This Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together sweet grilled peaches and juicy blueberries, all tossed with fresh greens. It’s a little summer party in a bowl!
Honestly, who would think fruit could be this fun? The smoky peaches mixed with sweet blueberries make every bite exciting! I love serving it as a light lunch or a side for barbecue nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of this salad. If they’re not in season, you could use nectarines for a similar taste and texture. Fresh or canned peaches can work in a pinch, but grilled fresh ones give the best flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great, but if they aren’t available, you can substitute with raspberries or sliced strawberries. They will bring a sweet-tart balance to the dish.
Red Onion: I love the mild flavor of red onion, which adds a nice crunch. If you find it too strong, consider using green onions or shallots, which have a milder taste when grilled.
Herbs: Parsley brings freshness to the salad. If you want to switch it up, try fresh mint or basil for a different flavor profile—both work nicely with stone fruits.
Cheese: Feta is my favorite topping here, but goat cheese also adds a creamy tang. If you want a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative!
How Do You Grill Peaches and Onions Perfectly?
Grilling peaches and red onions can elevate their flavors, but it’s essential to do it right. Here’s how to achieve those beautiful grill marks and desired tenderness:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps caramelize the sugars in the fruit and onions for great flavor.
- Brush the peaches and onions with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor. Don’t skip the salt and pepper—they enhance the taste!
- Grill peaches cut side down first. This helps them develop attractive grill marks. About 3-4 minutes on each side should do the trick.
- Grill the onions until they become soft and slightly charred, roughly 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Remove from the grill and let them cool a bit before slicing the peaches. This helps maintain their juiciness.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly grilled peaches and onions that will make your salad irresistible!
How to Make Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: feta cheese or goat cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 to grill the peaches and onions. If you want the flavors to meld a little more, you can let it chill for 10 minutes in the fridge before serving. Total time is around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This is where the magic happens, as the hot grill will caramelize the peaches and onions, giving them a wonderful flavor!
2. Prepare the Fruits and Onions:
Brush the peach halves and sliced red onions with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking on the grill. Then, sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper—just enough to enhance their natural taste.
3. Grill the Peaches and Onions:
Carefully place the peaches and red onion slices on the hot grill. Grill the peaches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until you see those beautiful grill marks and they start to soften a bit. The onions will need about 5-7 minutes until they become tender.
4. Cool and Slice:
Once grilled, remove the peaches and onions from the grill and let them cool for a moment. After they’re cool enough to handle, slice the peach halves into wedges.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the grilled peach wedges, fresh blueberries, and grilled onion slices. This is where the colors and textures come together beautifully!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle your salad with balsamic vinegar, and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the wonderful flavors get coated nicely!
7. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad and give it another gentle toss. If you’re using feta or goat cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle it on top for an extra creamy touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your salad right away, or if you’d like, let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This will help all the flavors come together. Serve it up fresh and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can use canned or frozen peaches in a pinch. If using canned peaches, drain them well and pat dry to prevent excess moisture. If using frozen, thaw them in the fridge and pat dry as well before grilling.
How Can I Modify This Salad for a Vegan Option?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit any cheese or use a plant-based feta. You can also add extra nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds, for added texture and flavor!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the grilled peaches and onions ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, toss with the blueberries and remaining ingredients to maintain freshness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change as the fruit continues to marinate. Enjoy within a day for the best flavor and freshness!
