Hello, my fellow food lovers! Chef Bin Jaoe here. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart—a Grilled Nectarine Salad. When summer hits, it’s all about enjoying the incredible flavors of fresh, in-season fruits, and nectarines are one of those fruits that really shine when grilled. Their natural sugars caramelize, bringing out the sweetest, juiciest flavors.

Grilled nectarine salad is the perfect balance of smoky sweetness, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing that comes together in a bowl to create an unforgettable experience. Let me take you through this simple yet sophisticated salad recipe, ideal for any summer gathering, BBQ, or even a light meal on a warm evening. Ready to get grilling? Let’s dive in!

Why Grilled Nectarine Salad is the Ultimate Summer Dish

When you think of summer salads, you probably imagine fresh greens and juicy fruits. But have you ever thought of grilling your fruit? Grilling nectarines not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a smoky depth of flavor that brings a completely new dimension to your salad. Trust me, the contrast between the smoky grilled nectarines and the cool, crunchy greens is simply magical.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

Grilled nectarines add a sweet, caramelized layer to your salad, while the greens (like arugula or spinach) provide a peppery bite that complements the fruit’s sweetness. This sweet and savory contrast makes the salad exciting with every forkful. Add a tangy vinaigrette, and you’ve got a salad that will steal the show.

A Light and Refreshing Meal

One of the best things about this grilled nectarine salad is how light and refreshing it is. Nectarines are high in water content, making them incredibly hydrating, and paired with the greens and a zesty dressing, this salad is a perfect dish to enjoy on a warm day without feeling weighed down.

How to Make Grilled Nectarine Salad

Making grilled nectarine salad is easy, and I’m sure it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes this summer. Here’s how you can make this delicious salad:

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need the following:

• 4 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted
  
• 4 cups of arugula or mixed greens (feel free to use spinach or any leafy greens you prefer)
  
• 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta
  
• 1/4 cup of toasted almonds or walnuts
  
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
  
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (optional)
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  

The Steps to Grilling and Assembling the Salad

1. Prepare the Nectarines: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cut the nectarines in half, removing the pit. Brush the cut sides with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
   
2. Grill the Nectarines: Place the nectarines on the grill, cut side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until you see nice grill marks. Flip them over and grill for another 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly but keep them juicy.
   
3. Assemble the Salad: While the nectarines are grilling, prepare your greens. Toss them with a light drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large salad bowl. Once the nectarines are done, slice them into thin wedges and add them to the salad.
   
4. Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the salad, add the toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch, and drizzle a little honey or maple syrup if you want an extra touch of sweetness. Garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
   

Why Grilling Nectarines Takes This Salad to the Next Level

You might wonder, why grill the nectarines? The answer is simple: grilling intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a delightful smoky flavor that perfectly complements the greens and cheese in the salad. The grilling process brings out the nectarines’ caramelized sugars, which makes them taste even more indulgent.

The Magic of Grilled Fruit

Grilled fruit, like nectarines, peaches, and pineapples, can turn a regular salad into something extraordinary. The caramelization from grilling adds a deeper, more complex flavor that you can’t get from raw fruit alone. The heat from the grill transforms the nectarines into a soft, juicy treat that’s irresistibly delicious.

Healthy and Full of Flavor

This grilled nectarine salad is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a healthy dish. Nectarines are full of vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin and immune system. Plus, the addition of almonds or walnuts gives you a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious.

Variations of Grilled Nectarine Salad

While the classic version of grilled nectarine salad is a crowd favorite, there are plenty of ways you can customize it based on your tastes or what’s available. Here are a few variations I love to make:

Add Protein for a Hearty Meal

Want to make this salad a complete meal? Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak. Protein will turn this light salad into a filling lunch or dinner. Just toss the protein on the grill along with the nectarines, and you’re good to go.

Swap the Cheese

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese or feta, try using a creamy blue cheese or even a sharp Parmesan. The key is to use a cheese that contrasts the sweetness of the nectarines and adds richness to the salad.

Fruit Pairings

If you want to experiment, try adding other fruits to the salad, like grilled peaches, strawberries, or even grilled pineapple. The more fruits, the merrier! These additions can complement the nectarines and add even more flavor and texture to the salad.

Tips for the Best Grilled Nectarine Salad

Making the perfect grilled nectarine salad is all about balancing flavors, textures, and making sure the nectarines are grilled to perfection. Here are some tips for success:

Don’t Over-Grill the Nectarines

While it’s important to get nice grill marks, don’t overdo it. Grilled nectarines should still be soft and juicy on the inside. You want them to have a slight char but not be mushy.

Make Your Own Vinaigrette

While store-bought vinaigrette works in a pinch, making your own balsamic vinaigrette is a game-changer. Simply combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a quick, tangy dressing that complements the sweetness of the nectarines.

Experiment with Garnishes

Top your salad with more than just cheese and nuts! Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or thyme add an extra layer of aroma and flavor. You can also sprinkle some pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tang.

FAQs About Grilled Nectarine Salad

What can I pair grilled nectarine salad with?

Grilled nectarine salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or lamb. It’s also great as a standalone dish or served alongside a hearty pasta or quinoa dish.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time. Grill the nectarines and store them in an airtight container. You can also make the dressing and chop the greens, so all you have to do is toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different fruit instead of nectarines?

Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or even apricots work wonderfully as a substitute. They all have a similar texture and flavor that works well when grilled.

Conclusion

Grilled nectarine salad is a perfect way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer. The sweet and smoky grilled nectarines, paired with crisp greens and a tangy dressing, create a balanced, delicious salad that will impress any guest. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or just looking for a light, flavorful dish, this salad is a surefire hit.

As always, enjoy cooking, experimenting, and discovering new flavors in the kitchen with me—Chef Bin Jaoe!

Grilled Nectarine Salad: A Sweet and Savory Summer Delight by Chef Bin Jaoe

Recipe by Bin recipesCourse: homeCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings Value

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

7

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

17

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted

• 4 cups of arugula or mixed greens (feel free to use spinach or any leafy greens you prefer)

• 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta

• 1/4 cup of toasted almonds or walnuts

• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Nectarines: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cut the nectarines in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides of the nectarines with a little olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
• Grill the Nectarines: Place the nectarines on the grill, cut side down. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks. Flip the nectarines over and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to soften them slightly while keeping them juicy.
• Assemble the Salad: While the nectarines are grilling, prepare your greens. In a large salad bowl, toss the greens with a light drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Slice and Add the Nectarines: Once the nectarines are done grilling, slice them into thin wedges and add them to the salad.
• Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta over the salad. Add toasted almonds or walnuts for some crunch, and drizzle a little honey or maple syrup if you’d like a touch of extra sweetness. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and colorful finish.
• Serve: Toss everything together gently and enjoy your Grilled Nectarine Salad immediately!