Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad – Sweet, Savory & Summer-Ready

This Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad is everything you want in a summer dish-juicy, smoky, sweet, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. It’s a salad that eats like a full meal, but feels light and effortless. The peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill, their natural sugars turning golden and slightly smoky, pairing perfectly with savory, tender chicken.

If you love summer-ready salads like chicken avocado caprese or are always looking for bright sides like cucumber tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette to complete your plate, this recipe fits right in.

It all comes together over a bed of fresh greens, tossed with tangy vinaigrette and finished with creamy goat cheese (or feta), toasted nuts, and fresh herbs. It’s colorful, quick to assemble, and flexible enough to serve at a backyard cookout or pack up for a weekday lunch.

Pair it with fresh, colorful meals like spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce or round it out with wholesome, satisfying bowls like Mediterranean chickpea salad for a vibrant, seasonal spread that feels as good as it tastes.

Whether you’re grilling outside or just craving something bright and seasonal, this salad is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors-one that’ll make you wish summer never ended.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this salad is about to become your go-to summer staple:

✔️ Sweet + Savory Perfection

Grilled peaches bring the sweetness, grilled chicken adds savory depth, and the vinaigrette ties it all together with just the right tang.

✔️ Fresh and Satisfying

It’s light enough to keep things breezy but filling enough to stand alone as a complete meal-thanks to the protein and healthy fats.

✔️ Great Use for Leftovers

Got leftover grilled chicken? Perfect. You can have this salad on the table in under 20 minutes.

✔️ Beautiful Enough for Guests

Golden peaches, creamy cheese, bright greens-this salad looks as good as it tastes. It’s a showstopper without any stress.

✔️ Endless Flexibility

Change up the nuts, swap the cheese, or try it with arugula or spinach-it’s hard to go wrong with this combo.

💡 Pro Tip – Brush peach halves with olive oil and a pinch of salt before grilling for even better caramelization.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts

• 2 fresh peaches, halved and pitted

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, spring mix)

• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta

• ¼ cup toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or mint

• Olive oil, salt & pepper

For the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp honey

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

This salad is all about simple steps and bold flavor. With just a quick grill and a fresh toss, you’ll have a summer meal that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let them sit at room temperature while the grill heats up.

💡 Pro Tip – For faster cooking, pound the chicken to an even thickness.

2️⃣ Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3️⃣ Grill the Peaches

While the chicken rests, brush halved peaches lightly with olive oil. Place them cut-side down on the grill and cook for 2–4 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Let cool, then slice into wedges.

4️⃣ Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp honey

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Whisk until smooth and emulsified.

5️⃣ Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed greens. Top with:

• Sliced grilled chicken

• Grilled peach wedges

• Crumbled goat cheese or feta

• Toasted pecans or almonds

• Fresh chopped basil or mint

6️⃣ Dress and Serve

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and gently toss, or serve the dressing on the side. Enjoy immediately while the peaches and chicken are still slightly warm-or chill briefly for a cooler version.

💡 Optional – Add a final crack of black pepper or drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently and enjoy while warm or slightly chilled.

Recipe Variations

Make this salad your own with these fresh twists:

🔸 Peach Burrata Salad

Swap goat cheese for burrata and add prosciutto slices for a rich, luxurious version.

Perfect for: a romantic dinner or elevated picnic.

🔸 No Grill? No Problem

Pan-sear peaches and chicken in a hot cast-iron skillet instead. You’ll still get gorgeous caramelization.

Perfect for: quick indoor cooking.

🔸 Spicy Honey Glaze

Brush chicken with a mix of honey and hot sauce before grilling for sweet heat.

Perfect for: fans of bold flavor.

🔸 Add Grains

Serve over cooked farro or quinoa to turn it into a hearty grain bowl.

Perfect for: meal prep or heavier dinners.

🔸 Make it Vegan

Skip the chicken and cheese, and add grilled tofu or chickpeas with avocado for plant-based protein.

Perfect for: plant-based eaters.

💡 Pro Tip – Grilled nectarines, plums, or even pineapple work beautifully in place of peaches if that’s what you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everything you need to know to make this Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad a success-whether you’re meal prepping, customizing, or hosting.

Can I grill the peaches without an outdoor grill❓

Yes! A stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet works just as well. You’ll still get caramelization and light char-just make sure the pan is hot and lightly oiled before placing the peach halves cut-side down.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches❓

Fresh is best for grilling, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use drained canned peach halves and sear them quickly in a hot skillet. Frozen peaches tend to release more moisture and won’t caramelize as well, so they’re not recommended for this recipe.

What’s the best substitute for goat cheese❓

Feta adds a nice salty bite, and burrata or fresh mozzarella offers a creamy contrast. Blue cheese is bolder and works well if you like more tang.

Can I make this salad ahead of time❓

Yes-with a few modifications. Grill the chicken and peaches, and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the peaches juicy.

What greens work best in this salad❓

Arugula adds a peppery bite, while spinach or a spring mix keeps it mild. A mix of textures and flavors is ideal, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

How long will leftovers keep❓

Store undressed leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the salad has already been dressed, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.

Conclusion – The Salad That Tastes Like Summer

This Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad is exactly what warm-weather cooking should be-fresh, fast, and full of flavor. With juicy fruit, savory grilled meat, creamy cheese, and a bright vinaigrette, it’s got everything you need to make a meal feel like something special.

Whether you’re entertaining or just enjoying dinner on the patio, this salad brings the sunshine. It’s as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve-and once you try it, you’ll be making it all season long.

💡 Because the best salads don’t just taste good-they leave you feeling good, too.

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