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If you’re on the hunt for a bright, fresh salad that combines sweet and savory in the most delightful way, then this Grilled Peach Tomato Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, slightly caramelized peaches kissed by the grill paired with plump, fresh tomatoes and peppery greens, all brought together with a tangy lemon dressing. It’s a salad that captures summer in every bite and feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or as a light dinner, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this salad is its charm. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a balanced taste, inviting textures, and gorgeous color. You’ll love how the peaches add sweetness and caramel notes, while the tomatoes contribute juicy brightness, and the greens lend a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Yellow peaches: Choose ripe but firm peaches to get that perfect balance of sweetness and grill-ready texture.
- Olive oil: The rich, fruity oil helps caramelize the peaches and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- Roma tomatoes: Their firm flesh and subtle sweetness hold up well sliced and bring bursts of flavor.
- Mixed greens: A peppery or mild mix adds both color and crunch.
- Sea salt: Using sea salt instead of regular salt brings out deeper flavors in both the peaches and tomatoes.
- Lemon juice: The fresh acidity cuts through the sweetness and brings brightness to the salad.
- Optional toppings: Microgreens, feta cheese, or balsamic vinegar add layers of texture and flavor for customizing your salad.
How to Make Grilled Peach Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat Your Grill
Kick things off by heating your BBQ grill or grill pan to 400 degrees. This high heat is crucial for creating those beautiful grill marks on the peaches and unlocking their natural sugars, which adds a smoky depth you won’t get otherwise.
Step 2: Season Your Peaches
In a mixing bowl, toss the peach quarters with half of your olive oil and one teaspoon of sea salt. Coating the peaches evenly ensures they’ll caramelize perfectly and soak up just enough seasoning to shine without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place your peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see crisp, golden grill marks. Flip and grill the other side for another 2 minutes. The peaches should be tender, fragrant, and slightly charred around the edges—pure deliciousness.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Arrange the grilled peaches, fresh tomato slices, and mixed greens on a serving platter or in a wide, shallow bowl. This not only looks stunning but lets each bite carry a little bit of every component for a harmonious flavor.
Step 5: Whisk Your Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the remaining teaspoon of sea salt, and the fresh lemon juice. This simple dressing ties the whole dish together with a lively citrus zing and a silky finish.
Step 6: Dress and Garnish the Salad
Drizzle the lemon dressing evenly over the salad. Then sprinkle your optional toppings like microgreens for earthy freshness, crumbled feta for creamy saltiness, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a punch of tangy sweetness. Each addition personalizes the salad beautifully.
How to Serve Grilled Peach Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Microgreens add a fresh, delicate crunch while feta cheese contributes a creamy, salty contrast that melds perfectly with the sweet peaches. For those who crave a bit more tang, a generous drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar adds complexity and depth to every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious juices. Its light yet satisfying character also makes it ideal as a refreshing starter to a multi-course meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad components in a clear glass bowl for a colorful presentation that shows off each beautiful ingredient. Or build individual salad plates with precision, arranging peaches and tomatoes artistically and adding garnishes just before serving to wow your guests visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness since the greens may wilt and the peaches could soften further when chilled.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the texture of both the peaches and greens will change dramatically upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh and enjoy within the same day or next.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t recommended as the salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want warm grilled peaches, grill fresh slices separately and combine with cold tomatoes and greens.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peaches?
Absolutely! Yellow peaches are traditional here, but white peaches or even nectarines work beautifully. Just look for ripe, firm fruit to ensure they grill well without becoming mushy.
What tomatoes are best for this salad?
Roma tomatoes are perfect because they hold their shape and have a balanced sweetness, but heirloom or cherry tomatoes can add lovely color and flavor variety if you prefer.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply skip the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative. The salad is naturally vegan aside from optional cheese garnishes.
How do I get the best grill marks on peaches?
Make sure your grill or pan is hot before placing the peaches down and avoid moving them while they grill. This helps develop strong, appetizing char marks.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. The lemon vinaigrette can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge, just whisk it again before drizzling to bring it back together.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Grilled Peach Tomato Salad Recipe, it’s going to find a special spot in your seasonal cookout lineup or weeknight dinners. The way smoky, sweet peaches mingle with fresh tomatoes and leafy greens, all brightened by that lemon dressing, feels like a celebration on the plate. It’s effortless but impressive, and the kind of salad you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
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Grilled Peach Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Grilled Peach Tomato Salad combining the sweetness of charred peaches with juicy tomatoes and crisp mixed greens, dressed in a zesty lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. Perfect for a light summer meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 yellow peaches, cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 4 tomatoes (Roma recommended), sliced into rounds
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
Dressing
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (from total 2 tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (from total 2 tsp)
Optional Toppings
- Microgreens
- Feta cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your BBQ grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or preheat a grill pan over high heat to prepare for grilling the peaches.
- Prepare Peaches: In a mixing bowl, toss the quartered peaches with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sea salt until evenly coated.
- Grill Peaches: Arrange the peach slices on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until visible grill marks appear. Flip and grill for an additional 2 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
- Assemble Salad Base: On a serving platter or shallow bowl, combine the grilled peaches, mixed greens, and sliced tomatoes, distributing them evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and the juice of one lemon until well combined and emulsified.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Garnish with optional toppings such as microgreens, crumbled feta, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for enhanced flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape while grilling.
- If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt in the dressing to taste for a balanced flavor.
- Feta cheese adds a nice creamy texture and tang to complement the sweetness of peaches.
- Balsamic vinegar can be drizzled as a glaze or mixed into the dressing for extra depth.
- This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the contrast between warm grilled peaches and cool greens.
