This Grilled Nectarine Salad with Garlic-Pepper Chicken has tons of flavor and will fill you up the right way!
Big, meaty salads with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables are one of my favorite things to grill in the summertime. We absolutely love to throw some chicken or beef on the grill for quick and easy dinners, and since we always have loads of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand when they’re in season, those get thrown on right alongside the protein.
Stone fruits are especially my favorite fruits to grill. I make an amazing grilled pound cake with grilled peaches (which, come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve ever shared with you! COMING SOON, promise) that we serve with ice cream and drizzle it all with homemade caramel sauce. Fruits aren’t just for dessert, however, and since they pair perfectly with chicken, we often turn it into a delicious, main-dish salad.
For this easy Grilled Nectarine Salad with Garlic-Pepper Chicken, I add a simple olive oil with a balsamic glaze which is all it needs. The chicken is very flavorful and the grilled nectarines stand on their own. Pecans give a nice texture, too! And, of course, a little goat cheese never hurt anyone. I’ve made this a few times already this summer; in fact, I just picked up more chicken so I’ll probably make it again in the next few days! Not that I need an excuse to grill; the weather has been gorgeous here lately! Perfect for a delicious Grilled Nectarine Salad with Garlic-Pepper Chicken.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Nectarine Salad With Garlic-Pepper Chicken
Satisfying and Filling – Despite its light and fresh profile, this salad is surprisingly filling, thanks to the protein from the chicken and the satisfying crunch from the pecans, making it a satisfying meal option for lunch or dinner.
Healthy and Fresh – Packed with nutritious ingredients like mixed greens, nectarines, strawberries, and lean chicken breast, this salad is a balanced, healthy meal that’s also refreshing and light.
Impressive Presentation – With its vibrant colors and artistic arrangement of ingredients, this grilled nectarine salad is perfect for impressing guests at gatherings or special occasions.
Easy Preparation – With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Grilled Goodness – Grilling the nectarines not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a smoky flavor that elevates the salad to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Grilled Nectarine Salad Ingredients Notes
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs are also great on the grill.
- Nectarines: Choose firm nectarines that are not over-ripe for grilling.
- Strawberries: Fresh, vibrant strawberries are best. Simply wash, remove the stem, and slice.
- Mixed Greens: You can opt for romaine or green leaf lettuce if you prefer, but we prefer the mixed greens.
- Goat Cheese: We love the way soft goat cheese crumbles taste in this salad, but you can swap for another soft cheese like feta or omit it completely if you’re not a fan of goat cheese.
- Pecans: Crunchy pecans add a textural balance to the salad, not to mention added nutrients.
- Red Onion: The red onion adds a zesty punch to this salad, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
- Marinade: Olive oil, garlic, pepper, and the juice and zest of a lemon create a citrusy marinade for the chicken that is fresh and light and pairs perfectly with the smoky-sweet flavor of the grilled nectarines.
- Balsamic Glaze: Whether store-bought or homemade, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet flavor that pulls everything together.
Find the complete ingredients list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How To Make Grilled Nectarine Salad With Garlic Pepper Chicken
- Marinate: Mix together olive oil, garlic, pepper, lemon zest and lemon juice in a resealable bag with the chicken and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Grill: Grill chicken until cooked through. Slice nectarines in half and grill cut side down until slightly softened with nice grill marks.
- Assemble: Put lettuce in a bowl. Top with sliced chicken, nectarines, onion, goat cheese, strawberries, and pecans, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Variations, Substitutions, and Cooking Tips
Go Vegetarian – Omit the chicken for a meatless grilled nectarine salad. Try adding marinated grilled tofu instead.
Fruit Variations – Experiment with different fruits such as peaches, plums, or even grilled pineapple to add variety and seasonal flair to the salad.
Protein Options – Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon, adjusting cooking times and seasoning accordingly.
Cheese Choices – Substitute the goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan for alternative flavor profiles.
Go Nuts – Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different texture and taste.
Oil Replacement – Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted coconut oil for grilling the chicken and dressing the salad.
Onion – Swap red onion with thinly sliced shallots, green onions, or even pickled red onions for a milder or tangier flavor.
Grill Nectarines Carefully – When grilling nectarines, make sure the grill is clean and preheated. Brush the cut side of the nectarines lightly with oil to prevent sticking, and grill them over medium-high heat until grill marks form, about 2-3 minutes.
Toast Nuts for Depth – Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This enhances their flavor and adds crunch to the salad.
Assemble Just Before Serving – To keep the grilled nectarine salad fresh and crisp, assemble it just before serving. Toss the greens, then add the grilled chicken, nectarines, pecans, cheese, onions, and strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.
Grilled Nectarine Salad with Garlic-Pepper Chicken
This Grilled Nectarine Salad with Garlic-Pepper Chicken has tons of flavor and will fill you up the right way!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 5-6 cups mixed greens
- 2 nectarines, halved
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 6-8 strawberries, halved
- Balsamic glaze, store bought or make your own
Instructions
- In a shallow baking dish or resealable plastic bag, mix together olive oil, garlic, pepper and lemon zest and juice. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan. Grill chicken about 4-5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through (there should be no pink remaining). Set chicken aside to rest.
- Place nectarines, cut-side down, onto grill. Grill a few minutes until you have nice grill marks and nectarines are slightly softened.
- Place lettuce into a large bowl. Slice chicken and place on top of lettuce. Add nectarines, onion, goat cheese, pecans and strawberries. Lightly drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 530Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 297mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 8gSugar: 16gProtein: 46g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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