Charred Summer Peach Salad with Toasted Pecans & Juicy Blackberries

Sweet, smoky, tangy, and ultra-fresh—this salad is pure summer on a plate. Perfect as a light meal, elegant side, or brunch showstopper.


 Overview

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 6–8 minutes
  • Total: ~15 minutes
  • Servings: 4

 Ingredients

 Salad

  • 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 oz (140 g) mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped

 Simple Honey-Balsamic Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

 Instructions

1️⃣ Char the Peaches

  • Heat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.
  • Brush peach halves with olive oil.
  • Grill 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized grill marks appear.
  • Remove and slice into wedges.

2️⃣ Make the Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, balsamic, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad

  • Arrange greens on a platter or bowl.
  • Top with grilled peaches, blackberries, red onion, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.

4️⃣ Finish & Serve

  • Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
  • Serve immediately.

 Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~340 kcal
  • Protein: ~7 g
  • Fat: ~24 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~26 g
  • Fiber: ~5 g
  • Sugar: ~18 g

(Varies by cheese & dressing amount)


 Allergen & Nut Information

 Contains

  • Tree nuts: pecans
  • Dairy: goat cheese or feta
  • Mustard: Dijon mustard

 Egg-Free

 Gluten-Free

 Substitutions

  • Nut-free: swap pecans for toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
  • Dairy-free: use dairy-free feta or omit cheese
  • Vegan: use maple syrup + vegan cheese
  • Low-sugar: skip honey, use balsamic glaze sparingly

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead?

Partially. Grill peaches and toast pecans up to 1 day ahead. Assemble just before serving.

Q: Can I use nectarines?

Yes! Nectarines work beautifully.

Q: What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto pair perfectly.

Q: How do I toast pecans?

Toast in a dry pan over medium heat 3–5 minutes, stirring until fragrant.

Q: Can I skip grilling?

Yes—use raw peaches, but grilling adds extra depth.


 Pro Tips

  • Slightly underripe peaches grill best.
  • Add fresh basil or mint for a gourmet touch.
  • Serve with crusty bread or as a BBQ side.