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    Home » Soups & Salads

    Published: Jun 1, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 45 Comments

    Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    Grilled Peach, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Why Grill the Peaches?
    • Top Tips for Grilling Stonefruits
    • Ingredients for Grilled Peach Arugula Goat Cheese Salad 
    • How to Grill Fresh Peaches
    • How to Make a Grilled Peach Salad
    • Can You Freeze Goat Cheese?
    • Pairing
    • Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

    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

    1. Ensure you have freestone peaches - you will want the pit to be removed easily for better slicing
    2. With or without skin, it is up to your personal preference
    3. 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)
    4. 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.
    5. Spray or brush with olive oil to ensure they do not stick to the grill
    6. 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.
    7. Watch them carefully, the natural sugars tend to burn easily so they do not take long to reach perfection
    8. Do NOT stack them after grilling so they do not smash each other, line them in a single layer on a platter
    Peach halves cooking on the grill.

    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. 

    ingredients for grilled Peach avocado goat cheese arugula salad

    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.  

    Sliced peaches ready for the grill

    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
    Grilled Peach, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad ready to eat on a platter.

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    grilled Peach avocado goat cheese arugula salad

    Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

    Angela
    Sweet grilled peaches, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and spicy arugula are a summer salad sensation. This recipe for Grilled Peach, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad is fresh, sweet, crisp, & juicy. This simple summer salad is easy & perfect for bbq, cookouts, & parties.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6

    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.

    Notes

    FOR 6 SERVINGS - 
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 6
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 218
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 18.8g 24%
    Saturated Fat 5.9g 29%
    Cholesterol 15mg 5%
    Sodium 57mg 2%
    Total Carbohydrate 8.6g 3%
    Dietary Fiber 3.3g 12%
    Total Sugars 5.6g  
    Protein 6g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 163mg 13%
    Iron 1mg 5%
    Potassium 342mg 7%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword diet, dinner, easy, fast, fruit, gluten-free, grain-free, grill, healthy, low carb, low fat, lunch, quick, summer

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Darlene says

      August 08, 2019 at 10:34 am

      YUM! I know what I'm having for dinner tonight along with your Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets! 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 08, 2019 at 7:38 pm

        Perfect combo! Enjoy and would love to hear what you think - and see your pictures!

        Reply
        • Darlene says

          August 12, 2019 at 6:57 am

          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!

          Reply
          • Angela says

            August 12, 2019 at 4:35 pm

            Great to hear! Thank you.

            Reply
      • Marianne says

        May 29, 2020 at 9:09 am

        OMG this sounds absolutely deeelish!!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          May 29, 2020 at 10:27 am

          Thank you Marianne!

          Reply
    2. Beth says

      August 12, 2019 at 9:33 am

      Looks yummy! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Lora says

      August 12, 2019 at 9:50 am

      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.

      Reply
    4. Melissa Parcel says

      August 12, 2019 at 10:17 am

      I love everything about this salad! Yum.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 12, 2019 at 4:34 pm

        Great, I hope you love it. Let me know what you think or post on FB or Instagram and tag @theshortordercookblog!

        Reply
    5. jen says

      August 12, 2019 at 10:33 am

      Looks light and refreshing! I'll give it a whirl!

      Reply
    6. Malia says

      August 12, 2019 at 11:37 am

      Ooh, it's peach season here in Colorado and this is the perfect lunch recipe! Thanks so much!

      Reply
    7. Suzan says

      August 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      Quick, easy, refreshing and yummy sounding. Peaches are just coming in season here in the NE...'nough said 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 12, 2019 at 4:33 pm

        Great timing, go for it!

        Reply
        • Nicole Cruze says

          August 13, 2019 at 1:09 pm

          This looks so good!

          Reply
    8. Lisa says

      August 12, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Just when you thought peaches couldn’t get any better. Going to have to try this!

      Reply
    9. Margaret says

      August 12, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      I have never tried grilled peaches, but they sound delicious! Can’t wait to try them.

      Reply
    10. Heather says

      August 12, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 12, 2019 at 4:33 pm

        Oh that sounds lovely.

        Reply
    11. Tiffany says

      August 12, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      Peaches are my favorite and have NEVER tried them like this!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 12, 2019 at 5:09 pm

        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.

        Reply
    12. Kendra says

      August 13, 2019 at 3:56 am

      So many of my favorite ingredients all in one yummy dish!

      Reply
    13. Stacey Billingsley says

      August 13, 2019 at 6:38 am

      I’ve never tried grilled peaches. This sounds so good!

      Reply
    14. Sian says

      August 13, 2019 at 6:44 am

      This looks yummy! I don't usually put fruit in salads but love this!

      Reply
    15. Jennifer Morrison says

      August 13, 2019 at 7:46 am

      This sounds so delicious! I love the flavor combination of fruit and goat cheese.

      Reply
    16. Bee says

      August 13, 2019 at 8:13 am

      I love fruit in salad! The peaches with the peppery arugula sounds so good. Can't wait to try this.

      Reply
    17. Katherine Wolfe says

      August 13, 2019 at 9:09 am

      I need you to come over and make this for me! It looks sooooooooooooooo divine!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 13, 2019 at 5:10 pm

        It is super easy, you can do it! Then invite me the next time - lol!

        Reply
    18. Lisa Manderino says

      August 13, 2019 at 10:34 am

      I am so excited to go grill some peaches now! Thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
    19. Haley Kelley says

      August 13, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      This looks super good! Adding it to my menu!

      Reply
    20. Karla Petersen says

      August 13, 2019 at 6:16 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 13, 2019 at 7:09 pm

        Yes, I salt watermelon sometimes too. Thanks for sharing and give it a go - try grilling peaches for this salad.

        Reply
    21. Tiffany says

      August 13, 2019 at 10:01 pm

      I'm so excited to try this soon!

      Reply
    22. Christina Furnival Real Life Mama says

      August 13, 2019 at 10:16 pm

      I love grilled fruit in salads...right up my alley!!

      Reply
    23. Michele says

      August 14, 2019 at 7:26 am

      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.

      Reply
    24. Robin Frields says

      August 14, 2019 at 8:09 am

      As usual, you have the best recipes! Can't wait to try it!!

      Reply
    25. Cindy says

      August 14, 2019 at 8:10 am

      I’ve never thought about grilling peaches! These look so good. I’ll have to try it.

      Reply
    26. Magan says

      August 14, 2019 at 7:48 pm

      Oh, I love peaches! I can’t wait to try this one out.

      Reply
    27. Laura Lee says

      August 15, 2019 at 10:40 am

      I definitely have to try this. It looks and sounds soooo good!

      Reply
    28. Miz Helen says

      August 23, 2019 at 10:46 am

      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

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 23, 2019 at 5:40 pm

        Thank you! Great website and love to be featured and honored!

        Reply
    29. Beth Shields says

      May 30, 2020 at 6:20 am

      This looks absolutely amazing. Looking for some peaches at the market. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 30, 2020 at 7:19 am

        Here in California, they are just starting to come up ripe. Enjoy this soon!

        Reply
    30. Karen says

      June 17, 2021 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 17, 2021 at 11:32 am

        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.

        Reply

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