Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad is a delicious combination of sweet and savoury aromas that is balanced by the peppery sting of arugula. This salad is not only visually appealing, but it is also simple to make. Here’s a step-by-step guide to producing this wonderful treat.
maciji.com
Ingredients:
3–4 ripe peaches
4 cups fresh rocket
1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Drizzle with honey if desired.
Equipments:
Grill (either an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan)
Tongs
blending bowls
Cutlery and a chopping board
Instructions:
Gather the Ingredients:
Thoroughly wash the peaches and blot them dry with a paper towel.
Remove the pits from the peaches and cut them in half.
Wash and dry the rackets.
If you’re using a complete block of cheese, crumble it into smaller chunks first.
Coarsely chop the walnuts or pecans.
Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat an external grill to medium-high heat if using. Warm up a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the Peaches:
Lightly brush the peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking.
With the peaches cut side down, place them on the grill.
Grill for about 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the peaches have softened slightly.
Use tongs to carefully flip the peaches and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
The grilled peaches should be removed from the grill and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula with the remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Season the arugula with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
On a serving platter, arrange the dressed arugula
Add the Toppings:
Place the grilled peach halves on top of the arugula.
Sprinkle the crumbled cheese and chopped nuts over the salad.
Drizzle and Serve:
If desired, drizzle a bit of honey over the salad to enhance the sweetness of the peaches.
Serve the grilled peach and arugula salad immediately as an appetizer or a light main course.
Variations:
Experiment with different types of cheese such as blue cheese or gorgonzola for a stronger flavor.
Add some thinly sliced red onions or prosciutto for extra depth of flavor.
Substitute the nuts with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
For an extra burst of freshness, add a handful of mint leaves or basil leaves.
This Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a summer lunch, a dinner party starter, or a light and healthy weeknight meal. The combination of grilled peaches, peppery arugula, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts will surely delight your taste buds.