If you are ready to brighten up your salad game with a perfect harmony of smoky sweetness, creamy tang, and a satisfying crunch, this Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Juicy peaches kissed by the grill blend beautifully with pungent Gorgonzola and toasted walnuts, all tossed on a bed of fresh mixed greens. It is a refreshing, vibrant dish that balances textures and flavors effortlessly, ideal for a light lunch or a dazzling side at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet so essential in crafting a salad that bursts with fresh, layered flavors and inviting colors. Each component plays a special role — from the juicy peaches that add a touch of sweetness to the crunchy walnuts bringing a wholesome bite.
- 3 ripe peaches (halved and pitted): Choose peaches that are firm yet fragrant for the best grilling experience and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to seal in the moisture of the peaches and prevents sticking on the grill.
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix): A crisp, fresh base that balances the richness of the cheese and nuts.
- ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese: Adds a bold, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts (roughly chopped): Provides a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to complement the other ingredients.
- ¼ small red onion (thinly sliced): Introduces a mild sharpness and a pop of color.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze: Its syrupy sweetness ties the entire salad together with a tangy finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor note.
How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Peaches
Start by heating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot enough to give those peaches those gorgeous char marks. Lightly brush each peach half with olive oil to prevent sticking and help caramelize the surface. Place them cut-side down on the grill and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until you see those charming grill stripes and a slight softening — this enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that makes this salad special.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
While the peaches cool just a bit, take your mixed greens and arrange them neatly in a large bowl or on a serving platter. This fresh, leafy bed is what the other ingredients will rest on, so make sure to spread it out evenly for a visually pleasing presentation.
Step 3: Add Peach Slices and Toppings
Slice the grilled peaches into wedges, then layer them over the greens. Sprinkle the salad generously with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and the toasted walnuts. Add thinly sliced red onion for a spark of color and flavor contrast. These toppings create a beautiful mosaic of textures and tastes you’ll find irresistible.
Step 4: Drizzle and Season
Finally, drizzle the salad with luscious balsamic glaze. This glaze adds a tart-sweet note that perfectly complements the peaches and cheese. Season the whole salad lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give a gentle toss to combine all elements or serve as artfully arranged—the choice is yours!
How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, consider finishing with a few fresh herb leaves like basil or mint for an herbal brightness, or extra chopped walnuts for visual interest and crunch. A small drizzle of honey over the top can also add an unexpected layer of sweetness that hugs every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins such as chicken or shrimp to turn it into a satisfying main course. Alternatively, serve alongside crusty bread or a light soup to create a balanced and inviting meal that’s perfect for warm days.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, try serving this salad in individual glass bowls or on a rustic wooden board. Arranging the grilled peach slices in a fan shape or layering the salad in a mason jar for a picnic surprising your guests with colorful layers are also fun, eye-catching ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe, keep the salad components separate if possible. Store the greens and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day, while keeping the grilled peaches in a separate sealed container to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of greens, cheese, and walnuts can change negatively after freezing, and grilled peaches lose their pleasant juiciness.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cool or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. If you want to warm peaches slightly, you can briefly heat them before assembling, but do so right before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Absolutely! If you prefer something milder, goat cheese or feta cheese are excellent alternatives that still bring creaminess and a touch of tanginess without overpowering the other flavors.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure any extra add-ons follow your dietary preferences.
How do I toast walnuts perfectly?
Simply toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when toasted aromas rise and they turn golden brown.
Can I grill the peaches on a stovetop grill pan?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works beautifully to achieve those signature grill marks and caramelization with the same wonderful results.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, prosciutto, or even chickpeas for some extra protein and depth. A drizzle of honey or fresh figs can boost sweetness while keeping it balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe is truly a celebration of seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors. Every bite delights with contrast and freshness, making it a must-try for any salad lover looking to impress or invigorate their meal rotation. So go ahead and give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to create something this delicious and charming right in your own kitchen!
Print
Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts is a fresh and flavorful summer salad combining sweet, juicy grilled peaches with tangy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and vibrant mixed greens. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty notes ideal for a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Fruit and Dressing
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Salad Base and Toppings
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the peaches.
- Prepare Peaches: Lightly brush the peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
- Grill Peaches: Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes until grill marks appear and peaches are slightly softened. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Slice Peaches: After cooling, slice the grilled peaches for easy layering in the salad.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange the mixed greens as the base. Top evenly with grilled peach slices, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures at their best.
Notes
- Substitute Gorgonzola with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or prosciutto to turn the salad into a hearty main dish.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the salad or add fresh figs as a topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
