Grilled Nectarine Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette and Crunchy Pistachios

April 24, 2025

Get ready to fall in love with summer in a bowl! This Grilled Nectarine Salad is bursting with juicy, caramelized nectarines, drizzled with a zesty honey lime vinaigrette, and topped with crunchy pistachios. It's bright, fresh, and ridiculously delicious—let's make magic together!

4.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Ahh, summer! The season of warm breezes, golden sunsets, and bowls of fresh, vibrant flavors. And what could embody that better than a Grilled Nectarine Salad? Imagine smoky-sweet nectarines seared to perfection, tossed with crisp greens, creamy crumbles of goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and finished with a honey lime vinaigrette that will make your taste buds dance. This salad isn’t just food—it’s a celebration of the season. If you close your eyes, you can pretend you’re at a backyard cookout, soaking up the sunshine, even if you're just cooking dinner on a chilly Wednesday night!

Grilled Nectarine Salad With Honey Lime Vinaigrette And Crunchy Pistachios Recipe

What makes this recipe truly unforgettable is how it brings together unexpected flavor combinations into perfect harmony. The nectarines are the star, of course, their natural sweetness and slight tang coaxed out by the grill. But the honey lime vinaigrette? Oh, that’s the real magic-maker! With the warm richness of honey playing against the bright zing of lime and a bold olive oil backbone, it’s a dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything. And then come the pistachios—don’t skip them! That crunchy, nutty kick is the perfect finishing touch, adding texture and depth to every bite. Together, these ingredients make a salad that's not just healthy but truly restaurant-worthy.

Now, here’s a little pro tip: Make sure your nectarines are ripe but not too soft. You want them to hold up on the grill without turning into mush. A sprinkle of salt as they come off the heat will amplify their natural flavor, like turning up the dial on sweetness. If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry—a grill pan works like a charm. Oh, and if goat cheese isn’t your thing, swap it for feta or even thin slices of manchego. Cooking, after all, should be as flexible as a yoga instructor!

So, are you ready to make this happen? Serve this salad as a side at your next BBQ, or let it steal the show as a light and refreshing main course. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier option, or toss in some arugula for that peppery kick. And hey, if you feel adventurous, try swapping nectarines for peaches or plums. This salad begs to be personalized and loved in as many ways as possible. Trust me on this one—it’s going to be your new go-to summer dish. Let’s fire up that grill and dive into a bowl of sunshine!

Keywords: grilled nectarine salad recipe, easy summer salad ideas, honey lime vinaigrette recipe, unique summer salad ideas, fresh salad with pistachios, stone fruit salad recipes, goat cheese and nectarine salad

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•3 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted
•1 tablespoon olive oil
•6 cups mixed salad greens
•1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
•1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
•1 tablespoon honey
•2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
•1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
•1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
•Salt, to taste
•Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2
Brush the cut sides of the nectarine halves with olive oil.
3
Place the nectarines on the grill, cut side down, and grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the skin side.
4
Remove the nectarines from the grill and let them cool slightly. Slice them into wedges.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6
In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with the honey lime vinaigrette until evenly coated.
7
Top the dressed greens with the grilled nectarine wedges, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pistachios.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories

Protein

Carbs

17g

Fat

16g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other fruits instead of nectarines?

A: Yes, you can substitute nectarines with other stone fruits like peaches, plums, or apricots. Just ensure they are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape during grilling.

Q: What can I use instead of pistachios?

A: You can replace pistachios with other nuts or seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Toasting the nuts or seeds can enhance their flavor.

Q: Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?

A: Yes, the honey lime vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good shake or whisk before using.

Q: What should I do if I don't have a grill?

A: If a grill isn't available, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even a broiler. Alternatively, you can roast the nectarines in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, checking for caramelization.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness. Keep the greens, grilled nectarines, and vinaigrette in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: To make the salad vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based option or omit it altogether. For the vinaigrette, replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.

Q: What are some serving suggestions for this salad?

A: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or as a side dish at a summer barbecue or picnic.

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