Nothing says summer like a fresh peaches and this grilled peach salad with whipped feta is no exception. Topped with a  delicious bourbon vinaigrette this salad is a perfect appetizer during the summer.
I can never get enough of peaches especially in the summer. This is such a great way to use them especially once they have been grilled. I have found that this make s a great appetizer and pairs well with almost any dish you would serve in the summer. To make this salad more substantial add some grilled chicken, steak, or tofu. To make this a dessert add some additional fresh berries such as strawberries and blackberries.
In this recipe
There are quite a few ingredients in this recipe for how simple it looks once it is finished. This mainly due to making the dressing and whipped feta. If you do not want to use bourbon you can use any light vinaigrette or just omit it from recipe.
Bourbon: you will want to make sure it is a bourbon you like to drink. If you would like to change the flavor you can substitute the bourbon for tequila.
Peaches: these are the star of the show and you will want to make sure they are nice and ripe but not too soft as you will need to grill them.Â
Feta: you will want to use a fresh block of feta as opposed to the crumbles. The crumbles will be drier and will not whip up as well. However in a pinch you can use the crumbles.
Mustard: this is used as an emulsifier for the dressing.
Honey: this is another emulsifier as well as providing sweetness to balance the dressing.
Fresh mint: is a perfect compliment to the feta and peaches.
Removing the peach pits
One of the challenges of this recipe is to easily remove the stone (pit) from the peach. I have found it is easier to slice in half around the peach in the direction of the natural crease. This will allow you to twist each half to separate them. You can either use a small knife to try and lift the stone out. If that isn’t possible you can cut the half with the stone in half again and split the two portions apart. The stone will be easy to remove after that.
Whipping the feta
The great thing about the whipped feta is that it is insanely easy to make. You will want a food processor as opposed to a blender but if it is a strong blender then this will work. Then all you need to do is add all the ingredients other than the oil into the processor or blender and then start blending. Slowly pour the oil into the food processor and keep blending until the mixture is nice and light. Once it is ready place it in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to use it. This can be made in advance. Plus it goes really well with pita chips.
Making grilled peach salad
Once the peaches have been removed from the grill you will want to start making the dressing. This is almost as easy as the whipped feta. All you need to do is add all of the ingredients to a food processor or high powered blender and blend until everything is nice and smooth. To assemble the salad you will want to add the whipped feta to the plate, top with the grilled peaches, and then drizzle the vinaigrette over the top. I like to add a little additional mint on top as well.
Looking for other peach recipes?
Grilled Peach Salad with Whipped Feta
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Tongs
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 pounds peaches halved and pit removed
Whipped Feta
- 8 ounces feta block, drained
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tablespoons mint fresh and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Bourbon Vinaigrette
- â…” cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1½ tablespoon shallot minced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 375°F or 190°C.
- Place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes and then flip cooking for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Making the whipped feta
- In a food processor or blender add the feta, Greek yogurt, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Blend until everything is combined and slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor. Keep blending until nice and light. Place into a mixing bowl, cover and refrigerate until use. Can be made up to a day in advance.
Making the bourbon vinaigrette
- In a blender or food processor add all of the vinaigrette ingredients together and blend until smooth.
Assemble the salad
- Cut the peaches into smaller slices.
- Spread the whipped feta onto the serving dish. Top with sliced peaches and then drizzle the vinaigrette on top. Garnish with additional chopped mint if desired.
Nutrition
