As the sun sets on a warm summer day, I can’t help but dream of vibrant flavors dancing on my plate. That’s why I’m excited to share my Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto, a deliciously refreshing dish that captures the essence of the season. This simple salad features perfectly grilled peaches, which take on a sweet smokiness that perfectly contrasts with the peppery arugula and creamy mozzarella. In just 20 minutes, you can create a vibrant centerpiece for your summer gatherings that not only impresses guests but also satisfies your cravings for fresh, homemade food. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. Are you ready to elevate your salad game and savor the breezy taste of summer?
Why is this salad a summer favorite?
Simplicity at Its Best: This Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto conserves your precious time—they’re ready in just 20 minutes!
Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: Ripe, juicy peaches paired with crisp arugula and creamy mozzarella deliver an explosion of flavor, making each bite truly unique.
A Showstopper: Impress your guests at barbecues or casual gatherings with this delightful, colorful salad that balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly.
Versatile Appeal: Whether as a side dish or a light main course, it suits any occasion while being vegetarian-friendly, similar to a Tortellini Pasta Salad or a refreshing Strawberry Crunch Salad.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of the smoky grilled peaches and vibrant mint basil pesto is sure to satisfy everyone’s palate, leading to requests for seconds!
Grilled Peach Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Escarole – Adds a slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
• Arugula – Provides a peppery bite, complementing the other ingredients.
• Water Cress – Infuses fresh, slightly spicy notes into the salad.
• Peaches (6 medium-sized) – Fresh and ripe peaches offer the best flavor; grilling enhances their natural sweetness.
• Mozzarella Cheese (sliced) – Adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the juicy peaches.
• Pine Nuts (1/8 cup, toasted) – Contributes a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon – Provides acidity that brightens the overall taste.
• Fresh Ground Peppercorn – Enhances flavor with a touch of heat.
For the Mint Basil Pesto
• Fresh Basil Leaves (1/2 cup) – Key ingredient for mint basil pesto.
• Fresh Mint Leaves (1/2 cup) – Adds refreshing herbal notes to the pesto.
• Garlic (1 clove) – For depth of flavor in the pesto.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3/4 cup) – Emulsifies the pesto and adds richness.
• Lemon Zest (2 tablespoons) – Enhances the lemony flavor profile.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto
Step 1: Grill the Peaches
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, slice the peaches in half and remove the pits. Lightly brush the cut sides with extra virgin olive oil. Once the grill is hot, place the peaches cut-side down and grill for about 4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches soften slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pesto
While the peaches are grilling, it’s time to make the mint basil pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, mint leaves, toasted pine nuts, a clove of garlic, and lemon zest. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while the processor is running until the mixture is smooth. Taste, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the arugula, escarole, and watercress. Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the greens to lightly coat them and enhance their flavor. Next, transfer the dressed greens to a platter and add the grilled peaches and sliced mozzarella.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad for added crunch. Drizzle the homemade mint basil pesto generously over the top, and squeeze fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Take a moment to admire your Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto, as the vibrant colors inspire a refreshing taste that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Expert Tips for Grilled Peach Salad
Choose Ripe Peaches: Using fresh, ripe peaches is crucial for the best flavor. Look for fragrant peaches that give slightly to pressure.
Grill with Care: Ensure your grill is preheated for proper caramelization. Grill the peaches until you see nice marks, enhancing that smoky flavor.
Perfect Pesto Consistency: Blend your mint basil pesto until smooth. Adjust the olive oil and seasonings according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Serve at Room Temperature: For optimal flavors, serve the Grilled Peach Salad at room temperature after chilling in the refrigerator; it allows the ingredients to harmonize beautifully.
Experiment with Additions: Feel free to get creative! You can add fresh berries or substitute other seasonal stone fruits for variety and extra sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Peach Salad
Fridge: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Allow it to reach room temperature before serving again for optimal flavor.
Freezer: We do not recommend freezing the salad, as the fresh textures of the ingredients, like peaches and greens, may lose their appeal when thawed.
Pesto Storage: Keep any leftover mint basil pesto in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top for preservation.
Reheating: If you’ve stored the pesto along with the salad, gently warm any leftovers in a pan, but it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto Variations
Feel inspired to make this salad your own with delightful twists and swaps!
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Stone Fruit Swap: Substitute ripe plums or nectarines for peaches for a different fruity flair. They grill beautifully and add a diverse flavor profile.
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Berry Boost: Toss in some fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for added sweetness and a pop of color. This creates a refreshing contrast with the grassy notes of the greens.
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Add Protein: Include sliced grilled chicken or crispy prosciutto for a heartier salad. This addition makes it a filling main course option for summer dinners.
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Vegan Version: Replace the mozzarella with a vegan cheese or avocado for a creamy texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish.
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Nut-Free Option: Omit the pine nuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds for crunch without the risk of nuts, making it suitable for kids or nut-sensitive guests.
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Extra Zing: Sprinkle in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extraordinary burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
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Spice it Up: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat, balancing the sweetness with a hint of spice.
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Dress it Differently: Try using a balsamic glaze instead of the mint basil pesto for a tangy twist. It creates an elegant finish that still honors the salad’s summery essence.
As you explore these variations, consider pairing this salad with a light protein, such as Grilled Lemon Shrimp, or enjoy it alongside a classic Macaroni Salad Summer for the ultimate summer feast!
What to Serve with Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto
Elevate your summer dining experience with delicious pairings that beautifully complement the flavors of this refreshing salad.
- Creamy Burrata: The luscious creaminess of burrata enhances the salad’s textures, making every bite a delight.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy, smoky chicken adds protein to your meal, balancing the salad’s lightness with heartiness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish brings a wholesome element, tying together the richness of the pesto with earthy flavors.
- Crispy Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery bread provides the perfect vessel to soak up any leftover pesto, adding comfort to your meal.
- Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous infused with fresh herbs creates a textural contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
- White Sangria: This refreshing drink, with its fruity notes of citrus and berry, perfectly complements the sweet and savory elements of the salad.
- Lemon Sorbet: A light, zesty dessert adds a cooling finish, providing a sweet touch that mirrors the salad’s vibrant flavors.
- Watermelon Feta Salad: Another summer staple, this dish’s sweet, salty contrasts echo the grilled peach salad, creating a delightful duo.
- Sparkling Water with Mint: A bubbly, refreshing beverage choices keeps the meal light while echoing the herbal notes already present in the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto components are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prep ahead for effortless serving. You can grill the peaches up to 24 hours in advance; simply let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture. The mint basil pesto also stores beautifully—make it up to 3 days ahead and keep it in the fridge, covered to prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the salad by tossing together your greens and adding the grilled peaches, mozzarella, and a drizzle of pesto just before plating. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing dish with ease!
Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe peaches for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for peaches that are fragrant, with a slight give when pressed gently. They should be free from blemishes and dark spots. Fresh, ripe peaches will have a juicy sweetness that truly elevates the Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto.
How should I store leftovers of this salad?
You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving it again for the best flavor experience. The greens will remain fresh and less wilted that way!
Can I freeze the grilled peaches or the pesto?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire salad, as the textures may not hold up over time. However, you can freeze leftover mint basil pesto! Simply transfer it to an airtight container or ice cube trays for easy use later. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
What should I do if my pesto is too thick?
Very! If you find that your pesto is thicker than desired, simply add a touch more extra virgin olive oil while blending until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed for a brighter flavor.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, this Grilled Peach Salad is vegetarian-friendly! If you’re serving it to guests with dietary restrictions, make sure to check for nut allergies due to pine nuts in the pesto. For nut-free pesto, try using sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely while increasing the garlic for flavor.
How do I refresh my salad if it starts to wilt?
If your salad greens start to wilt, don’t worry! A simple refresh could do the trick: rinse the greens under cold water and spin them dry in a salad spinner. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and lemon juice before serving to perk up the flavors and texture!
Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Slice peaches in half and remove pits. Brush cut sides with olive oil. Grill peaches cut-side down for about 4 minutes until softened.
- In a food processor, combine basil, mint, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon zest. Drizzle in olive oil while processing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, toss arugula, escarole, and watercress with a small amount of olive oil. Transfer to a platter and add grilled peaches and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the salad. Drizzle with mint basil pesto and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Serve at room temperature.
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