Grilled Peach Salad & Mint Pesto
Publish date: 2024-07-14
This 30-minute salad makes a bright, sweet side on any summer table. Juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella & herbs will please vegetarians & meat eaters alike!
summer / gluten free / favorite
This one has moved to the top of my list for favorite summertime dishes. Sweet grilled peaches, spicy arugula, creamy fresh mozzarella, crunchy pine nuts, and herb-y pesto… It’s simple enough to put together for a light weeknight meal, but fancy enough to serve as a starter at your next dinner party.
5.0 from 7 reviewsGrilled Peach Salad & Mint Pesto
PrintPrep time 20 minsCook time 6 minsTotal time 26 mins Author: Jeanine DonofrioServes: 4 as a sideIngredientsFor the salad:- 2 firm, yet ripe, peaches
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups baby arugula
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- A few dollops pesto
- Toasted pine nuts, for sprinkling
- Sea salt and fresh black pepper
For the mint & basil pesto:- 1 packed cup mixed mint & basil
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (you could also use walnuts instead)
- ½ garlic clove, roughly chopped
- Juice and zest from ½ a lemon
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste
- A few pinches red pepper flakes
- Sea salt and fresh black pepper
InstructionsSlice the peaches into 6 segments per peach. In a small bowl, toss them with the olive oil, balsamic, and just a small pinch of salt.Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium high heat and brush it with some oil. Place the peach slices on the hot grill and cook each side for 2-3 minutes without moving them (near the end you can gently peek to see how your grill marks are coming along). When your peaches are grilled, set aside and allow them to cool to room temperature.Meanwhile, make the pesto: Combine the mint and basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and pinches of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small food processor and pulse to combine. Add more oil for a smoother pesto, or leave it chunky - whichever consistency you prefer.Toss the arugula with a little bit of olive oil and a few pinches of salt. Assemble on a platter and top with the mozzarella slices, peaches, dollops of the pesto, a sprinkle of pine nuts, and a few pinches of red pepper flakes. Squeeze a bit of lemon on top and serve.NotesA note about grilling peaches: They will pick up the flavors of what you previously grilled on your grill. Depending on what that was, you may want to clean your grill well before beginning.3.4.3177
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