Grilled Nectarine Arugula Salad

Name: Grilled Nectarine Arugula Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 4 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted; 4 cups arugula; 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese; 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Holistic Healthy Cooking

We had some ripening nectarines on the counter and I needed to use them before they were past their prime. One evening, I decided that grilling them would bring out their sweetness and pair beautifully with peppery arugula. Toss in some tangy goat cheese and a simple dressing, and dinner was set. Honestly, it was a last-minute idea that turned out to be a delightful surprise.

Created by

The Tastycrafter Team

Last updated on 2026-05-21T23:34:19.072Z

Once, I tried to make this salad during a particularly hot day. I thought grilling the nectarines would be simple, but I left them on the grill for too long. Instead of caramelized sweetness, they turned to mush. It was a mess, but it taught me a lesson about timing, and now I watch them closely, flipping them just once. A minute or two can make all the difference!

Since that experience, I’ve made this salad countless times with success. Combining the grilled nectarines with fresh arugula and creamy goat cheese is heavenly. Plus, this salad has quickly become a favorite for summer gatherings, where friends rave about how light and refreshing it is. Give it a try next time you find nectarines on sale, you won't regret it!

Choosing Your Ingredients

When picking nectarines, look for fruits that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If they're a bit firm, that’s okay – they’ll still grill nicely. You want them to be ripe enough that their natural sweetness shines through. For the arugula, choose fresh, vibrant leaves without any wilting or browning. If you can, get some from a local market; it tends to be fresher and has a peppery kick that really rounds out the salad.

As for the goat cheese, I personally love using a tangy variety, but feel free to use any type of goat cheese you prefer. Crumbling it by hand can be a bit messy, but I find it adds a nice rustic touch. And don’t forget about those walnuts! Toasting them just a little bit on the stove brings out their nutty flavor and enhances the crunch factor of the salad.

A Quick Note on Grilled Nectarine Arugula Salad

If you don’t have a grill or a grill pan, roasting the nectarines in the oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes works just as well. Just make sure to place them cut-side up on a baking sheet drizzled with a little olive oil. You still want those lovely char marks, so keep an eye on them as the time approaches.

I also like to add a pinch of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a slight sweetness or a little heat, depending on my mood. This salad is really flexible, and honestly, adjusting the dressing to your taste makes it even better. Oh, and if you're not a fan of goat cheese, feta can be a nice substitute too.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a lovely salad:

Ingredients

4 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted
4 cups arugula
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Feel free to swap out the goat cheese for feta if preferred, or add some grilled chicken for extra protein!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your salad:

Prepare the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stove until it's hot. I usually give it about 5 minutes, so it’s nice and ready.

Grill the Nectarines

Lightly brush the cut sides of the nectarines with a little olive oil. Place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely. You want nice grill marks, but don't let them get too soft!

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste it and add more seasoning if needed. This salad dressing is simple, yet so good!

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the arugula and walnuts. Gently mix in the grilled nectarines (sliced if desired) and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss lightly, being careful not to crush the goat cheese.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad, and if you like, drizzle a bit more balsamic on top for an extra touch. This salad is best served right away, so gather everyone around and dig in!

You can save leftovers in the fridge, but the arugula might wilt a bit. Gently refresh everything with more dressing when serving the next day.

Scaling Grilled Nectarine Arugula Salad for a Crowd

If you’re planning on serving this salad to a larger group, just double or triple the ingredients. For grilling the nectarines, you might need to do them in batches unless you have a large enough grill. Keeping the grilled pieces warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest is a good trick.

When it comes to mixing everything, use a big bowl so you have plenty of room to toss the arugula, nectarines, and cheese without making a mess. And consider serving the dressing on the side if you’re worried about it getting soggy – it’ll keep everything fresh for more guests!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Peaches or plums would also work great. Just keep an eye on the grill time.

→ What if I don't like goat cheese?

You can switch it out for feta or even skip it entirely if you're not a cheese fan.

→ Is this salad good for meal prep?

Honestly, I wouldn’t prep it too far in advance because the arugula wilts. You can grill the nectarines ahead of time, though.

→ How can I add protein to this salad?

Grilled chicken or shrimp would be a fantastic addition! Just season them up before grilling.

→ Can I use a different dressing?

Sure thing! A simple lemon vinaigrette or even a store-bought option works if you're short on time.