive oil. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to add flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove them from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Next, grill the peach halves cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until you see lovely grill marks and they soften a bit. After grilling, remove them from the heat and slice each half into wedges.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach or mixed greens, blueberries, sliced red onion, and chopped pecans. Toss them together gently.
6. Add Grilled Ingredients:
Add the grilled peach slices and sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad. Be generous; it’s all about those fresh, vibrant flavors!
7. Crumble Feta on Top:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over your beautifully arranged salad for that creamy, tangy finish.
8. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is well combined and emulsified.
9. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over your salad. You can toss it gently if you’d like everything to be coated evenly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately while the peaches and chicken are still warm. Enjoy this fresh, tasty meal bursting with flavors!
This delightful salad combines the sweet juiciness of grilled peaches and blueberries with savory chicken, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans for a light and vibrant meal every time!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Salad?
While fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before grilling, as excess moisture can affect the salad’s texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
For any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. You can toss the salad with dressing just before consuming.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost. You might also try adding extra nuts or seeds for crunch!
What Other Dressings Work Well with This Salad?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, balsamic vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing like lemon or lime vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the grilled peaches and greens. Feel free to get creative with your favorite dressings!
