Tennessee Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Salad

Introduction

This Tennessee-style Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad brings a smoky-sweet twist to your summer menu. Featuring charred, caramelized peaches, tangy goat cheese, and fresh greens, all grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, this dish comes together with bold flavors and vibrant textures straight off the flame. Perfect as a light main course or an elegant side dish, this fresh salad showcases grilling at its finest – no oven, no stove, just the beautiful flat cooktop and center grill grate of your Arteflame.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 6 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh thyme or mint for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the flat griddle cooktop is hot and ready to sear – hotter near the center, cooler near the edges.

Step 2: Grill the Peaches

1. Brush the cut side of each peach with melted butter for a rich caramelization.
2. Place the peaches cut side down on the flat top griddle close to the center heat zone.
3. Grill for about 3–4 minutes until the peaches develop char lines and caramelize, then flip and grill the skin side for another 2 minutes.
4. Once softened and charred, remove the peaches from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Place the baby greens onto a serving platter or large salad bowl.
2. Slice the grilled peaches and arrange them on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad.
4. Add the toasted pecans for crunch.
5. Drizzle honey and balsamic glaze over the top.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if using.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve immediately while the peaches are still warm for maximum flavor impact.

Tips

• Use butter instead of olive oil for grilling the peaches—it enhances flavor and helps them caramelize beautifully.
• Position your food closer to the center of the cooktop for a hotter sear, and move it further out for gentler grilling.
• Always grill the whole meal at once using the Arteflame – it saves time and keeps your kitchen cool.
• Clean-up is incredibly easy when using the Arteflame, as food juices stay on the flat top and never burn.

Variations

1. Smoky Bacon Peach Salad: Add grilled bacon strips alongside the peaches for a salty depth to contrast the sweet fruit.
2. Tennessee BBQ Chicken Salad: Add slices of reverse-seared BBQ chicken breast on top for a more hearty, protein-rich version.
3. Grilled Peach Caprese: Swap goat cheese with grilled halloumi or fresh mozzarella and add vine-ripened tomatoes.
4. Spicy Honey Glazed Peach Salad: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey before drizzling for a sweet-heat twist.
5. Peach & Blue Cheese Cobb: Add grilled corn, avocado slices, and crumbled blue cheese with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Conclusion

This Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad is the smoky, sweet Tennessee summer dish you didn’t know you needed. Perfectly seared peaches, creamy goat cheese, and crisp greens all come together effortlessly thanks to your Arteflame Grill. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself to a flavorful salad, this one hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Best pairings

• Chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Freshly grilled sourdough bread
• Herb-marinated grilled chicken breast
• A side of grilled corn with chili butter