Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto for a Summer Escape

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on September 2, 2025

As I flipped through my summer cookbook, I stumbled upon a vibrant dish that sparked my imagination — the Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, smoky grilled peaches and fresh greens that instantly transports you to warm, sun-drenched picnics. This easy recipe highlights juicy peaches, peppery arugula, and creamy mozzarella, all beautifully drizzled with a homemade pesto that brings it to life. Beyond its stunning presentation, this salad is a breeze to whip up, making it a go-to side dish for summer barbecues or a light main course for those sweltering afternoons. Curious how this delightful medley comes together? Let’s dive into the steps to create the perfect summer salad!

Why is this salad a summer essential?

Colorful, Vibrant Presentation: This Grilled Peach Salad is a feast for the eyes, with its mix of golden peaches, lush greens, and creamy mozzarella, making it an Instagram-worthy dish.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, from grilling peaches to blending the fresh mint basil pesto, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Refreshing & Light: Ideal for warm days, it provides a satisfying yet light meal that keeps you feeling energized and refreshed.
Endless Variations: Feel free to swap peaches for nectarines or plums, or add berries for extra flavor and nutrition. Pair it with grilled meats or make it a standalone dish — the options are endless!
Nutritious Goodness: Packed with vitamins A and C, this salad not only tastes great but is also a healthy addition to your summer menu. If you’re looking for more summer ideas, check out my Cranberry Turkey Grilled recipe!

Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto Ingredients

For the Salad
• Escarole – Adds a slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
• Arugula – Provides a peppery bite that enhances the salad’s freshness.
• Watercress – Contributes a fresh, slightly spicy flavor to the mix.
• Peaches (6 medium-sized) – Offers juicy sweetness; ripe peaches are best for flavor. Substitute: Stone fruits like plums or nectarines.
• Mozzarella cheese (sliced) – Adds a creamy texture to balance the dish. Use burrata for a creamier option.
• Pine nuts (1/8 cup, toasted) – Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the salad.
• Juice from 1/2 lemon – Brightens flavors with a fresh acidic touch; fresh lime juice can be used as an alternative.
• Fresh ground peppercorn – Enhances overall flavor with subtle heat; can substitute with black pepper.

For the Mint Basil Pesto
• Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup) – Essential for making the pesto; provides aromatic, herbaceous notes.
• Fresh mint leaves (1/2 cup) – Adds refreshing flavor to the pesto.
• Garlic clove (1) – Delivers depth in flavor; fresh garlic is preferable.
• Extra virgin olive oil (3/4 cup) – Acts as the base for the pesto and adds richness.
• Lemon zest (2 tablespoons) – Adds a bright aroma and flavor; can use orange zest for a sweeter hint.
• Kosher salt – For seasoning to taste.

This Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto showcases a refreshing blend of flavors and textures that will surely elevate your summer meals!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto

Step 1: Prepare Peaches
Start by preparing your peaches for the Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto. Gently peel the peaches, then slice them in half and remove the pits. Lightly brush the cut sides with extra virgin olive oil to enhance their flavor and prevent sticking on the grill.

Step 2: Grill Peaches
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F (200°C). Place the oiled peach halves, cut side down, onto the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until you see well-defined grill marks and the peaches become slightly tender, releasing their sweet, smoky aroma.

Step 3: Make Pesto
While the peaches are grilling, prepare your vibrant mint basil pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil, fresh mint leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, 3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the peppery arugula, slightly bitter escarole, and fresh watercress with a drizzle of olive oil. Then, transfer this mix onto a beautiful platter. Arrange the grilled peach halves and sliced mozzarella on top to create an inviting display for your Grilled Peach Salad.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
To add a delightful crunch, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad. Next, generously drizzle your homemade mint basil pesto across the entire salad, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. A final squeeze of lemon juice enhances the freshness, inviting everyone to dig in.

What to Serve with Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto

As you delight in the refreshing flavors of this stunning salad, let’s explore some perfect pairings to create a complete summer feast.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken enhances the sweet peaches, making for a satisfying meal.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish adds texture and complements the salad’s freshness without overpowering it.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with lemon will bring a delightful crunch while echoing the salad’s brightness.
Garlic Bread: Slices of warm, buttery garlic bread provide a comforting contrast to the salad’s vibrant flavors, perfect for mopping up any pesto left on your plate.
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp glass of this white wine enhances fruity notes and balances the salad’s richness while keeping things light and refreshing.
Watermelon Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of this icy delight will cleanse the palate and provide a sweet finish to the meal.
Cucumber Salad: Tossed with fresh dill and a tangy dressing, this bright salad adds another layer of freshness that perfectly complements the peach salad’s sweetness.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic reduction echo the salad’s flavors and add an Italian flair.

Pairing these delightful dishes with your Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto will not only elevate your meal but also create wonderful memories around the dining table.

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Peach Salad

Fridge: Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge; best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Room Temperature: For best taste and texture, serve your Grilled Peach Salad at room temperature; do not leave it out for more than 2 hours to avoid spoilage.

Freezer: This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the high moisture content of the ingredients, which can alter the texture.

Reheating: If you have leftover grilled peaches, warm them gently in a pan over low heat, but avoid reheating the greens or pesto to maintain their freshness.

Expert Tips for Grilled Peach Salad

Choose Ripe Peaches: Select peaches that yield slightly to pressure for maximum sweetness and juiciness, essential for a flavorful Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto.
Don’t Overcook: Grill peaches just until tender to maintain their structure and prevent mushiness; check for grill marks at 3-4 minutes on each side.
Make Pesto Fresh: For the best taste, blend your mint basil pesto just before serving; it loses vibrancy when stored for too long.
Balance Your Greens: Combine different greens like arugula and escarole to enhance flavor complexity; ensure all greens are fresh for optimal crunch.
Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to swap pine nuts for almonds or walnuts to add a different texture and flavor to your Grilled Peach Salad.
Room Temperature Delight: Let the assembled salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

These Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto preparations are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can grill the peaches and make the mint basil pesto up to 3 days in advance. Simply grill the peach halves until tender, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pesto can also be made ahead; just keep it in a separate container, pressing plastic wrap against the surface to prevent oxidation. When you’re ready to enjoy the salad, toss your fresh greens together, arrange the grilled peaches, and slice the mozzarella. Drizzle liberally with the pesto and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for just as delicious, fresh results!

Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own personal touch on this delightful summer salad — the possibilities are endless!

Stone Fruit Swap: Substitute peaches with nectarines or plums for a different sweet twist. Each offers a unique flavor and texture, keeping the salad refreshing.
Berry Boost: Add fresh strawberries or blueberries for an additional burst of color and sweetness. The mix of sweet and tart will elevate this dish even more!
Nutty Crunch: Replace pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a distinct crunch. Each nut introduces its own flavor profile, enhancing the overall texture of your salad.
Cheesy Indulgence: Try burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamier experience. Its rich and creamy center will add an extra layer of decadence to every bite.
Spicy Kick: Toss in sliced jalapeños or drizzle with a spicy vinaigrette if you’re up for some heat. It creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the peaches.
Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding arugula or spinach for extra greens. A mix of herbs can enhance the freshness and make your salad even more vibrant.
Citrus Zing: Use grapefruit or orange segments in place of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. These citrus fruits can introduce a surprising tanginess.
Serve it Differently: Turn this salad into a sandwich or wrap with your preferred bread — the combination of flavors would work beautifully with grilled chicken or turkey. Enjoy a unique take with every bite!

Feel inspired to customize your Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto? If you like experimenting with flavors, try some more fun recipes like my Peach Cobbler Poke for dessert.

Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best peaches for this salad?
Absolutely! Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Ripe peaches should have a sweet aroma and a vibrant color without dark spots all over. If they’re not quite ripe, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few days until they soften just a bit more.

What’s the best way to store leftover Grilled Peach Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the greens may wilt over time, so it’s ideal to eat it soon after making!

Can I freeze the Grilled Peach Salad?
Unfortunately, this salad is not recommended for freezing due to its ingredients’ high moisture content. Freezing can change the texture of the peaches and greens, making them mushy. If you have leftover grilled peaches, you can freeze them separately; just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How can I fix a wilted salad?
If your salad appears wilted, a light drizzle of olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice can help revive it! Toss gently to coat the greens, which can rehydrate them a bit. If it’s too far gone, consider mixing in some fresh greens to freshen it up again!

Is this salad safe for individuals with nut allergies?
For those with nut allergies, simply omit the pine nuts in this Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Pesto. Instead, you can use seeds—a great alternative is sunflower seeds—for that delightful crunch! Always be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re serving anyone with allergies.

Can I prepare the mint basil pesto in advance?
Definitely! You can make the mint basil pesto a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent it from browning. When you’re ready to use it, give it a quick stir before drizzling over your salad!