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There are some dishes that just sing of summer, and this Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad is definitely one of them. Its juicy grilled peaches and tender chicken blend together beautifully. The vibrant flavors make every bite a pure delight.
I find myself making this salad constantly during warmer months. It’s perfect for a light supper on the patio. My friends always ask for the recipe too!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad is my go-to for so many reasons. Honestly, it’s a total winner!
- Speedy Supper: It comes together so fast on busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet peaches with savory chicken are magic.
- Healthy & Hearty: It fills you up without feeling heavy.
- Guest Pleaser: Everyone raves when I serve it at gatherings.
- Grill Masterpiece: I love grilling; it makes everything taste better.
Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad Ingredients
Creating this amazing Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad starts with a simple yet powerful list of ingredients. Each one plays a part in building those delightful flavors.
It’s all about fresh, bright components coming together in perfect harmony. You’ll just love it!
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Base: We start with a tangy dressing. It features balsamic vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of Dijon mustard. This blend creates a lovely balance of sweet and tart. Olive oil brings it all together smoothly.
- Seasoned Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our protein powerhouse. They soak up a delicious marinade. Smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder give them a wonderful savory depth.
- Fresh Greens: Two heads of butter lettuce form our crisp bed. Its soft leaves are perfect for holding all the yummy toppings.
- Sweet Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of this salad. When grilled, they get wonderfully caramelized and juicy. Their sweetness really pops!
- Creamy Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a rich, creamy texture. It also brings healthy fats to the party.
- Crisp Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch. They lighten the whole dish.
- Crumbly Feta: A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a salty, tangy kick. It perfectly complements the sweet peaches.
Substitutions and Tips
I love making recipes my own, and you can too!
- No Dijon? Use yellow mustard, or skip it for a milder vinaigrette.
- Peach Swap: Nectarines work great if peaches aren’t in season.
- Cheese Options: Goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella are tasty substitutes for feta.
- Add Herbs: Fresh basil or mint chopped fine would be fantastic.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade adds heat.
- Dressing Shortcut: Use a good quality store-bought balsamic vinaigrette to save time.
Remember, the exact quantities are all listed in the printable recipe card below. Get ready to cook!
How to Make Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
Making this amazing Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad is super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette
First up, let’s get that fantastic vinaigrette ready. Grab a jar or a bowl for this. Pour in your balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. You’ll also add your olive oil, salt, and pepper here. Give it a good whisk or a hearty shake if it’s in a jar. You want everything perfectly mixed. This homemade dressing is truly special.
Marinate the Chicken
Now, for the chicken! Take about three tablespoons of your freshly made vinaigrette. Put this into a freezer bag. Add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bag too. Don’t forget the smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder! A little extra salt and pepper go in as well. Seal the bag up, pressing out all the air. Then, massage that marinade right into the chicken. It helps infuse so much flavor! Pop it in the fridge for 1 to 4 hours. This marinating time makes all the difference for tender, flavorful grilled chicken.
Grill the Chicken and Peaches
Time to fire up the grill! Preheat it nicely, then clean and oil the grates. This stops anything from sticking. Take the marinated chicken out of its bag. Place it on the hot grill. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken over. Keep grilling until it reaches 165°F internally. That’s how you know it’s perfectly done. During the last few minutes, add those peach halves or quarters to the grill. They only need about 3 to 4 minutes total. Look for lovely grill marks and a slight caramelization. If you quartered them, flip them after 1 to 2 minutes. The grilled peaches are key here.
Assemble the Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
Almost there! Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Let the peaches cool a bit too. Now, arrange your torn butter lettuce in a big bowl. Or use a nice serving platter. Top it with the sliced grilled chicken. Add the cooled grilled peaches. Scatter those avocado slices and crisp cucumber. Finish it off with crumbled feta cheese. A sprinkle of fresh basil is amazing too. Serve the rest of that wonderful balsamic vinaigrette on the side. Or, drizzle it right over everything. Dig in and enjoy your incredible Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad!
How to Store Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
Once you’ve assembled your delicious Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad, storing it properly is key. To keep everything fresh, I always recommend keeping the salad components separate. Store your sliced grilled chicken in an airtight container. The grilled peaches, avocado, and cucumber should also go into separate airtight containers. The dressing is best stored in its own sealed jar. This way, nothing gets soggy! When you reassemble, it will taste just as fresh. This salad is really best enjoyed right away!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd your grill; cook in batches if needed.
- Marinating chicken at least an hour adds tons of flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Choose firm but ripe peaches for grilling.
- Slice chicken against the grain for tender bites.
- Dress your salad right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Taste and adjust seasoning for the vinaigrette.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works perfectly.
- Tongs: Essential for turning chicken and peaches safely.
- Whisk or Jar: For mixing up that delicious vinaigrette.
- Freezer Bag: Great for marinating the chicken.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping all your fresh ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to perfection.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or a main course.
- A crusty baguette or some warm focaccia bread is a great side.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade.
- Garnish with fresh basil or mint for extra flair.
- It’s fantastic for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and flavorful grilled chicken and peach salad featuring marinated chicken breasts, grilled peaches, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 heads butter lettuce, torn or leaves left whole
- 2 peaches, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
- 2–3 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Combine the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dijon, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until well combined.
- Add 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette to a freezer bag along with the chicken, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic powder. Season with additional salt and pepper. Seal the bag, pressing out the air. Massage the marinade into the chicken and then refrigerate for 1-4 hours.
- Preheat your grill, then clean and oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes, then flip the chicken over and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last few minutes of grilling, place the peaches on the grates and grill them until they’re caramelized and have grill marks, about 3-4 minutes total. Flip them after 1-2 minutes if quartered.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it and let the peaches cool before adding them to the salad.
- Arrange the lettuce in a bowl or on a serving platter. Top it with the sliced grilled chicken, peaches, avocado slices, cucumber, feta, and basil. Serve the balsamic vinaigrette on the side or drizzle it on top of the salad.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least an hour will infuse it with more flavor.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to your taste.
- Grilling time for chicken may vary based on thickness. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- The peaches should be firm enough to hold up on the grill but ripe enough to be sweet.
- Fresh basil can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep many components of this Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad ahead. Marinate the chicken the day before. You can also mix your vinaigrette. Just don’t assemble the whole salad until serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have a grill for the Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad?
No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop for both the chicken and peaches. Pan-searing works great too. Just make sure to get a nice char. The flavors will still be amazing for your Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad.
Can I use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Get creative with your Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad. Nectarines are a fantastic alternative. You could also try grilled pineapple or even some fresh berries. Choose what you love best!
How long does Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad last in the refrigerator?
If stored separately, the cooked chicken and vinaigrette last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The assembled Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad is best eaten fresh. It will get a bit soggy after a few hours.
Conclusion
There you have it, friends! This Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad is more than just a recipe. It’s a sunshine-filled meal. It truly embodies fresh, vibrant flavors. I hope you love making and eating it as much as I do. It’s perfect for summer evenings. Or maybe for a quick, healthy lunch. This salad is always a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, whip up this wonderful dish. Enjoy every delicious bite. Your taste buds will thank you!
