During the summer months, I live for super fresh salads, bursting with the flavors of the season’s evolving produce. And right now I’m in peach mode, thanks to Harry and David and their sweet Oregold Peaches from the Pacific Northwest.
Do you know about Harry and David? I was introduced to their fabulousness about a dozen years ago, when the office where I work received Harry and David gift towers from clients and contractors at Christmas time. Let me tell you…those towers were the talk of the office, and the most anticipated gift of each holiday season. Stacks of exquisitely boxed yumminess…perfectly sweet and juicy fresh pears, specialty candies, large crunchy nuts, crackers and cheese, and their famous Moose Munch. Ahhhhhh…their famous Moose Munch…
Harry and David is known for their top-notch food gifts. And I can whole heartedly testify to that. When we received a box of Oregold Peaches from Harry and David recently, they proved to be everything I expected to experience. They were delivered right to our door, absolutely perfect and ready to eat. Their warm peachy scent is intoxicating, and their flavor and juiciness is sublime. We’ve been eating them straight out of hand, diced on cold cereal and yogurt for breakfast, and grilled for salads and desserts. They are simply heavenly.
This Grilled Peach Salad with Peach Cumin Dressing gets an extra pump of summer from grilling the peaches and red onions. Grilling brings out another layer of flavor and texture, and adds to the beauty of the salad.
I also whipped up an easy dressing using the fresh Oregold Peaches, to further pronounce the fruit’s goodness in the salad. The fresh ingredients take a quick whirl in the blender, and the dressing’s ready to go. Its flavor is warm from the peaches and cumin, and bright from the lime. I could drink this dressing. It’s so good!
The salad is assembled on a bed of greens with a small handful of torn fresh herbs. Each time I create a summer salad, I take a little trip out to our herb garden for a random collection of flavors. It’s hard to believe how such a small gesture can impart such a big impact. In this salad, I especially love how the mint mingles with the peaches, and the cilantro with the cumin and lime. They were just meant to be together.
If you’re looking for a salad that relishes all this season has to offer, give this a try. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the goodness of summer at your table.
Be sure to check back next week, when I’ll be sharing a grilled peach recipe in dessert form!
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe peaches, cut in half, pits removed
- 1/2 large onion, sliced into 1/4'' rings (don't separate the rings)
- 1 T. olive oil
- kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 large ripe peach, peeled, pit removed, and diced
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 T. honey
- 2 T. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp. lime zest
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch of cayenne
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 8 c. mixed greens
- 1/4 c. roughly chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 c. roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 c. sliced roasted almonds
- 1/3 c. crumbled feta cheese
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired, over the finished salad
Preparation
Heat grill or a stove top grill pan to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates/pan.
Brush the cut sides of the peaches and both sides of the onion with the olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place peaches on grill cut side down, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until nice char marks appear. Flip and grill for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Grill both sides of onion slices (don't separate the rings) for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until nice char marks appear. Remove peaches and onions to cutting board. Cut peach halves in half. Cut onion slices in half, if desired, or just leave in whole rings, separating the rings.
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. This will produce approximately 3/4 cup of dressing. Double recipe for more dressing, if desired. This can be made several hours prior to serving.
Toss the greens with mint and cilantro, and divide between 4 salad dishes. Top each salad with 2 peach slices, plus a bit of onion, almonds, and feta. Drizzle with peach dressing. Sprinkle with additional kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
Source
from a farmgirl's dabbles
Oregold Peaches make a delightful gift. Surprise someone you know or treat yourself to peach gifts from Harry and David, and savor the goodness of sweet, sweet summertime.
I’ll be hosting a peach chat on Harry and David’s facebook page tomorrow (Thursday, August 2nd) at 3:00 CST. I’d love for you to join me!
This post was sponsored by Harry and David. But all opinions are 100% my own. Oregold Peaches are absolutely fabulous!
What a beautiful salad, Brenda! I can’t wait to try this – sure to be scrumptious with the grilled peaches and that fabulous dressing!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..double chocolate banana-zucchini muffins
Thank you so much, Laura.
This salad and the dressing sound simply amazing!
Elissa recently posted..Tarragon, an update on my Urban Garden
Hi Elissa! It is so good. My girls used the dressing as a dip for all their veggies one night. Yum!!
Just shared this on FB…. PERFECT looking summertime salad. Can’t wait to try it!
Kim | At Home With Kim recently posted..Weigh~In Wednesday
I hope you like this, Kim – please let me know. And thank you for sharing – much appreciated! xo
Oh Man…..!
Yes, it’s THAT good!
This salad is fabulous! Love it!
Thank you, Katrina! Always so nice to hear from you – hope you’re having a great week.
Oh, man, this looks so good. Wish we could eat it for dinner … together!
I love their peaches, too. The best!
Sandy @ RE recently posted..“The Perfect Bite” Easy Summer Appetizer Platter for Camping
Yes, peach salads together. And then we can share dessert again. Okey dokey?
This salad looks heavenly!
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen recently posted..Top 10 Most Popular Recipes
Thank you so much, Monique!
This looks delicious!!!
Thanks, Callye! xo
I agree that fresh summer salads can’t be beat! Love the combination of peach and cumin; sweet and smoky are always good together.
kristy @ the wicked noodle recently posted..greek chicken pitas with tzatziki & feta
Thank you, Kristy! Cumin is definitely a favorite of mine, and it marries with peaches so wonderfully.
oh my this looks just heavenly!!! those peaches sound so luscious! and that dressing…I have to make this!
Aggie recently posted..Layered Greek Hummus Dip
Thank you, Aggie! It’s so perfectly summer.
what a perfect summer salad, sounds wonderful!
Amanda recently posted..Homemade Angel Food Cake
Gorgeous salad and I love those peaches!
Maria recently posted..This and That
I’ve nominated you for a “Very Inspiring Blogger Award”! Come check it out at http://www.twogirlscookingblog.com/2012/08/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Patricia
Patricia Peterson recently posted..Very Inspiring Blogger Award
gah… this looks and sounds amazing. I’ve been digging all things peaches lately so this is right up my alley!
katie recently posted..Israeli Couscous Stuffed Grilled Peaches
Thank you, Katie – wonderful to meet you!
Another fantastic excuse to eat peaches! I just looooove peaches!
Jen @ Jen’s Favorite Cookies recently posted..Scotcheroos and the Rice Krispies Treat Death Match
Mmmmmm…hope you give this a try. Thanks, Jen!
I love putting fruit on the grill. It brings out their natural juices and sweetness. Can’t wait to try this with the cumin dressings. Sounds amazing!
Good Food Good Friends recently posted..Chicken with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce
I hope you like it!
Such a gorgeous salad!! I’m obsessed with peaches right now.
Lisa | With Style and Grace recently posted..Road Trip & Brown Butter Rice Krispies
I love the spices in the dressing. I bet it is fabulous!
Rachel Cooks recently posted..{a day in the life} Yummy Mummy
It is, Rachel…I need to make more before peach season is over!