The Ultimate Grilled Peach Avocado Chicken Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight
Prepare to be delighted by the quintessential taste of summer with this incredible Grilled Peach Avocado Chicken Salad. Imagine succulent, juicy grilled peaches, creamy, buttery avocado slices, perfectly grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and fragrant fresh basil, all coming together on a bed of crisp lettuce. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed culinary experience that perfectly captures the essence of warm, sunny days.
This salad is remarkably versatile – elegant enough to impress guests at your next summer gathering, yet simple and quick enough to whip up for a satisfying everyday lunch. What truly elevates this dish, providing that undeniable “wow factor,” is the homemade Fresh Peach Salad Dressing. This deliciously sweet and tangy dressing, featuring ripe, juicy peaches, a hint of Dijon mustard, and white balsamic vinegar, comes together effortlessly and complements the salad’s ingredients in the most delightful way.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Peach Avocado Chicken Salad
More than just a meal, this grilled peach salad is a celebration of summer flavors and textures. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your warm-weather rotation:
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The natural sweetness of grilled peaches, the rich creaminess of avocado, the savory notes of chicken and feta, and the fresh aroma of basil create a harmonious symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
- Light & Refreshing: Perfect for hot days, this salad is substantial enough to be a meal but feels wonderfully light and invigorating.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado and Marcona almonds, and vitamins from fresh produce, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
- Visually Stunning: With its vibrant colors and artful arrangement, this salad is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. It’s sure to be a showstopper at any table.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer different nuts, cheeses, or even a vegetarian version, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences.
The Magic of California Peaches and How to Choose Them
Peaches are undeniably the star of this salad, and when perfectly grilled, their natural sweetness intensifies, becoming even more irresistible. California, particularly the fertile San Joaquin Valley, is renowned for producing the vast majority of stone fruit for the U.S. market. When peach season arrives, typically from late spring through early fall, there’s no better time to indulge in these golden beauties.
To ensure your grilled peaches are absolutely perfect, start with the right fruit. Here’s what to look for:
- Ripeness is Key: Use ripe, but not overly soft or mushy, peaches. They should yield slightly when gently squeezed and have a fragrant, sweet aroma. Overripe peaches can fall apart on the grill, while unripe ones lack flavor.
- Opt for Yellow Peaches: Yellow peaches are generally sweeter and hold up better on the grill than white peaches, which tend to be more delicate and have a milder flavor.
- Aroma Test: A truly ripe peach will smell sweet and fruity near the stem.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Grilled Peach Avocado Chicken Salad
Achieving a perfectly balanced and visually appealing salad is simple with these tried-and-true tips:
- Clean Grill Grates: Always ensure your grill grates or grill pan are thoroughly clean. This prevents sticking and ensures your peaches and chicken absorb pure flavor, free from remnants of previous cooks.
- Perfect Peach Preparation: As mentioned, ripe but firm yellow peaches are best. Consider if you want to peel them beforehand. While some prefer the rustic look of grilled skin, peeling can prevent loose skin from detaching during grilling.
- Flavorful Grilled Chicken: Freshly grilled chicken breasts are ideal. For an extra boost of flavor, baste the chicken with some of the Peach Salad Dressing during the last few minutes of grilling. If you’re short on time, a good quality rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
- Optimal Freshness: Assemble your grilled peach avocado chicken salad just before serving. This ensures the lettuce remains crisp, the avocado vibrant, and all ingredients are at their peak freshness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When grilling, give peaches and chicken enough space on the grates for even cooking and proper charring.
How to Grill Peaches Like a Pro
Grilled peaches are the undeniable stars, providing a caramelized sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements of the salad. The grilling process enhances their natural sugars, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly extraordinary.
Grilling peaches is surprisingly easy and takes just a few minutes. The goal is to warm the fruit, slightly soften it, and achieve those coveted grill marks that add visual appeal and smoky flavor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfectly grilled peaches:
- Pre-heat Your Grill: Set your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Allow it to heat thoroughly for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Peaches: Wash your ripe yellow peaches. Cut them in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pits.
- Brush for Flavor & Protection: Lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves. I love using a little of the Fresh Peach Salad Dressing for an extra layer of peachy goodness. Alternatively, a White Balsamic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette or simply a touch of extra virgin olive oil works wonders to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the peach halves cut-side down on the pre-heated grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes until you see distinct grill marks. Then, rotate the peaches 90 degrees and grill for another 1-2 minutes to create a crosshatch pattern, if desired.
- Check for Doneness: Peaches should be warm, slightly tender but not mushy, and show beautiful caramelization. Remove them from the grill and set aside to cool slightly before slicing.
Essential Ingredients for This Flavorful Peach Salad Recipe
Crafting this vibrant salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and taste:
- Chicken: Two skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin (or chicken cutlets) for even cooking. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
- Lettuce: A large head of crisp Butter lettuce leaves is my top choice, offering a delicate, buttery texture. However, feel free to substitute with baby spinach, peppery arugula, or a spring mix for variety.
- Peaches: 2-3 ripe yellow peaches, as discussed, are essential for that sweet, grilled perfection.
- Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil, for brushing on the peach halves before grilling and for seasoning.
- Celery: Crisp celery adds a wonderful, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Avocado: Sliced ripe avocado provides a luscious, creamy texture and healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn, offers an aromatic, sweet, and slightly peppery note that ties the flavors together.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese introduces a tangy, salty counterpoint. For variations, consider creamy goat cheese, mild fresh mozzarella, or luxurious burrata. Even a bold blue cheese can be surprisingly delicious here!
- Marcona Almonds: Chopped Marcona almonds offer a delicate, buttery crunch. Excellent substitutes include walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts. For an extra special touch, try Maple Candied Spiced Pecans.
- Dressing: The homemade Fresh Peach Salad Dressing is highly recommended. If unavailable, a quality store-bought option like poppyseed dressing, a basic apple cider vinaigrette, or a champagne vinaigrette (like Girard’s) will also work.
- Seasoning: A sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste will enhance all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions for Assembling Your Masterpiece
Creating this stunning salad is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps to build a fresh, flavorful, and beautiful dish:
- Grill Peaches First:
- Pre-heat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
- Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with the Fresh Peach Salad Dressing, a White Balsamic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, or a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Place cut-side down on the grill for about 2-3 minutes. Rotate 90 degrees and grill for another 1-2 minutes for crosshatch marks.
- Remove peaches when warm, slightly tender, and showing nice grill marks. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Lightly sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked through and no longer pink, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 4-6 minutes per side for thin cutlets.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the washed and dried butter lettuce leaves artfully on a large serving platter or in individual bowls.
- Evenly scatter the chopped celery over the lettuce for a delightful crunch.
- Arrange the freshly sliced avocado pieces across the salad bed.
- Slice the grilled peach halves into wedges and strategically place them among the other ingredients.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them generously over the entire salad.
- Crumble the feta cheese and scatter the chopped Marcona almonds over the top.
- Finally, drizzle your delicious Fresh Peach Salad Dressing liberally over the assembled salad.
- Finish with a final sprinkle of sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate freshness and vibrant flavors!
Customization and Delicious Variations
One of the best aspects of this grilled peach avocado chicken salad is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a hearty vegetarian meal by simply omitting the chicken breast. You can add grilled halloumi cheese for protein, or swap it for quinoa for added substance.
- Boost the Protein: For an even more substantial salad, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas alongside the chicken.
- Sweetener Swap: If using a dressing recipe that calls for honey, you can substitute agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Cheese Alternatives: While feta is fantastic, explore other creamy cheeses like goat cheese, fresh mozzarella balls, or luscious burrata. For dairy-free options, use vegan feta cheese. A bold blue cheese adds a piquant kick that pairs surprisingly well with the sweet peaches.
- Nutty Crunch: Instead of Marcona almonds, try toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts. For an elevated touch, consider Maple Candied Spiced Pecans, which add a delightful sweet and spicy crunch.
- Dressing Shortcuts: While the Fresh Peach Dressing is highly recommended, if time is a factor, quality store-bought options like Brianna’s poppyseed dressing, a classic apple cider vinaigrette, or a champagne vinaigrette (such as Girard’s) make excellent substitutes.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
This salad is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few complementary dishes:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta to soak up any delicious dressing.
- Light Soup: A light, chilled soup like gazpacho makes a refreshing starter.
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé would complement the flavors wonderfully.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, a tall glass of freshly brewed iced tea or homemade lemonade is perfect.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
While best enjoyed fresh, you can store components of this salad for later:
- Dressing: Store the peach salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Cooked Chicken: Cooked and sliced chicken can be stored separately in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Peaches: Grilled peaches are best consumed within 1-2 days, stored in an airtight container.
- Assembled Salad: If you have leftovers of the fully assembled salad, store it in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt and avocado may brown slightly after a day. It’s always best to dress individual servings just before eating.
Peaches and Other Stone Fruits, Oh My!
If you adore the vibrant flavors of stone fruits as much as we do, be sure to explore more recipes that highlight their seasonal goodness:
- Cherry Galette: A rustic and delightful dessert featuring fresh cherries.
- Plum Salad with Manchego and Marcona Almonds: A unique and sophisticated salad showcasing plums.
- Peach Prosciutto and Mascarpone Crostini: A perfect appetizer blending sweet peaches with savory prosciutto.
- Summer Fruit Yogurt Breakfast Bowl: A refreshing and healthy start to your day with a medley of fresh summer fruits.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy this refreshing Grilled Peach Avocado Chicken Salad. If you try this recipe, please help other readers by leaving a comment below and sharing some stars! We 🫶🏼 appreciate your feedback!
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
Grilled Peach Avocado Chicken Salad
Ana | Claudia’s Table
August 13, 2025
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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outdoor grill or grill pan
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Platter large
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless pounded thin or chicken cutlets
- 1-2 large Butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 2-3 ripe yellow peaches cut in half, pitted
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to brush on peach halves
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 large avocado sliced
- 8 large basil leaves fresh, torn
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup Marcona almonds chopped
- 1/2 cup Fresh Peach Salad dressing
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
How to grill peaches for the salad
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Pre-heat the grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat.
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Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
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Brush the cut peach halves with fresh Peach Salad Dressing, White Balsamic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, or extra virgin olive oil.
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Grill the cut side down for about 2 minutes, then rotate 90 degrees and continue grilling for another couple of minutes until warm and showing grill marks.
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Remove and set aside.
Grill chicken
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Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken breasts and grill until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Once cooked, set aside to rest before slicing.
Assemble the peach salad
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Arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a platter.
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Chop celery and spread evenly on top of the lettuce leaves.
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Arrange sliced avocado on the salad.
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Slice the grilled peach halves into wedges and arrange on the salad.
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Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle onto the salad.
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Sprinkle feta cheese and chopped Marcona almonds.
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Drizzle the Peach Salad Dressing over everything.
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Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com