There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet, smoky peaches with the bold, tangy flavor of gorgonzola and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. This Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe is a celebration of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly in just minutes. Whether you are looking for a fresh summer side or a light, elegant meal, this salad shines with vibrant colors and layers of flavor that invite you to savor every bite. It’s a personal favorite that never fails to impress guests or satisfy a simple craving for something fresh and delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each component is simple but essential, adding its own unique touch to the overall salad experience—from juicy peaches to the creamy bite of gorgonzola cheese, every element plays a key role.
- Ripe peaches: Choose fresh, juicy peaches that are perfectly ripe to ensure natural sweetness and soft texture after grilling.
- Mixed greens: A peppery arugula or a tender spring mix adds freshness and a vibrant green base for the salad.
- Crumbled gorgonzola cheese: This bold blue cheese introduces a creamy, tangy punch that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- Toasted walnut halves: For a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor, walnuts add depth and a delightful bite.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a gentle sharpness and crisp texture that lifts the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for both grilling and in the dressing, this brings richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze: Adds a touch of acidity and slight sweetness to brighten the salad’s flavor.
- Honey: A drizzle for natural sweetness that complements the tangy and smoky ingredients perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle heat and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to season and bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Peaches
First things first, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the peach halves cut side down on the grill and cook just until grill marks appear and the peaches soften slightly—this only takes a few minutes. Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness and adds that irresistible smoky layer of flavor. Once done, remove the peaches and slice them into manageable pieces for tossing in the salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, a touch of honey, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and season it with salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it emulsifies into a smooth, tangy dressing. This simple mix perfectly balances sweet, savory, and acid notes to tie the salad ingredients together beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Lay down a bed of your chosen mixed greens in a large serving bowl — the vibrant greens are the perfect canvas to showcase your grilled peaches. Top generously with sliced grilled peaches, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnut halves, and thin slices of red onion for that punch of sharpness. This combination makes sure each bite bursts with diverse flavors and textures.
Step 4: Dress and Toss Gently
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss everything gently to make sure every leaf and topping is lightly coated and glistening. This final touch brings all the elements together, creating harmony between the smoky-sweet peaches, tangy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and crisp greens.
How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the visual and flavor appeal, consider adding a few extra walnut halves and crumbles of gorgonzola on top at the end. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of additional balsamic glaze can also add gourmet flair for serving guests or special occasions.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a slice of crusty artisan bread for a complete, satisfying meal. It also complements richer mains like roasted pork or slow-cooked beef, providing a refreshing, fruity contrast to savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this salad in individual bowls or plates rather than a large bowl to highlight the colorful layers. You can also arrange peach slices and walnuts artfully around the edges with microgreens or edible flowers sprinkled on top for a picnic or summer party vibe that’s sure to turn heads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad separately from the dressing in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. Keep the grilled peaches and nuts refrigerated and toss everything together just before serving again for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh greens and cheese, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of the mixed greens and cheese will degrade, and the peaches may become mushy upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two after preparation.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to reheat the grilled peaches, gently warm them in a pan for a minute or two, then add them back to fresh greens and toppings for a just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of gorgonzola?
Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese make excellent substitutes if you prefer a milder and creamier flavor that still complements the sweetness of the peaches.
What nuts work well if I don’t have walnuts?
Pecans or toasted almonds are great alternatives that provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to elevate the salad.
How do I choose the best peaches for grilling?
Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. They should have a fragrant aroma and yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the gorgonzola cheese and consider adding avocado or marinated tofu to keep that creamy texture while keeping it completely vegan.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Just keep the dressing separate and add it at the last minute to keep the greens crisp and toppings fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together quickly and effortlessly, perfect for brightening up any meal or impressing friends with very little fuss. The delightful balance of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try at your next meal and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts is a refreshing and flavorful summer salad that combines the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches with the tangy creaminess of gorgonzola cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts. Tossed with a zesty honey balsamic dressing and fresh mixed greens, it makes a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnut halves
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and the peaches start to soften. Remove from grill and slice each half into wedges.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange the mixed greens in a large serving bowl. Top with the sliced grilled peaches, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress Salad and Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or prosciutto.
- Substitute feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.
- Use candied walnuts instead of toasted walnuts for a sweeter version of the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
