Imagine the juiciest peaches of summer, kissed by the grill until caramelized and nestled into a bed of vibrant greens. Add creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, sweet tomatoes, and a zesty homemade basil vinaigrette, and you’ve got a showstopper on your table. This Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is the very definition of bright, fresh, and totally irresistible—an absolute must-make whether you’re sharing it at a picnic or serving it as a light, elegant meal at home.

Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings a punch of flavor, texture, and color that transforms every forkful. Choose quality produce and a good olive oil for the freshest, most unforgettable bite.

Peaches: Ripe but firm peaches are perfect for grilling and keep their shape beautifully while soaking up the smoky flavor.
Olive oil: A drizzle over your peaches before grilling stops sticking and boosts that wonderful golden char.
Leafy greens: A mix of arugula, spinach, and butter lettuce adds lots of texture and a peppery kick.
Red onion: Sliced super thin, this adds just the right snap and lively color.
Cherry tomatoes: Slightly sweet, super juicy, and bursting with color—these bring the salad to life.
Avocado: Creamy diced avocado pairs beautifully with the bright peaches and tangy cheese.
Goat cheese: Crumbled sharp goat cheese adds luscious creaminess—swap with feta if you like!
Pistachios: Roughly chopped roasted pistachios add crunch and salty depth to every bite.
Olive oil (for vinaigrette): A peppery, rich oil makes your dressing sing.
Apple cider vinegar: This brightens everything, bringing balance to the sweetness of the peaches and honey.
Raw honey: A subtle floral sweetness that doesn’t overpower.
Dijon mustard: Adds just the right amount of sharpness to the vinaigrette.
Kosher salt: Enhances all those fresh flavors, don’t skip it!
Fresh basil: Chopped basil turns your dressing—and the whole Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette—into something extra special.

How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Step 1: Grill the Peaches

Start by tossing your peach wedges in a bit of olive oil—this helps prevent sticking, but more importantly, helps them develop those irresistible caramelized grill marks. Fire up your grill to medium-high, lay the peaches cut side down, and give them just a couple minutes per side. You want them tender but not mushy! Once they’re beautifully charred, transfer to a plate and let them cool slightly while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Make the Basil Vinaigrette

Into a jar or tall measuring glass goes your olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, generous salt, and all that chopped basil. Shake or whisk like you mean it! The fresh basil transforms this dressing into the heart of the Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette. Once it’s well-blended, set it aside—for now, try not to eat it by the spoonful.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In your largest, prettiest bowl, add the leafy greens, then pour over half the basil vinaigrette. Toss gently, so every bit is lightly dressed. Now it’s time to layer on the color: fan out those grilled peach slices, scatter the red onion, cherry tomatoes, and add generous cubes of avocado. Sprinkle the goat cheese and chopped pistachios over the top for the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and fresh.

Step 4: Serve and Dress

Right before serving, drizzle over the remaining basil vinaigrette for maximum flavor. If you like, you can serve the rest on the side—especially handy if you have a crowd or want everyone to dress their own plate. This is the moment where your Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette will really shine, bursting with contrast and color.

How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Garnishes

For extra wow factor, add a little more fresh chopped basil, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving. These finishing touches make every bite pop, and the bright green basil on top just looks irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad is epic as a light lunch, but it also sings next to grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite BBQ proteins. A crusty baguette or some simple garlic crostini are perfect to mop up any extra basil vinaigrette, making every morsel count.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette on a long platter for a jaw-dropping centerpiece, or serve in individual jars for a portable picnic. You can even skewer the grilled peaches and serve them atop mini toasts—perfect for parties or stylish appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette, store the components separately if possible—greens in one container, grilled peaches and toppings in another, and the vinaigrette in a jar in the fridge. This keeps everything crisp and makes it easy to reassemble when you’re ready for more.

Freezing

While the basil vinaigrette itself can be frozen in a small container for up to two months, salads with leafy greens and avocado don’t freeze well. For best results, freeze only the dressing and whip up the salad components fresh each time.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for this fresh, crisp salad—just let any chill come off the peaches if you’ve stored them in the fridge. You can briefly re-grill the peaches (30 seconds per side) to restore warmth and that just-grilled aroma, but it’s completely optional.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can grill the peaches, slice the veggies, and make the vinaigrette up to a day ahead. Just store everything separately and assemble right before serving so the greens stay perky.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta cheese is a fantastic swap, bringing a similar tangy creaminess. If you prefer dairy-free, try a cashew-based vegan cheese or even a few dollops of hummus for a new twist.

How do I pick the best peaches for this salad?

Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t overly soft. Firm, ripe peaches hold up beautifully on the grill and develop delicious caramelized edges without falling apart.

Is it possible to make Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette without a grill?

You can! Use a stovetop grill pan or even a cast iron skillet to sear the peaches. The idea is to get a little color and caramelization, even if you’re cooking indoors.

What greens work best in this salad?

Peppery arugula, tender spinach, and butter lettuce create a tasty base, but you can easily use spring mix, baby kale, or whatever fresh greens you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the flavors and textures in a Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette. Sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy—it’s everything you want in a summer dish and then some. Give it a try and let this crowd-pleaser steal the spotlight at your next meal!

Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Peach Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful mix of grilled peaches, fresh greens, creamy goat cheese, and a flavorful homemade dressing. Perfect for a light and tasty summer meal!

Instructions

Grill the peaches: Add sliced peaches to a bowl with olive oil, coat gently. Grill on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until soft with grill marks. Cool.
Make the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: Toss greens with half the dressing. Add onion, tomatoes, avocado, grilled peaches, goat cheese, and pistachios. Drizzle remaining dressing, serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American