This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This grilled nectarine salad combines sweet nectarines lightly grilled and tossed into a bed of arugula, and ricotta salata, and drizzled with a light honey balsamic dressing.
This grilled nectarine salad is a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and tangy!
The sweetness of the grilled nectarines pairs perfectly with the salty ricotta salata cheese and the peppery blend of baby arugula and microgreens.
I made a sweet honey balsamic dressing that is delicious I wanted to drizzle it on all the things!
This is the perfect salad side dish for grilled meats and it’s also a great vegetarian option for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
You can grill your nectarines on your outdoor grill on an indoor grill pan.
Ingredients for grilled nectarine salad
For nectarines:
- Nectarines
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper
For salad:
- Baby arugula
- Microgreens
- Ricotta salata cheese
For dressing:
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Balsamic dressing
- Kosher salt and pepper
What is ricotta salata cheese?
Ricotta salata cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is from sheep’s milk.
It’s a firm, crumbly cheese that has a slightly salty taste and a mild, creamy flavor.
It is not the same as traditional ricotta cheese which is a soft, spreadable cheese made from cow’s milk. You commonly see that used in dishes like Italian Sausage and Mushroom Lasagna.
Ricotta salata is a versatile cheese that can be used in salads, pasta dishes, and even sprinkled on top of roasted vegetables.
If you can’t find ricotta salata cheese you can substitute feta cheese as it will give you the same tang and salty flavor. If you want to stay in the Italian family go with a fresh crumbled Parmesan cheese.
More summer salad recipes
Grilled Nectarine Salad
Ingredients
For nectarines:
- 2 nectarines, 1-inch wide slices
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
For salad:
- 4 cups baby arugula
- grilled nectarines
- 1/2 cup ricotta salata
For vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
For nectarines:
- Lightly glaze each slice of nectarine with olive oil, season with kosher salt and pepper, and grill quickly on a hot grill. Set aside.
For salad:
- Add all ingredients to a large salad bowl, drizzle with the desired amount of vinaigrette, and toss to combine.
For vinaigrette:
- Whisk together vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. While whisking slowly drizzle in olive oil until combined.
- Season with kosher salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ah, yeah!!! This salad is screaming my name with it’s perfect flavors and bright colors!
Grilling peaches or nectarines has been on my list of things to do for a long time and I still haven’t gotten around to it. You’ve inspired me! This salad is exactly the kind of meal I could eat all summer long!
This salad look amazing! Great for the Summer!
I absolutely love this dish! It looks and sounds amaaaazing! I can’t wait to give it a try!!
I could seriously eat this salad every day – it looks soooo fresh and tasty! Loving the grilled nectarines + ricotta, and that salad dressing is perfection. Definitely an awesome go-to summer salad 😀
I feel I did not have a lot of salads this summer, but then again, none looked as appetizing as this one! Need this in my life!
It’s still hot here, so I can’t wait to try this!
I could live off salads like this in the summer!! So beautiful, and there’s nothing better than the sweet/salty combo!
It’s amazing how you can make such a simple salad look so beautiful, Brandy! Want!
I love adding fresh fruit to delicious salads like this one