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.
Grilled Peach Salad
Ingredients
Grilled Peaches & Onion
- 2 large ripe peaches, cut in half, pits removed
- half large red onion, sliced into 1/4” rings (don’t separate the rings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Peach Dressing
- 1 large ripe peach, peeled, pit removed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- big pinch cayenne
- ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To Assemble Salads:
- 8 cups mixed fresh greens
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced roasted almonds
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to sprinkle over finished salad
Instructions
Grilled Peaches & Onion
- 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 both lightly with salt and pepper. Place peaches on grill, cut-side down, for 3-5 minutes, or until distinct char marks form – take care to not flip prematurely. Flip and grill for an additional 2-5 minutes to further cook and soften the the peaches. Grill both sides of onion slices (don't separate the rings) for 2-5 minutes on each side, or until distinct char marks appear – aim for the onion to be softened yet still have enough firmness to keep its ring shape.
- Remove peaches and onions to a cutting board. Cut peach halves in half, to create quarter slices. Cut onion slices in half, if desired, or just leave in whole rings, separating the rings.
Peach Dressing:
- Place all dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. This will give you about 3/4 cup of dressing. Double recipe for more dressing, if desired. This can be made several hours prior to serving.
To Assemble Salads:
- In a large bowl, toss the greens with mint and cilantro, then divide mixture between 4 salad dishes. Top each salad with 2 grilled peach quarters, plus some grilled onion, almonds, and feta. Drizzle with peach dressing. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
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.
This post was sponsored by Harry and David. But all opinions are 100% my own. Oregold Peaches are absolutely fabulous!
I love the spices in the dressing. I bet it is fabulous!
It is, Rachel…I need to make more before peach season is over! :)
Such a gorgeous salad!! I’m obsessed with peaches right now.
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!
I hope you like it! :)
Another fantastic excuse to eat peaches! I just looooove peaches!
Mmmmmm…hope you give this a try. Thanks, Jen!
gah… this looks and sounds amazing. I’ve been digging all things peaches lately so this is right up my alley!
Thank you, Katie – wonderful to meet you!
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
Gorgeous salad and I love those peaches!
what a perfect summer salad, sounds wonderful!
oh my this looks just heavenly!!! those peaches sound so luscious! and that dressing…I have to make this!
Thank you, Aggie! It’s so perfectly summer.
I agree that fresh summer salads can’t be beat! Love the combination of peach and cumin; sweet and smoky are always good together.
Thank you, Kristy! Cumin is definitely a favorite of mine, and it marries with peaches so wonderfully.
This looks delicious!!!
Thanks, Callye! xo
This salad looks heavenly!
Thank you so much, Monique!
Oh, man, this looks so good. Wish we could eat it for dinner … together!
I love their peaches, too. The best!
Yes, peach salads together. And then we can share dessert again. Okey dokey? ;)
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…..!
Yes, it’s THAT good! ;)
Just shared this on FB…. PERFECT looking summertime salad. Can’t wait to try it!
I hope you like this, Kim – please let me know. And thank you for sharing – much appreciated! xo
This salad and the dressing sound simply amazing!
Hi Elissa! It is so good. My girls used the dressing as a dip for all their veggies one night. Yum!!
What a beautiful salad, Brenda! I can’t wait to try this – sure to be scrumptious with the grilled peaches and that fabulous dressing!
Thank you so much, Laura. :)