Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad

When warm weather arrives, it’s time to fire up the grill and keep meals light, fresh, and full of flavor. That’s where this Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad comes in. It’s a celebration of everything good about summer—sun-ripened peaches, smoky grilled protein, crisp greens, and just enough tangy cheese to make every bite unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfectly
• Quick to make, ideal for weeknight dinners or cookouts
• Naturally gluten-free and packed with wholesome ingredients
• Makes a show-stopping side or light main course

This salad draws inspiration from Southern American cuisine, where peaches are prized in both sweet and savory dishes. Pairing grilled fruit with lean meats like chicken is a rustic tradition that’s been elevated into modern clean-eating staples.

Origin of the Recipe: Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad

The Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of Southern American tradition and modern health-forward cuisine. Its roots lie in the Southern United States, where peaches are celebrated as one of the region’s most prized summer fruits, especially in states like Georgia and South Carolina, known as peach capitals. Grilling fruit, a common Southern practice, intensifies its natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with smoky meats, a staple of backyard barbecues.

Combining grilled peaches with chicken, leafy greens, and creamy cheeses reflects the evolution of traditional Southern ingredients into contemporary dishes focused on freshness, balance, and nutrition. The use of arugula and goat cheese introduces a Mediterranean flair, making the dish both rustic and elegant. This salad honors its Southern roots while embracing global influences, bringing together sweet, savory, and tangy elements in a light and wholesome way.

Grocery List:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh peaches
• Fresh arugula
• Goat cheese (or feta)
• Walnuts
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Salt & black pepper

Print Recipe

Healthy

Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad

Author: simplydelicious Cooking Method: Grilling Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Egg Free High Protein

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 22 mins

Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: $ 5.95 Calories: 460

Best Season: Summer

Dietary:

Gluten Free

Description

This Grilled Peach and Chicken Salad is the perfect summer plate—juicy grilled chicken breast, charred sweet peaches, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Drizzled with a simple balsamic-honey vinaigrette, it's light yet satisfying and ideal for picnics or backyard dinners.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 fresh peaches, halved and pitted
• 4 cups fresh arugula
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch of sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. 1- Prep the Grill

   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts and peach halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

   Mark as complete

1. 2- Grill Chicken & Peaches:

   Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Grill peaches cut-side down for 3–4 minutes, until grill marks appear and peaches slightly soften. Remove everything and let it rest.

   
   Mark as complete

1. 3- Slice & Assemble:

   Slice the grilled chicken and peaches. On a large plate or bowl, layer arugula, then top with sliced chicken and peaches. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and walnuts.

   Mark as complete

1. 4- Make the Dressing:

   Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

   Mark as complete

1. 5- Serve:

   Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy warm or room temp!

   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Serving Size 1

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 460kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 280mg12%

Potassium 750mg22%

Total Carbohydrate 17g6%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 13g

Protein 32g64%

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Magnesium 65 mg

Net Carb 14g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If goat cheese isn’t your thing, swap it with feta or shaved parmesan. You can also add quinoa or farro to bulk this up into a grain bowl!

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