Grilled Peach Salad
Grilled Peach Salad is everything a summer salad should be — juicy grilled peaches, salty crumbled feta, peppery arugula, and crunchy toasted walnuts all tossed together in one fresh, flavor-packed bowl. It’s bright, balanced, and finished with a simple honey balsamic dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for warm evenings, backyard dinners, or anything coming off the grill.
This grilled peach salad is a go-to for summer entertaining or just upgrading your weekday salad game. It’s perfect on its own as a light lunch, or served as a side dish with Lemon Garlic Chicken, Tuscan Salmon or even burgers. The mix of sweet and savory flavors makes it feel a little elevated, but it only takes about 15 minutes to throw together. You don’t need any complicated tools or techniques — just a grill pan and a few fresh ingredients.
Why you’ll love this Grilled Peach Salad

Grilled Peach Salad Is My Summer Go-To for a Reason
Peaches are one of my favorite parts of summer — and when they’re grilled? Even better. I started adding them to salads a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back. The sweet peaches paired with salty feta and a quick honey balsamic dressing make every bite feel like something you’d order at a nice café… except you’re just standing in your kitchen, probably still in flip-flops. It’s simple, fresh, and always a hit when I bring it to a get-together.
Ingredients Needed for Grilled Peach Salad
- Arugula – Adds a peppery bite that plays well with the sweet peaches. Swap with baby spinach or mixed greens if you prefer something milder.
- Peaches – Go for ripe but firm ones so they hold up on the grill. White or yellow both work — just make sure they smell sweet.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Brings a juicy pop and a little acidity. Grape tomatoes or chopped heirlooms are good substitutes.
- Feta Cheese – The salty, creamy element that ties it all together. Goat cheese or shaved parmesan would work too.
- Walnuts – Toasted for crunch and a little nuttiness. Pecans or sliced almonds are easy swaps.
- Olive Oil – Used for grilling the peaches and in the dressing. A good quality one makes a difference here.
- Honey – Adds just enough sweetness to the dressing. Maple syrup can work if that’s what you have.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds tang and depth to the dressing. A thicker balsamic works best, but any will do.
- Salt and Pepper – Just enough to season the dressing and balance the flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This is the tangy element that pulls everything together. A thick, syrupy balsamic is lovely here — or reduce a regular one slightly if you want something more concentrated.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of each to season the dressing. It helps bring all the flavors to life without overpowering anything.

How to make Grilled Peach Salad
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Wash and slice the peaches into wedges, aiming for 4 to 6 slices per half.

Brush the peach slices lightly with olive oil on both sides.

Grill the peaches for a couple of minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and start to soften slightly.

Whisk the remaining olive oil with honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Arrange all the ingredients in a large serving bowl or platter and drizzle with the dressing.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp: To turn this salad into a more filling main dish, toss on some grilled chicken breast or shrimp. The smoky char from the grill pairs perfectly with the peaches and adds extra protein to make it feel like a full meal without much extra work.
- Try burrata instead of feta: For a creamier, more decadent version, swap the feta for burrata. Tear it into chunks and nestle it into the salad right before serving. It’s softer and milder, which lets the peaches shine even more.
- Use nectarines or plums: If you don’t have peaches or they’re not in season, nectarines are an easy swap (no peeling needed). Plums are also great here — they’re a little more tart, which works beautifully against the sweet dressing.
- Add grilled corn or avocado: Both of these bring another layer of summer goodness. Grilled corn adds a little smoky sweetness, while sliced avocado makes it extra creamy and satisfying. You can even do both if you’re feeling fancy.
- Toss in some fresh herbs: A handful of torn basil or mint adds a pop of freshness and makes the whole salad smell like summer. You don’t need much — just a few leaves will go a long way in boosting the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it alongside grilled meats: This salad is the perfect sidekick for anything coming off the grill — Chicken, steak, Pork Chops, or even grilled sausages. The sweetness from the peaches and the sharpness of the feta help balance out rich, smoky flavors, so it really rounds out a plate without needing much else.
- Make it a light lunch: Turn it into a main by serving it with a slice of Crusty Bread or a scoop of quinoa on the side. You can even layer the salad over a bed of cooked grains if you want something a little more filling without it becoming too heavy.
- Add it to a summer spread: This is the kind of salad that looks pretty on the table, which makes it great for barbecues, Potlucks, and casual summer dinners with friends. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a platter so the peaches and toppings stay visible and inviting.
- Top it with extra protein: If you’re looking to make it more of a meal, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even slices of grilled halloumi work great here. The salty, smoky protein pairs beautifully with the peaches and makes the salad feel more substantial.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Grilled Peach Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 1–2 days. The arugula can wilt once dressed, so if you know you’ll have extra, try storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. The peaches might soften more after being grilled, but they’ll still taste great the next day.
- Can I freeze Grilled Peach Salad?
This one’s a no for the freezer. The texture of arugula, tomatoes, and peaches doesn’t hold up well after thawing, and feta can go crumbly in an odd way. If you want to prep ahead, you can toast the walnuts and mix the dressing in advance, but everything else is best fresh.
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Tips & Tricks
- Choose peaches that are just firm enough: You want ripe peaches for flavor, but they should still have some firmness to them so they don’t fall apart on the grill. A quick test is to gently press near the stem — there should be a little give, but not so much that it feels squishy.
- Use a hot grill or grill pan: Make sure your grill or pan is fully preheated before adding the peaches. This helps them sear quickly and get those gorgeous grill marks without overcooking and turning to mush. A light brush of oil on the grill grates can also help prevent sticking.
- Toast the walnuts ahead of time: Toasting brings out their flavor and gives them a bit more crunch. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few minutes or toss them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. Just keep an eye on them — they can go from golden to burnt fast.
- Assemble the salad just before serving: This salad is at its best when it’s freshly tossed. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the components separate — grill the peaches, mix the dressing, and store everything individually until you’re ready to serve. That way, the greens stay crisp and nothing gets soggy.
- Let the grilled peaches cool slightly before adding: If you toss the peaches in while they’re still piping hot, they can wilt the greens and melt the cheese too much. Let them rest for a few minutes off the grill so everything stays in balance when you mix it together.
Recommended
More Summer Recipes
FAQ

Grilled Peaches Salad
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grill or grill pan
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Large serving bowl or platter
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 peaches
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the peaches, cut them in half, and slice each half into 4–6 wedges.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Brush the peach slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Grill the peaches for 2–3 minutes per side, just until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with the honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl or platter, arrange the arugula, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts.
- Add the grilled peaches on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with the dressing, toss gently, and serve right away.