Fresh Grilled Peach Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
A fresh and smoky summer salad featuring grilled peaches, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a sweet-tangy balsamic reduction. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 8 ounces small-curd fresh mozzarella balls or sliced mozzarella
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
- Optional: arugula or baby spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Halve and pit the peaches, then brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency (about 10–15 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Place peaches cut side down on the hot grill. Grill for 3–4 minutes until grill marks form and peaches soften slightly but hold shape. Flip and grill the skin side for another 2 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Slice the grilled peaches into wedges. On a serving platter, alternate slices of peach and fresh mozzarella. Scatter basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction. Finish with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add toasted pine nuts if desired.
Notes
Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before assembling for best creaminess. Watch balsamic reduction closely to avoid burning; stir often and add a teaspoon of water if too thick. Serve immediately while peaches are slightly warm and mozzarella fresh. Store components separately for up to 2 days in the fridge. Balsamic reduction can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: grilled peach salad, caprese salad, balsamic reduction, summer salad, fresh mozzarella, grilled fruit, easy salad recipe