This salad is a tasty blend of juicy grilled peaches, tender chicken, and fresh greens. It’s perfect for a light meal and a great way to enjoy summer flavors!
Grilling peaches makes them sweet and smoky, and they pair wonderfully with the chicken. I love tossing in some nuts for crunch—makes every bite even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for this salad! If they’re out of season, try using nectarines or canned peaches (drained and rinsed) for a similar taste.
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are easy to grill. You can substitute with grilled chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Spinach: Baby spinach adds freshness, but you could use mixed greens or arugula for a different flavor. Kale would work too, but be sure to massage it a bit to make it tender!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a nice salty tang. For a dairy-free option, try using avocado or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Perfectly Grilled?
Getting juicy grilled chicken is all about the cooking time and temperature. Be sure to preheat your grill correctly and keep an eye on it!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
- Brushing the chicken with oil and seasoning helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (preferably whole grain)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take you about 25-30 minutes to prepare, including grilling the chicken and peaches. With just a little bit of assembly, you’ll have a fresh and vibrant meal ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grates or pan with a little olive oil.
2. Season the Chicken and Peaches:
Brush the chicken breasts and peach halves with olive oil. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until it’s fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Now, place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they soften up a bit. Remove them and set aside.
5. Slice Everything Up:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips. Cut the grilled peaches into wedges for the salad.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients — olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a little salt and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and emulsified.
7. Assemble the Salad:
In a big salad bowl or on individual plates, layer the fresh baby spinach first. Then, top with chicken slices, grilled peach wedges, fresh blueberries, sliced red onion, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. You can either give it a gentle toss or serve it as is, so everyone can enjoy it their way!
Enjoy this vibrant and fresh grilled peach chicken salad, perfect for a light summer meal!
FAQs About Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use grilled shrimp, tofu, or even canned chickpeas as a protein alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crispness. Just toss it together before serving!
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute with nectarines or even use canned peaches (just drain and rinse them). Grilling the canned peaches can also add a lovely flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and feta cheese. Substitute the feta with avocado for creaminess, and consider adding more nuts or seeds for extra protein and crunch!
