Ah, grilled peaches—summer’s sweetest gift. Toss them with peppery arugula and creamy feta, and you’ve got a salad that dances on your taste buds like a festival of flavors. It’s like that unexpected song on the radio that just makes you want to roll down the windows and sing along.
Steps
- Begin by quartering firm-ripe peaches and grilling them on all sides until they are lightly charred.
- In a large bowl, combine baby arugula, feta cheese, fresh mint, and toasted pistachios.
- Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Finally, add the grilled peaches on top of the salad just before serving.
Ingredients
- Firm-ripe peaches
- Baby arugula
- Feta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves
- Toasted pistachios
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- White wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Table salt
- Black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use other fruits instead of peaches for this salad?
- Absolutely! While peaches provide a sweet and smoky flavor, you can experiment with other firm fruits like nectarines or plums for a similar grilled effect.
- What type of cheese can be substituted for feta in this salad?
- If you prefer a different cheese, goat cheese can be a great alternative to feta. It offers a similar tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
- How can I prepare this salad in advance?
- To get ahead, you can prepare the arugula, feta, mint, and pistachios in a large bowl up to two days before serving. The vinaigrette can also be made and stored in the fridge. Just grill the peaches and assemble the salad right before serving.
- What should I do if I don’t have a grill?
- If you lack a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or broil the peaches in the oven for a similar charred effect.
- Is there an alternative to arugula that I can use?
- Definitely! If arugula isn’t to your taste, you can replace it with spinach or butter lettuce for a milder flavor profile.
Tips
- Choose Firm Peaches: Opt for firm, ripe peaches as they hold up better on the grill and won’t fall apart under high heat.
- Pre-assemble Ingredients: You can prepare the arugula, feta, mint, and pistachios up to two days in advance. Store them in a large bowl, and keep the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Grill with Care: When grilling peaches, place them cut-side down for about four minutes or until grill marks appear. This enhances their natural sweetness with a smoky, caramelized flavor.
- Toss Just Before Serving: For the freshest taste, toss the salad with the vinaigrette and add the grilled peaches right before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and the flavors vibrant.
Equipment
- And-Arugula Salad With Feta that someone might need to purchase on Amazon:
- Grill or Grill Pan: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan can be used to achieve similar results indoors.
- Large Salad Bowl: For tossing together the salad ingredients.
- Whisk: For combining the vinaigrette ingredients.
- Airtight Container: Useful for storing the vinaigrette if preparing it ahead of time.
