We are knee-deep in summer heat here in the heartland of America and when we were graciously extended an invitation to a dinner party earlier this week, I volunteered to bring a salad. The kicker is, I had no clue what salad I would prepare to bring. Thankfully, I was not short on ideas.
Throughout the day I considered something with avocados. Our host loves these green over-sized eggs of smooth and soft goodness and what’s more, they’re versatile in the roles in which they can play – center stage, back-up, and anywhere in between. In spite of my deep admiration of avocados, my mind kept drifting back to that fruit of which we have been enjoying so much lately, the same one that has been featured in the last two posts of Platter Talk.
As this production progressed and I made some flavor adjustments, I really wasn’t sure how this salad was going to taste, or in all honesty, if it would even be edible. This was not the typical Iceberg or spinach, or romaine lettuce I was familiar working with and serving.
The salad that resulted from the day’s pondering turned out to be incredible. Although it wasn’t at all that difficult to put together, the incidental obstacles that popped up throughout the process were relatively daunting. You know the types of unwelcome events that can come along while you’re busy trying your best to perform a new and important task First, there was the propane tank that decided to expire while I was preheating my oven and prepping the veggies. No problem, nothing a quick run to the corner gas station would not solve. Then there was the gas grill failure, after the propane tank had been refreshed. Major problem. Thank goodness I recalled stashing a small Webber grill away during a recent garage clean up. Of course all this was occurring during an afternoon where our temperatures were hovering in the mid-80s with humidity that seemed equally high. The fun didn’t stop there, however. Before it was all said and done, Scott discovered a window had leaked in our basement during the previous night’s torrential rain storm. I would be far less than honest if I said that for a brief moment, the prospect of the wine I had planned on taking with us never making it out of our house did not seem at all plausible.
The 45 minutes or so of profuse perspiration, language I know my mom would have frowned upon, and the “accidental tossing” of a grill grate, all came to fruition with a very happy ending. The creation made it out of our kitchen, along with the Pinot Grigio; both salad and bottle of wine fully intact. This wine in particular was an excellent accompaniment to the salad and perfectly suited for a warm summer evening. Even better, I found it on sale for $8.99 which proved to be a fantastic price for a wine of this caliber. We arrived at our friend’s home and soon found ourselves seated with five or six other guests. The first bite of this salad was a veritable celebration of taste – complex with a solid flavor structure, I knew immediately that it all “worked.”
For this recipe, I used a base of Escarole which gave a nice balance to the peppery Arugula. For added interest, I threw in some Water Cress and the three very different greens got along quite nicely with each other, providing a flavor and texture in and of themselves that would have sufficed for a main entry. The grilled peaches and fresh mozzarella made a perfect team to go with the rest and the accompanying pesto dressed it perfectly. Give this recipe a try, either as a side or main course. It’s a delicious and wonderful salad, especially for summer. Want to brush up on your lettuceology? This is a great reference site for different greens.
Grilled Peach Salad with Mint Basil Pesto
Ingredients
For the salad:
- Escarole
- Arugula
- Water Cress
- 6 peaches medium sized
- mozzarella cheese sliced
- ⅛ cup pine nuts toasted
- juice from ½ lemon
- fresh ground peppercorn
For the Pesto:
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ⅛ cup pine nuts toasted
- 1 garlic clove
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- juice from ½ lemon
- kosher salt to taste
- fresh ground peppercorn
Instructions
For the salad:
- Peel peaches, cut in halves, remove pit. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Place peach halves on grill over medium high heat, about 4 minutes on each side so that both sides are well marked.
- Remove peaches from grill and allow to cool, then halves into quarters or smaller and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and roast pine nuts on baking sheet for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and allow to cool.
- Using large mixing bowl, toss greens in olive oil, then arrange on serving platter.
- Evenly distribute peaches and mozzarella slices over greens.
- Sprinkle pine nuts over salad, add fresh ground peppercorn to taste.
- Add spoonful dollops of pesto, as prepared below, as a dressing, and evenly distribute lemon juice on top of salad and pesto.
For the pesto:
- Place fresh herb leaves in small food processor along with other ingredients.
- Process until desired consistency is achieved, adjust amount of olive oil as necessary.
Kecia'sFlavor Breakthrough says
I really love the grilled peaches and pine nuts in this salad! Amazing, colorful… I just want to crawl into the computer and eat this all up! Wonder how it would be for breakfast?
Patty Anderson says
I love the fact that you grilled the peaches and the whole salad is beautiful. I generally use romaine or iceberg but recently had a “field green” salad as a take out and discovered how good it was. But I won’t always get the opportunity to purchase these greens as they are higher priced. Anyway Dan Loved the post and the salad looks scrumptious.
Aunt Bee says
This looks like a spectacular salad! I can’t wait to try this one! <3
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Dan, I love seeing this one again. Your pesto w mint sounds amazing. I have mint growing this year. And I love grilled peaches. Great combo! Thanks so much for this yumminess! 🙂
chefmimiblog.com says
I’m not sure if I like the salad or the dressing better! So beautiful and tasty!!!
Ricki @ The Questionable Homesteader says
OK so as someone who has never roasted a peach before (they generally don’t make it very far into the house before I’ve gobbled them all up…) I’m thinking I might have to show some restraint and make this salad, looks delicious.
Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Social #19
Ricki
Felicia Franceschelli says
This salad looks delicious! I am always looking for ways to eat healthy and salads are a great option!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the comments, happy you like!
Payal Bansal says
This recipe sounds really interesting and a very new kinda salad for me n family. we have never tried a peach salad… hope to surprise them tonight!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you!
Erlene A says
Despite all your obstacles your salad turned out amazing looking…and I’m sure very tasty too. Thanks for sharing on The Weekend Social.
Dan from Platter Talk says
We appreciate hearing from you!
Debi says
That sounds delish. Everything in it is perfect for summer
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Debi, these were pretty tasty!
mail4rosey says
I’m glad your salad turned out spectacular despite the mishaps. Father’s Day is coming up, sounds like a great excuse for a new grill. 😉
The salad looks fantastic.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much!
Joanna Sormunen says
What an amazing and delicious recipe and so original. You really have excelent food here in your blog, I’m always drooling when I visit you, lol
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you Joanna! Always love hearing from you 🙂
Mom Blog says
I’ve never thought to try peaches in my salad. This looks amazing!
Dan from Platter Talk says
I think you’ll enjoy!
Jhady says
You captured the beauty of this food, just by looking at it makes me hungry. I usually eat salad for dinner because it feels lighter on my stomach. This recipe is a must try.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you very much.
Kung Phoo says
This is the salad season! and this salad looks very refreshing and delicious!
Dan from Platter Talk says
We appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment, thanks so much!
Nicky Omohundro says
This looks fantastic. I prefer grilled peaches over raw ones. I’m in love with this salad and can’t wait to try it out.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank Nicky; I hope you like!
MikiHope says
Even my Mom would approve of this salad! And she can be a salad Snob! It sounds really good. I have never grilled peaches either nor have I ever eaten peaches grilled that I remember anyway–Hum–naw–I would either burn the peaches or me!
Dan from Platter Talk says
My first time throwing peaches on the grill too; won’t be the last 🙂
Mama to 5 says
The peaches look awesome! Sounds nice with vanilla ice cream!
Dan from Platter Talk says
I’ve never had ice cream with salad but hey, who am I to judge? 🙂 Enjoy!
Everything Mom and Baby says
This sounds delish! You had me at grilled peaches.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the comments!
Stacey @ miscfinds4u.com says
Perfect recipe for this time of year. Our mint is growing and I love peaches!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Stacey, It seems pretty clear there is only one thing for you to do; enjoy!!
Mistee Dawn says
Yum! That looks so good. The combo of the peaches and the mozzarella is very intriguing.
Dan from Platter Talk says
May I just say, they’re a match made in heaven. Thanks for your comments.
Meal Plannin Maven says
WOW Dan! What a beautiful blog post! And your photos are absolutely mesmerizing! Sharing all around!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Linda. I really enjoyed putthing this one together.
Kecia'sFlavor Breakthrough says
Wonderful! I have never grilled peaches either, I must try this sometime!! I love it!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Kecia; this salad is all about summer!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Such a pretty and summer-y salad! Love the smoky flavor of the peaches here, along with mint and basil. Delicious!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Anne,
Thank you for the comments. Yes, I could not think of a better salad-meal for these dog days of summer!
Ruby says
This salad and a glass wine… perfect summer evening! Seriously, this salad sounds totally delicious!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Ruby,
This salad, a glass of wine, and summer. All very compatible! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
easyfoodsmith says
Such cheerful looking salad! Love the beautiful colors and pairing of ingredients. It has all come together so well. Great pics too 🙂
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you. The colors were indeed cheerful. As a bonus it tasted great!
I appreciate your comments!
Milk and Honey says
I absolutely adore everything about this dish. I love fruit in salads and especially paired with cheese. Beautiful images too.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much – I’ll be putting this one together again. Have a great weekend and thanks for the comments!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Wow…I just stared at these pictures for so long haha!! The picture of the flame is just awesome. I’ve never grilled peaches before but it does seem so easy! Enjoy your weekend!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Ashley,
I had never grilled peaches before either but I can join the ranks of those who have now and say that they are absolutely wonderful when grilled. Hoping you have a nice summer weekend and thank you for commenting!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Wow! What a stunning salad, Dan! Thanks for sharing all the trials and tribulations. I imagine though that it was all worth it…and, especially with that glass of Pinot Grigio! You deserved a nice, relaxing meal. Thanks for all the tips (salad greens link), too. You have convinced me that I need to grill some peaches, for salad…STAT! Thanks so much for sharing and stay cool! xo
Dan from Platter Talk says
Stacy,
Thanks for the comments. For “some reason(s)” the wine was especially good, that evening! haha 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
Ohh, Dan, this is amazing! I love those big chunks of creamy mozzarella. Combined with the sweet peaches and salty pesto, I bet this tastes absolutely incredible. I can imagine enjoying this on our patio this summer for sure. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Georgia,
The mozzarella truly was a perfect accomplice to the peaches, pesto, and peppery arugula! It’s funny how some characters get along so well, even when you least expect it. Thanks for the comments and enjoy your weekend!
Joanne says
Oh my this salad is CRAZY beautiful! I can’t stop staring at it (and drooling!)
Dan from Platter Talk says
Joanne,
Thanks for the comment, it was a pretty thing! Have a great weekend!!