Discover vibrant flavors with this easy Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad featuring fresh herbs and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. This salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and refreshing elements that celebrate the best of summer produce. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an impressive side dish, this Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad delivers bright colors, delightful textures, and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe grilled peaches and creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) creates a balance of sweet and savory that’s simply irresistible.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and grilling time, you can have this salad ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy summer days.
Vibrant Presentation: Bright peaches, green herbs, and crisp greens make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious, ideal for sharing at gatherings.
Customizable: You can tailor this salad with your favorite fresh herbs and nuts to suit your personal taste or dietary needs.
Healthy and Nourishing: Loaded with fresh fruits, herbs, and light dressing, it’s a wholesome choice that satisfies without feeling heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to make this Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad burst with flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role from the juicy sweetness of the peaches to the bright tang of the dressing.

Fresh peaches: Firm yet ripe peaches are perfect for grilling, bringing natural sweetness and slight caramelized depth.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal): This creamy cheese adds a mild, smooth texture that balances the sweet peaches.
Fresh mixed greens: A mix of arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix for crunchy freshness and vibrant color.
Fresh herbs: Basil, mint, and parsley brighten the salad with their aromatic notes and freshness.
Apple cider vinegar: The tangy dressing base that adds zest and balances the salad’s sweetness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors in the dressing and on the grilled fruit.
Honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the peach flavors.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
Optional toasted nuts: Such as walnuts or almonds for added crunch and depth.

Variations for Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad

One of the joys of this Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and textures that you love or have on hand to make the recipe your own.

Swap the greens: Try baby kale or watercress for a different leafy base with unique flavors and nutrients.
Add protein: Grilled chicken, smoked turkey slices, or chickpeas can turn this salad into a full meal.
Use different herbs: Cilantro or dill can shift the flavor profile in exciting ways depending on your taste preference.
Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds or pine nuts add pleasant crunch and nutrition.
Change up the dressing: Incorporate lemon juice or grape juice to add a new citrusy or fruity twist.

Refreshing Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad Ideas

How to Make Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Wash the peaches and cut them into wedges, about half an inch thick. This size helps them grill evenly without falling apart.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly brush the peach wedges with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization while grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach wedges on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until grill marks appear, and the peaches are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter or bowl, layer the mixed greens and scatter fresh herbs over the top. Arrange the grilled peaches and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) evenly across the salad.

Step 6: Drizzle and Garnish

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, then sprinkle with toasted nuts if using, and a bit more fresh ground pepper for an extra kick.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad

Choose firm yet ripe peaches: They should yield to gentle pressure but not be mushy for perfect grilling texture.
Grill quickly and watch closely: Peaches can burn easily, so keep a close eye to avoid charring beyond flavor enhancement.
Use fresh herbs generously: They brighten the salad and add layers of flavor that transform the dish.
Make dressing last minute: This keeps it fresh and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Toast nuts beforehand: Toasting enhances their flavor and crunch, taking the salad’s texture to the next level.

How to Serve Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and a few extra grilled peach slices on top add visual appeal and invite people to dig in enthusiastically.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled smoked turkey slices, crusty artisan bread, or light quinoa dishes for a full, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl or on individual plates with a drizzle of dressing at the table for a more interactive and beautiful dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep salad ingredients separate if possible and store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Grilled peaches and dressing are best kept apart from greens until ready to serve.

Freezing

Grilled peach and mozzarella salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the texture of greens and cheese will be compromised.

Reheating

If needed, gently warm leftover peaches separately before assembling the salad again, but do not reheat the entire salad to maintain texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches for this salad?

Fresh peaches are best for grilling and flavor, but in a pinch, drained canned peaches can be lightly warmed and used as a substitute.

Is there a vegan alternative for shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite vegan cheese shreds that melt well or use crumbled tofu seasoned lightly for creaminess.

How long can I store the dressing?

Dressing made with apple cider vinegar and olive oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week when tightly sealed.

Can I prepare the salad without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or broil the peaches in the oven to achieve similar caramelization.

What nuts work best for this salad?

Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans add wonderful crunch and pair beautifully with the peach and cheese flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad is a true celebration of seasonal goodness and simple, delicious cooking. It’s perfect for hot days when you want something fresh, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and let the vibrant summer colors and tastes brighten your table and mood!

Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad

Author: Marcus
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a burst of summer flavors with this easy Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Summer Salad. Combining the natural sweetness of grilled peaches with creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), fresh mixed greens, and aromatic herbs, this salad is dressed with a tangy apple cider vinegar vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing tastes with an elegant presentation that’s quick to prepare and customizable to your preference.

Instructions

Prepare the Peaches: Wash the peaches thoroughly and cut them into wedges about half an inch thick to ensure they grill evenly without falling apart.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly brush the peach wedges with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
Grill the Peaches: Place the peach wedges on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until grill marks develop and the peaches become tender but still hold their shape.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is emulsified and well combined.
Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or in a bowl, layer the fresh mixed greens and sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs evenly over the top. Arrange the grilled peach wedges and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) across the salad.
Drizzle and Garnish: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Sprinkle toasted nuts if using, and add a bit more freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Choose firm yet ripe peaches for the best grilling texture; they should yield to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
Grill peaches quickly and watch closely to prevent burning; light charring adds flavor but too much will be bitter.
Use fresh herbs generously to brighten the salad and add complex flavors.
Prepare the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess.
Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their crunch and flavor.
If you do not have a grill, use a grill pan or broil peaches in the oven for similar caramelization.
Store salad components separately if not serving immediately, especially keeping grilled peaches and dressing apart from greens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American