Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Peaches: Ripe peaches add a sweet flavor to this salad. If they’re not in season, try nectarines or even grilled mango for a similar taste.

Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. However, grilled chicken thighs can add more juiciness. For a meat-free option, use grilled tofu or chickpeas instead!

Greens: Fresh spinach gives a nice base, but mixed greens or arugula could work well, too. For a lighter option, you might even use shredded cabbage!

Feta: Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try using a vegan feta or simply omit it.

How Do You Grill Chicken Perfectly?

Grilling chicken can be tricky, but following a few tips helps. Start by making sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This way, the outside gets a nice char without drying out the inside.

• Brush chicken with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and keeps it moist.
• Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
• Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices in!

Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping, and then 20 minutes grilling and assembling everything. Quick and tasty!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat The Grill:

Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help to give your chicken a beautiful char while keeping it juicy.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This will boost the flavor and keep the chicken moist while grilling.

3. Grill the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

4. Grill the Peaches:

While the chicken is grilling, cut the peaches in half and place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and the peaches start to soften. Remove from the grill, let them cool slightly, and then slice them.

5. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined and emulsified.

6. Assemble the Salad:

In a large salad bowl or on individual plates, arrange the spinach or mixed greens as your base. Top the greens with the sliced grilled chicken, grilled peach slices, blueberries, red onion slices, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.

7. Add the Dressing:

Just before serving, drizzle the homemade dressing over the top of the salad. This will bring all the flavors together beautifully!

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Gently toss the salad if you want to mix everything together, or keep it arranged for a beautiful presentation. Either way, dig into your fresh, flavorful Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad! Enjoy!

FAQ for Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad

Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Salad?

While fresh peaches are ideal for grilling, you can use frozen peaches if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. You may want to grill them a bit longer to achieve those lovely grill marks.

How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

No problem! Simply omit the chicken and add extra grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also increase the amount of chickpeas or beans for added protein!

What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta or want a dairy-free option, you can substitute with crumbled goat cheese or a plant-based cheese. Alternatively, simply skip the cheese altogether, and the salad will still taste great!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Enjoy your salad cold or at room temperature!