There’s something irresistibly charming about the Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe that makes it an absolute standout on any table. This gorgeous dish brings together the smoky sweetness of perfectly grilled peaches, the tangy creaminess of Gorgonzola cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, all nestled on a bed of fresh mixed greens. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and light, making it an ideal salad for a warm evening or a special occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this salad comes from its simple, quality ingredients that each add their own unique touch to the final dish. Every component plays a vital role—whether it’s the juicy peaches, savory cheese, or crunchy nuts—to create a harmonious balance that’s bursting with flavor and color.

3 ripe but firm peaches: Choose peaches that are juicy but still hold their shape well for grilling.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to create those beautiful grill marks and enhances the peaches’ natural sweetness.
5 cups mixed greens: A vibrant mix like arugula, spinach, and romaine offers a fresh, peppery, and crisp foundation.
½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy contrast that perfectly complements the peaches.
½ cup toasted walnuts: Bring a rich, crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that lifts the salad.
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a gentle sharpness and a pop of color.
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction: Offers a sweet-tart finish that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors naturally.

How to Make Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the grill and peaches

First things first: heat up your grill or grill pan over medium heat and give those grates a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Brush each peach half with olive oil—this not only stops them from sticking but brings out their luscious sweetness once grilled.

Step 2: Grill the peaches

Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for those gorgeous grill marks and a tender, slightly softened flesh. Don’t rush this step because the grill adds an irresistible smoky depth to the peaches.

Step 3: Slice and arrange the salad

Remove the peaches from the grill and slice them into wedges. Grab your favorite large salad bowl or a platter and start by laying down the mixed greens. Then, artfully arrange the grilled peach slices on top, followed by generous crumbles of Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches

Drizzle the entire salad with a luscious balsamic glaze or reduction that adds a beautiful shiny finish and a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper according to your preference, and your salad is ready to serve.

How to Serve Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint leaves to brighten the salad’s flavors. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the peaches just before serving can also elevate the taste and texture remarkably.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast or a crusty artisan bread to make it a fuller meal. If you’re aiming for a light dinner, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon works beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this salad in individual mason jars layered by ingredients for a rustic yet trendy look, perfect for picnics or parties. Alternatively, piling it high on a large wooden board surrounded by extra nuts and cheese invites everyone to help themselves in a casual, convivial style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the salad components separate whenever possible. Store the grilled peach slices and greens in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness—this helps prevent the greens from wilting and the peaches from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Because of the delicate texture of the greens, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The walnuts and cheese also don’t freeze well in this context, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh or refrigerate briefly.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the grilled peaches, do so gently in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds until warm but not mushy. However, for the full salad, it’s best served cold or at room temperature to keep the fresh textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Gorgonzola?

Absolutely! While Gorgonzola gives a bold and tangy flavor, you can substitute with goat cheese or feta for a milder, creamier taste that still complements the sweet peaches beautifully.

What kind of peaches work best for this salad?

Firm but ripe peaches are the way to go. They should hold up to grilling without falling apart but still be juicy enough to provide that luscious sweetness that this salad thrives on.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, simply replace the Gorgonzola with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure your balsamic glaze contains no honey or animal products. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

Is there a way to make this salad more filling?

Adding grilled chicken or even crispy bacon makes the salad heartier and suitable as a main course. You can also toss in some quinoa or farro for extra texture and protein.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

While the salad comes together quickly, you can prep all the ingredients except for assembling and dressing it up to a few hours ahead. Keep the peaches and dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a salad that effortlessly blends sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy notes into one unforgettable bite, the Grilled Peach Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe will quickly become a favorite you want to share over and over. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for guests, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch it brighten up your meal times with its vibrant flavors and textures.