Grilled Peach Salad with Blue Cheese and Herb Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This grilled peach salad is a perfect blend of smoky sweetness and fresh, crisp greens. It features juicy peaches charred to perfection, tossed with crunchy lettuce, tangy blue cheese, and a creamy herbed dressing. Ideal for a light summer meal or a refreshing side dish.

A fresh salad served on a white plate set on a white marbled textured surface, featuring large, crisp light green lettuce wedges as the base layer. Grilled peach slices with a slightly charred golden orange color are placed on and around the lettuce. Halved bright red and yellow cherry tomatoes add vibrant pops of color throughout. Dollops of creamy white dressing with visible green herbs are spread unevenly over the top. Small chunks of pale blue cheese and scattered toasted brown hazelnuts sprinkle the salad, and thinly sliced green chives are sprinkled over everything, giving a final fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon finely sliced chives, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 medium peaches (about 14 oz. total), quartered, pitted
  • Vegetable oil, for brushing
  • 3 heads baby iceberg or little gem lettuce (about 1 1/2 lb.), trimmed, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup mixed grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Greek yogurt, tarragon, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and sugar. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill to medium–high heat, allowing it to heat for about 5 minutes. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Pat the peach quarters dry with a paper towel. Brush each piece lightly with vegetable oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Grill the peaches, turning once halfway through, until they develop light char marks and soften slightly, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer grilled peaches to a cutting board and let them cool slightly, then chop into 1-inch chunks.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the lettuce wedges on a large platter. Scatter the grilled peach chunks and halved tomatoes over the lettuce. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle some of the buttermilk-herb dressing on top.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and additional chives over the salad. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side.

Tips & Variations

  • Use ripe but firm peaches for grilling to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
  • Substitute toasted almonds or pecans if hazelnuts are unavailable.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace the yogurt and buttermilk with coconut yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach for more greens and a peppery bite.

Storage

This salad is best served fresh as the lettuce and peaches may become soggy if stored. If needed, store the dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Grilled peaches can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days but add just before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a salad with several layers: the base layer is fresh green iceberg lettuce cut into wedges showing light green and white textures; scattered on top are grilled peach slices with char marks and a golden-brown color; halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes add pops of color; dollops of creamy white blue cheese are spread around, followed by small pieces of light brown toasted hazelnuts. A creamy white dressing with green herbs is generously drizzled over everything, and a metal serving spoon with a woman's hand holding a wedge of salad topped with peach and dressing is above the plate. In the background, there is a small glass bowl of the same creamy dressing. All is set on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this salad?

Fresh peaches are ideal because they hold their shape better when grilled. Frozen peaches tend to be softer and may become mushy on the grill.

What can I substitute for blue cheese?

If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese or feta work well and still add a nice tangy flavor to the salad.

Print
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Grilled Peach Salad with Blue Cheese and Herb Dressing Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Grilled Peach Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer. Juicy peaches are lightly charred on the grill and paired with crisp baby iceberg lettuce, sweet grape tomatoes, crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and tangy blue cheese. The salad is finished with a creamy buttermilk-herb dressing that combines Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon for a bright, balanced flavor. Ideal as a light lunch or a vibrant side salad for any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Buttermilk-Herb Dressing

  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon finely sliced chives, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 4 medium peaches (about 14 ounces total), quartered, pitted
  • Vegetable oil, for brushing
  • 3 heads baby iceberg or little gem lettuce (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup mixed grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, Greek yogurt, finely chopped tarragon, sliced chives, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and granulated sugar. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then whisk until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for medium–high heat and preheat for about 5 minutes. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the peaches: Pat the quartered and pitted peaches dry with paper towels. Brush each peach piece lightly with vegetable oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Grill the peaches: Place the peaches on the grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning halfway through, until they develop a light char and are slightly softened. Remove from the grill and transfer to a cutting board. Let them cool slightly before cutting into 1-inch chunks.
  5. Assemble the salad: On a large platter, arrange the lettuce wedges. Scatter the grilled peach chunks and halved grape tomatoes over the lettuce. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  6. Dress and garnish: Drizzle some of the prepared buttermilk-herb dressing over the salad. Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and additional sliced chives on top for garnish. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute baby iceberg with little gem or romaine lettuce for a different texture.
  • For a nut-free version, omit hazelnuts or replace with toasted pumpkin seeds.
  • Use fresh peaches at peak ripeness for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil in the oven until peaches are charred and soft.
  • Blue cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing depending on the sweetness of your peaches.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: grilled peach salad, summer salad, blue cheese salad, buttermilk dressing, fresh herbs salad, healthy salad recipe

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