Sweet grilled juicy peaches, buttery avocado, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula combine for a flavorful summer salad that delights all the senses. This perfect healthy and delicious salad is simply finished with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the ideal mix of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors. This summer grilled peach salad will be one you make on repeat all summer long.
Green salads with fresh fruit are one of my favorites. The savory, sweet, crisp, & juicy combination is irresistible. If you love salads with fruit you will also love my recipe for Spinach Blueberry Salad. This easy arugula salad is vegetarian and nut-free which makes it a lovely salad to share with others for parties, backyard barbecues, or brunch with friends.
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Why Grill the Peaches?
Grilling peaches may not be something you are familiar with but trust me this extra step is worth it. Do not be intimidated by this, all you need to know about grilling peaches is outlined below. You will wonder why you haven't tried this sooner. So what are you waiting for, read on.
At the peak of summer, peaches could not be any more wonderful. They are juicy, sweet, and have tropical hints. They really taste like they cannot possibly get any better. Then you grill one, and wow! They are elevated and become even sweeter as the fruit's natural sugars caramelize a bit. The little bit of acid that is found in stone fruits also mellows making it the perfect partner to the balsamic vinegar that gets drizzled on this masterpiece.
To find out more about why and when to grill food with the lid open or closed, read my post - Grilling with the Lid On or Off - All You Need to Know
Top Tips for Grilling Stonefruits
- Ensure you have freestone peaches - you will want the pit to be removed easily for better slicing
- With or without skin, it is up to your personal preference
- Peaches that are just under or barely ripe are ideal. They will be firmer for handling on the grill. (they will yield a gentle give when squeezed)
- If peaches are soft and ripe, best to grill them in halves so they do not slip through the grill as they soften even further once they get cooking.
- Spray or brush with olive oil to ensure they do not stick to the grill
- How to grill peaches includes grilling them on Medium-High heat. You want to produce fast grill marks and caramelization. Keep the lid open as you don't want to "bake" them, just sear the outside.
- Watch them carefully, the natural sugars tend to burn easily so they do not take long to reach perfection
- Do NOT stack them after grilling so they do not smash each other, line them in a single layer on a platter
Ingredients for Grilled Peach Arugula Goat Cheese Salad
Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed in the recipe card and shown below. Be sure your peaches and avocados are ripe but firm. The peaches will need to have the pit removed and then sliced thickly so they can grill easily.
Make sure to wash and dry your arugula and the goat cheese I find is best when it is closer to room temperature than very cold from the refrigerator. So be sure all the ingredients are ready to go.
How to Grill Fresh Peaches
Gently toss or spray 2 large peaches, in thick slices, with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Grill, uncovered with the grill lid open, for 2 minutes on each side, or until charred. Watch them carefully as they do cook fast and do not want to burn them.
How to Make a Grilled Peach Salad
Gather a large serving platter or salad bowl. Once the peaches are ready, gently place them over the arugula. Top with diced avocado and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then add salt & pepper to taste.
Can You Freeze Goat Cheese?
This recipe calls for 3 ounces of goat cheese. I often cannot find a small enough item at the grocery store; therefore, I have leftover goat cheese. When I cannot use it right away, I like to freeze it.
Due to its soft nature, goat cheese will not last long in the refrigerator like other hard cheeses. If you plan to not use it all in 2-3 days, I suggest your freeze your goat cheese which is easy to do.
To freeze goat cheese, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Next place it in a Ziplock, squeeze to remove all the air, and finally zip it closed. The goat cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
To defrost or thaw, remove the frozen goat cheese from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. Depending on how big the size of the goat cheese section is, it can take 1-3 days to defrost in the refrigerator. Goat cheese is wonderful crumbled and freezing it will not change the texture.
Pairing
Here are some great main course recipes & baked goods that go well with this salad. Enjoy it as a main dish with some freshly baked rolls or as a side dish with smoked or grilled meats.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Smoked Pulled Pork
- Grilled Tri-Tip on the Gas Grill
- Smoked Beef Short Ribs
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Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium peaches pitted & thick-sliced (6-8 slices each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- salt & pepper
- 1 large avocado peeled, pitted, and diced
- 6 C loosely packed arugula
- 3 oz goat cheese crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Gently toss or spray the peach slices with 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill on medium-high heat, uncovered with the grill lid open, for 2 minutes on each side or until charred. Once done, place in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
- In a large serving bowl or platter, add the arugula. Top with the slices of peaches.
- Top with diced avocado and crumbled goat cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar. Then add salt & pepper to taste.
- Toss gently and plate to enjoy immediately. This makes 6 servings as a side dish or appetizer. It can also be enjoyed as a main course for 4.
Nutrition
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Darlene says
YUM! I know what I'm having for dinner tonight along with your Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets! 🙂
Angela says
Perfect combo! Enjoy and would love to hear what you think - and see your pictures!
Darlene says
Oh My Gosh! The salad was sooo good and the chicken was delish! I forgot to take a picture 🙁 My daughter and her boyfriend who are also wonderful cooks, really enjoyed it. Thanks so much!
Angela says
Great to hear! Thank you.
Marianne says
OMG this sounds absolutely deeelish!!
Angela says
Thank you Marianne!
Beth says
Looks yummy! 🙂
Lora says
You had me at grilled peaches! That salad looks so yummy. I'm always looking new salad ideas. Think I might have to pickup a couple of peaches next time I go to the store.
Melissa Parcel says
I love everything about this salad! Yum.
Angela says
Great, I hope you love it. Let me know what you think or post on FB or Instagram and tag @theshortordercookblog!
jen says
Looks light and refreshing! I'll give it a whirl!
Malia says
Ooh, it's peach season here in Colorado and this is the perfect lunch recipe! Thanks so much!
Suzan says
Quick, easy, refreshing and yummy sounding. Peaches are just coming in season here in the NE...'nough said 🙂
Angela says
Great timing, go for it!
Nicole Cruze says
This looks so good!
Lisa says
Just when you thought peaches couldn’t get any better. Going to have to try this!
Margaret says
I have never tried grilled peaches, but they sound delicious! Can’t wait to try them.
Heather says
Grilled peaches are amazing. I make a peach and mozzarella pizza on Naan brad on the grill. The peaches are cut super thin and just so yummy.
Angela says
Oh that sounds lovely.
Tiffany says
Peaches are my favorite and have NEVER tried them like this!
Angela says
Get to the store STAT! You must try this! Sorry if that sounded bossy, haha. I just do not want you to miss out and peaches are so amazing right now.
Kendra says
So many of my favorite ingredients all in one yummy dish!
Stacey Billingsley says
I’ve never tried grilled peaches. This sounds so good!
Sian says
This looks yummy! I don't usually put fruit in salads but love this!
Jennifer Morrison says
This sounds so delicious! I love the flavor combination of fruit and goat cheese.
Bee says
I love fruit in salad! The peaches with the peppery arugula sounds so good. Can't wait to try this.
Katherine Wolfe says
I need you to come over and make this for me! It looks sooooooooooooooo divine!
Angela says
It is super easy, you can do it! Then invite me the next time - lol!
Lisa Manderino says
I am so excited to go grill some peaches now! Thanks for the inspiration!
Haley Kelley says
This looks super good! Adding it to my menu!
Karla Petersen says
Wow! I have never heard of grilling peaches, much less adding salt and pepper. Though I do remember mom adding salt to her fresh watermelon, so I guess the salt/sweet go together, eh?
Angela says
Yes, I salt watermelon sometimes too. Thanks for sharing and give it a go - try grilling peaches for this salad.
Tiffany says
I'm so excited to try this soon!
Christina Furnival Real Life Mama says
I love grilled fruit in salads...right up my alley!!
Michele says
What a lovely salad! Add a little grilled chicken on top and it would be a full meal! I can't wait to give this a try.
Robin Frields says
As usual, you have the best recipes! Can't wait to try it!!
Cindy says
I’ve never thought about grilling peaches! These look so good. I’ll have to try it.
Magan says
Oh, I love peaches! I can’t wait to try this one out.
Laura Lee says
I definitely have to try this. It looks and sounds soooo good!
Miz Helen says
Congratulations, your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,446! Thanks so much for sharing with us and sure hope you will come back soon!
Miz Helen
Angela says
Thank you! Great website and love to be featured and honored!
Beth Shields says
This looks absolutely amazing. Looking for some peaches at the market. Thanks for the recipe.
Angela says
Here in California, they are just starting to come up ripe. Enjoy this soon!
Karen says
Our peach tree is bursting so I wanted to try a new recipe with them. We love pie and cobbler but you know. Well this was really easy and really good. We love goat cheese so we knew we would love this. I grilled a lot of peaches and had them leftover warmed up with pork chops yesterday and that was good too.
Angela says
Oh the peach and pork chop idea sounds worderful. Thank you for the comment and the idea for the next time I grill some peaches.