This colorful grilled peach blueberry salad is a refreshing mix of sweet and juicy flavors. The warm, caramelized peaches pair perfectly with fresh blueberries and crisp greens!
Honestly, this salad is like summer on a plate! I love adding some crunchy nuts for a little extra fun. It’s great as a side dish or a light lunch—super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Choose ripe peaches for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, nectarines work well, too! They have a similar texture and taste, just without the fuzz.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but if they’re not available, frozen blueberries can be a good substitute. Just be aware they may be softer when thawed, but they still taste great.
Red Onions: Their sharpness adds a nice kick to the salad. However, if you find them too pungent, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the best taste, but if you’re looking for a milder option, canola or avocado oil can be suitable alternatives.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These are optional for sweetness. If you want a sugar-free option, try mashed bananas or just skip it altogether if you prefer a more tart salad.
How Do I Grill Peaches and Onions Without Burning Them?
Grilling peaches and onions adds a lovely smoky flavor, but it can be tricky. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Too high can burn them quickly; you want a nice char without charring.
- Toss the peach wedges and onion slices in oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. This not only enhances flavor but also prevents sticking.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them – you want nice grill marks, but soft enough to bite into.
- Remove them once they’re slightly softened. Letting them cool slightly helps prevent excessive steaming.
These little steps will ensure your salad has the perfect grilled flavor without any burnt bits!
How to Make Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, cut into wedges
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness (if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled peach blueberry salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes for grilling, making it a quick and easy dish. If you want it chilled, allow an extra 30 minutes in the fridge before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that your peaches and onions will grill perfectly without burning.
2. Prepare the Fruit and Onion:
In a large bowl, mix the peach wedges and red onion slices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Toss everything together well so that each piece is coated in the oil and seasoning.
3. Grill the Peaches and Onion:
Take the coated peaches and onion slices and place them on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see lovely grill marks and for them to soften a bit. Once done, transfer them to a plate and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a serving bowl, combine the grilled peaches, grilled onions, and fresh blueberries. This is where the salad really comes together!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with fresh lime juice. Add the chopped parsley for flavor. If you like a little sweetness, now’s the time to drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. Mix it all together gently to ensure everything is evenly combined.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. It should be fresh and flavorful!
7. Serve or Chill:
Enjoy the salad right away, or if you prefer it chilled, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make a refreshing and cool dish. Dig in and enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Peaches?
While fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Just make sure they are packed in juice or water, not syrup. Drain and pat them dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture that can create steam rather than a nice char.
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the peaches may become softer over time, but it will still taste great! Give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! This salad is already vegan-friendly. Just skip the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sugar-free option. You could also add a sprinkle of agave syrup for a hint of sweetness without using honey.
What’s the Best Way to Adjust the Sweetness of This Salad?
If you’d like to customize the sweetness, start with a smaller amount of honey or maple syrup and mix it in. Taste and adjust as you go until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. You can also add more fresh fruit, like diced apples or a handful of grapes, for natural sweetness!
