If you’re looking for a show-stopping summer salad that’s equal parts elegant and effortless, you’ll fall head over heels for this Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. This vibrant salad celebrates the peak-of-season sweetness from juicy peaches, the seductive smokiness from the grill, and the irresistible savory crunch from crispy pancetta. Every bite sparkles with creamy blue cheese and finishes with a drizzle of golden honey vinaigrette — it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that never fails to dazzle at gatherings, yet is easy enough to throw together on a whim.

Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of key ingredients, each chosen for its unique contribution to the final dish. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy makes every forkful really special — don’t skip anything if you want the full effect!

Pancetta (2 oz, thinly sliced): Adds a salty, crispy punch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peaches. Substitute with bacon or prosciutto if you prefer.
Peaches (2, halved and pitted): The star of the dish; grilling brings out their natural sugars and creates caramelized edges.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 Tbsp plus 1/4 cup): Used for both grilling peaches and making the honey vinaigrette; always reach for a good quality oil for best results.
Kosher salt (1/2 tsp, plus more for vinaigrette): Essential for balancing flavors and drawing out sweetness in fruit.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp, plus more for vinaigrette): Gives just a hint of heat and backbone to every bite.
Light brown sugar (1 Tbsp, packed): Adds lovely caramel notes as the peaches grill, amplifying their juicy flavor.
White wine vinegar (1 tsp and 2 Tbsp): Lends a bright, crisp tang to both the grilled peaches and honey vinaigrette.
Blue cheese (1/3 cup, crumbled): Delivers creamy, tangy richness that plays so well with grilled peaches.
Honey (2 tsp for peaches, 1 Tbsp for vinaigrette): Natural sweetness ties the entire salad together and complements the fruit.
Mesclun salad greens (5 oz): Peppery and tender, these form the fresh, vibrant bed for your toppings.
Chives (2 Tbsp, minced): Offer a delicate onion flavor and a pop of color to finish.
Dijon mustard (2 tsp): A sharp, savory note in the vinaigrette that cuts through richness.

How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Step 1: Crisp the Pancetta

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange pancetta slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp. Drain the pancetta on a paper towel-lined plate while you get everything else ready — these crunchy shards will be the ultimate savory topping for your Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette.

Step 2: Prep and Oil the Peaches

While the pancetta crisps, preheat your grill to medium-high. Rub the halved, pitted peaches with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. The oil ensures those dazzling grill marks, while the salt draws out the peaches’ juiciest, sweetest flavors.

Step 3: Grill Peaches to Perfection

Place the peaches cut side down directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until you see irresistible charred marks and the fruit starts to soften. Flip the peaches gently (a flexible spatula helps here) to the skin side and continue grilling.

Step 4: Caramelize with Brown Sugar and Vinegar

In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and one teaspoon white wine vinegar. Spoon this mixture over the top of each peach half as they finish grilling. Cover the grill and let the peaches cook for another 4 minutes — this touch infuses the fruit with sweet-tart intensity and a glossy finish.

Step 5: Top with Blue Cheese and Honey

With the peaches hot off the grill, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top of each half and drizzle with honey. The warmth from the peaches just softens the cheese, making each bite creamy and decadent.

Step 6: Toss the Greens and Assemble

Toss the mesclun salad greens with just enough honey vinaigrette to lightly coat. Mound the greens on a large platter or salad bowl, then artfully arrange your grilled peaches and crispy pancetta over the top. Don’t forget any pan juices — pour them over for extra flavor!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Scatter the salad with minced chives and, if you love extra dressing, drizzle on a little more honey vinaigrette. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, color, and flavor — it’s pure summertime bliss.

Step 8: Whip Up the Honey Vinaigrette

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly, until the dressing is thick and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Homemade vinaigrette elevates everything with tang and silkiness, pulling the entire Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette together beautifully.

How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Garnishes

This salad looks and tastes amazing with an extra sprinkle of blue cheese, an additional drizzle of honey vinaigrette, and a scattering of fresh chives. For added crunch, toss on a few toasted nuts like pecans or almonds. Remember, you eat with your eyes first — a little flourish makes all the difference.

Side Dishes

Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a star on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd, pair it with a crusty baguette to soak up the juices, or a herbed grilled chicken for a satisfying meal. It also shines alongside chilled white wine or sparkling water with citrus for a light, summery vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, serve each peach half atop a little mound of dressed greens on individual plates for a dinner party-worthy starter. Or, make it buffet-style on a big platter for sharing at a barbecue. For a picnic, layer the tossed greens in jars, place grilled peach halves and pancetta on top, and let everyone shake on their own honey vinaigrette before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with extras, store the greens and grilled peaches separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the honey vinaigrette in a jar so you can re-toss the salad just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as peaches and greens both lose their lovely texture after thawing. The vinaigrette keeps for up to a week in the fridge though, so you can always whip up a new batch of salad when the craving strikes!

Reheating

You don’t need to reheat this salad, but if you crave warm peaches, gently warm them in a skillet for a minute or two before serving. Avoid microwaving the greens, as they’ll wilt and lose their crispness – the contrast of warm fruit and cold greens is all part of the magic.

FAQs

Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?

Absolutely! Nectarines have a similar flavor and texture to peaches and work beautifully in this Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. Just be sure to select ripe but firm nectarines for the best grilling results.

What if I don’t like blue cheese?

No worries at all. You can swap the blue cheese for creamy goat cheese, feta, or even burrata if you prefer milder, creamy flavors. Each one gives a new twist to the salad while complementing the grilled peaches perfectly.

Do I need an outdoor grill?

While outdoor grills add unbeatable smoky flavor, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well for caramelizing the peaches. No grill at all? Try broiling the peach halves in your oven for similar charred edges.

Is Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette gluten free?

Yes! This salad is naturally gluten free as written. Just double check any packaged items like pancetta or bacon to confirm they’re processed without gluten-containing additives.

What greens can I use instead of mesclun?

If you don’t have mesclun, baby arugula, baby spinach, or a classic spring mix make fantastic substitutes. Choose greens that are fresh and tender to let the peaches and honey vinaigrette truly shine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with this Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette as I am. Every forkful is packed with sunshine, flavor, and that special touch that turns an everyday meal into a memorable celebration. Give it a try and share it with someone you love — you’ll find yourself craving it all season long!

Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Grilled peaches paired with crispy pancetta, blue cheese, and a honey vinaigrette make for a perfect summer salad.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cook pancetta until crispy.
Grill Peaches: Rub peaches with olive oil, season, and grill until tender with grill marks.
Prepare Peaches: Mix brown sugar and vinegar, spoon onto peaches, and grill further.
Assemble: Top grilled peaches with blue cheese and honey. Toss greens with vinaigrette, add peaches and pancetta, then sprinkle with chives.
Make Vinaigrette: Whisk honey, mustard, vinegar, and olive oil together. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette to suit your taste.
This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Grilled Peach Salad, Honey Vinaigrette, Summer Salad, Grilling, Peach Recipe