Grilled Peach-And-Arugula Salad With Feta

You don't need to be a grill master—this grilled peach salad recipe comes together in under 25 minutes with just a few short steps. If you think your grill is only for cooking hot dogs, burgers, or other meat-based entrées, think again. Ripe summer fruits are our go-to for snacks or desserts. But have you tried grilling fruit for topping a crisp summer salad? Now's the time.

Sweet, juicy peaches are made all the more delicious after a quick char on the grill. The peaches are pleasantly charred and tossed with baby arugula, feta cheese, mint leaves, chopped pistachios, and a bright vinaigrette to make a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Traditional, firm ripe peaches work best in this dish. Place cut-side down on the grill for about four minutes, or until grill marks appear. The smoky flavor marries perfectly with the natural sweetness of peaches to deliver a deliciously caramelized flavor.

Ingredients for Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad With Feta

To make this salad, you'll need:

• Peaches: You want firm-ripe peaches for this. Peaches that are too ripe will likely fall apart under the heat of the grill.
• Baby arugula: We like the peppery bite of this green, but you could use another if you prefer, such as spinach or butter lettuce.
• Feta cheese: The salty, briny tang of feta cheese pairs beautifully with the peppery arugula and floral-sweet peaches.
• Fresh mint: Mint elevates the natural sweetness of the peaches.
• Toasted pistachios: A little crunch, a little saltiness, and a great contrast to the soft fruit and cheese.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the vinaigrette. You can use another neutral oil if you prefer, such as avocado oil.
• White wine vinegar: This vinegar has a natural sweetness that white vinegar won't have, so it is excellent in a vinaigrete.
• Lemon juice: Adds tartness to the vinaigrette to cut through the rich oil.
• Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the vinaigrette and lends a savory tang.
• Honey: Sweetness to even out the flavors of the vinaigrette.
• Table salt and black pepper: For seasoning.

How To Make Grilled PeachSalad

This salad is ready in just a few quick steps.

• Step 1. Grill peaches: Start by grilling quartered peaches on all sides until lightly charred.
• Step 2. Add to salad ingredients: Toss the arugula, feta, mint, and pistachios together in a large bowl.
• Step 3. Make vinaigrette: Whisk to combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Top with peaches before serving.

Why You Should Grill Fruit

Everyone loves fresh summer fruit—especially ripe peaches—but if there’s one way to take that gorgeous fruit up a notch, it’s on the grill. Flavors deepen, sugars caramelize, the fruit becomes even more juicy and tender, and the grill leaves behind a charred, smoky flavor that complements the sweet fruit beautifully.

How To Make Grilled Peach Salad Ahead of Time

To make this salad in advance, start by assembling your ingredients: Up to two days in advance, place arugula, feta, mint, and pistachios in a large bowl. Prepare the vinaigrette and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Before serving, grill the peaches. Toss the salad with the vinaigrette, and top with warm peaches.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.