Grilled Peach Spinach Chicken Salad (Printable)

Grilled peaches and chicken over fresh spinach with basil, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette.

# List of ingredients:

→ Salad Components

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
03 - 5 oz baby spinach
04 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
06 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
07 - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

→ Chicken Marinade

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Balsamic Vinaigrette

13 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
15 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
16 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
17 - Pinch of salt and pepper

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts, ensuring even coating, and marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until properly preheated for cooking.
03 - Brush peach halves lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
04 - Place marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
05 - Place peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until distinct grill marks appear and fruit begins to soften. Remove and slice each half into wedges.
06 - Combine baby spinach, sliced red onion, fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts in a large salad bowl.
07 - Combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Shake vigorously until fully emulsified and thickened.
08 - Arrange sliced grilled chicken and warm peach wedges over the salad base. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Grilling transforms ordinary peaches into something extraordinary with caramelized edges and intensified sweetness
  • The combination of warm chicken, sweet peaches, and tangy feta creates perfect bite after bite
  • Ready in 35 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing is non-negotiable, cutting too early releases all those delicious juices onto your cutting board instead of keeping them in the meat
  • The peaches continue to soften after coming off the grill, so do not worry if they seem slightly firm when you remove them
  • This salad tastes best at room temperature, so do not stress about serving it piping hot
03 -
  • Invest in an instant-read thermometer, it takes all the guesswork out of grilling chicken and guarantees juicy results every time
  • If your peaches are underripe, grill them a minute longer and the heat will help develop their natural sweetness

Go back