Nothing says summer quite like the vibrant and mouthwatering combination of juicy peaches, creamy gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts. This Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe is an absolute delight that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a light yet satisfying meal, this salad brings a fresh, sophisticated twist to your dining table with its colorful ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmony of textures and flavors. From tender greens to the smoky-sweet peaches and bold cheese, every component shines through in every forkful.
- Ripe peaches, halved and pitted: Choose peaches that are sweet and fragrant for the best grilling experience and natural caramelization.
- Mixed greens (arugula or spring mix): These provide a fresh, peppery base that complements the fruit and cheese perfectly.
- Crumbled gorgonzola cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy punch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peaches.
- Toasted walnut halves: Offer an earthy crunch that enhances the salad’s texture.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Delivers a subtle sharpness and vibrant color, balancing the rich flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky dressing base that ties everything together.
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze: Brings a luscious tangy sweetness that accentuates the natural sugars in the peaches.
- Honey: Adds a gentle, floral sweetness to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a mild kick and depth to the vinaigrette.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to bring out all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and grill the peaches
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium heat, ensuring it’s clean and lightly oiled so the peaches don’t stick. Place the peach halves cut side down on the grill, and cook just a few minutes until attractive grill marks form, and the peaches soften slightly. This grilling step intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky hint that’s absolutely irresistible. Once grilled, remove the peaches and slice them into wedges.
Step 2: Whisk together the dressing
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or glaze), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously until you achieve a smooth, emulsified dressing. This tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette is the perfect marriage for the natural flavors of the salad’s components.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Lay your mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter, creating a lush bed for the toppings. Scatter the sliced grilled peaches on top, then generously sprinkle with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and toasted walnuts. Add the thin rings of red onion for a pop of color and sharpness. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp, then toss gently to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze over the top right before serving adds an elegant finishing touch and enhances the sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or mint also make delightful, aromatic garnishes that elevate the salad’s freshness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light grilled proteins such as chicken breast or prosciutto, making for an upscale yet approachable meal. It also complements crusty artisan bread or a chilled white wine for a complete dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad layered in a clear glass bowl for a stunning visual effect showing off the colorful ingredients. Alternatively, arrange the peaches and cheese artfully on a large platter and dress tableside for an interactive and elegant presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad components separately when possible, especially the dressing and grilled peaches, to maintain freshness. Mixed greens can wilt quickly once dressed, so keep them dry and fresh in an airtight container.
Freezing
Due to the delicate nature of the fresh ingredients like greens and cheese, freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as it will affect texture and flavor adversely.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold. However, if you want to warm up the peaches, gently reheat them in a skillet before assembling the salad, allowing the rest of the ingredients to remain cool and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of gorgonzola?
Absolutely! While gorgonzola offers a bold flavor, feta or goat cheese make excellent milder alternatives that still provide a creamy tang to the salad.
How ripe should the peaches be for grilling?
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when grilled. Overripe peaches can become mushy and difficult to handle on the grill.
Is there a vegetarian protein option to add?
Yes, you can add grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a delightful plant-based protein boost without altering the salad’s fresh flavors.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be whisked together and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick shake or stir before drizzling it on your salad.
What kind of walnuts are best?
Toasted walnut halves add beautiful crunch and flavor, but if you prefer a sweeter touch, candied walnuts are a creative and delicious alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe is a true celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in the most harmonious way. It’s a fantastic dish to brighten up any meal or impress guests with minimal effort. Once you try it, this salad will undoubtedly become a favorite go-to, delivering refreshing flavors and textures that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
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Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Grilled Peach Salad featuring juicy grilled peaches, tangy gorgonzola cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing, perfect for a light summer meal or starter.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 5 cups mixed greens (arugula or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnut halves
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until grill marks appear and peaches soften slightly. Remove from grill and slice each half into wedges.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, arrange the mixed greens. Top with the sliced grilled peaches, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or prosciutto.
- Substitute gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Use candied walnuts instead of toasted walnuts for a sweeter salad variation.
