Get ready to transform your ordinary salad into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that screams summer freshness! This Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil is not just a dish, it's an experience that combines the smoky sweetness of perfectly grilled peaches with crisp greens, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy salad that will impress your guests and make your weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet celebration.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the peaches under cool water, then slice them in half and remove the pits. Set the peach halves aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped mint leaves, and chopped basil leaves. Toss gently to mix the herbs evenly with the greens.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are slightly softened.
- Carefully flip the peach halves and grill for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side, until they are tender but not mushy. Remove the peaches from the grill and allow them to cool slightly.
- While the peaches are cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the peaches are cool enough to handle, slice them into wedges. Add the peach wedges to the salad bowl with the mixed greens and herbs.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing on top, and toss gently to combine all the ingredients without bruising the greens.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl, garnished with extra mint and basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for grilling - they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- Brush peaches lightly with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
- Grill peaches on medium heat to achieve beautiful grill marks without burning.
- Let peaches cool slightly after grilling to maintain their structural integrity in the salad.
- For best flavor, use fresh mint and basil leaves - dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant taste.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Feel free to experiment with different vinaigrettes or add toasted nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
