This fresh salad combines juicy grilled peaches and sweet blueberries for a tasty treat. The mix of flavors is refreshing, and the colors are simply beautiful!
I love how the warm peaches play off the cool blueberries. It’s a hit at summer parties, and honestly, I often make it just for myself! 🥳 Enjoy it as a side or light snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches make this salad shine! If peaches aren’t available, try nectarines or apricots for a similar sweetness. Just make sure they are ripe for grilling!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are a must because they add a burst of sweetness. Frozen blueberries can work too, but they might be softer. Try swapping them with raspberries or blackberries for a twist!
Red Onion: Red onion gives a nice crunch and flavor contrast. If you prefer a milder taste, use green onions or sweet onions instead. Grilling really enhances their sweetness!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds depth to the dressing. If you don’t have balsamic, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well too. A splash of lemon juice can brighten it up!
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Peaches?
Getting those beautiful grill marks is easier than you think! Here are some steps to ensure successful grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps form those nice char marks fast.
- Brush the peach halves with olive oil just before laying them on the grill. This prevents sticking.
- Place the peaches cut-side down and let them be for 3-4 minutes. Avoid moving them around.
- Once you see good char marks, flip them over and grill skin-side up for a couple more minutes.
This method gives you soft, flavorful peaches with a delightful grilled taste!
Easy Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of grilling. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to have this delicious salad ready to enjoy! Perfect for a quick summer meal or a side dish at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. This is super important for getting those lovely grill marks on the peaches!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps them grill nicely and prevents sticking.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, until you see nice char marks and they start to soften just a bit. Then, flip them over (cut side up) and grill the skin side for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, remove them from the grill and cut into wedges.
4. Grill the Onions:
In a grill-safe pan or a piece of aluminum foil, toss the sliced red onions with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until lightly charred and softened, about 5-6 minutes. You can grill these alongside the peaches if you prefer!
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled peach wedges, grilled onions, and fresh blueberries. This combination of flavors will create a mouthwatering mix!
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper. This dressing will add a lovely tangy flavor to your salad.
7. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the fruit and onions and gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
8. Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and chives, then give it another gentle toss to mix everything well.
9. Spice It Up (Optional):
If you’d like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad for some heat!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Feel free to serve the salad right away or chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It’s fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!
Dig in and enjoy the wonderful combination of smoky grilled peaches and sweet blueberries in this vibrant salad! Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick nutritious meal at home!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, try using nectarines, apricots, or even grilled plums. These fruits will give a similar sweet and juicy effect when grilled!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad tastes great chilled, but the peaches may lose some firmness. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again!
Is There a Vegan Alternative for the Honey?
Yes! You can simply omit the honey or use maple syrup as a substitute. This dressing is delicious even without any sweetener if you’re looking for a low-sugar option!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can grill the peaches and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving for the freshest taste!
