Heart Healthy Grilled Peach Salad with Berries

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 12/28/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Vegetarian

Make your first course the best course with this summery grilled peach salad. Grilling the fruit caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a smoky, sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the tartness of fresh raspberries and blackberries.

If you love this sweet summer treat, be sure to check out all of our healthy peach recipes for more inspiration. You can also explore our entire lineup of fresh salad ideas or browse our delicious collection of berry recipes to find your next favorite dish.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
6
Calories
104

What Makes This Grilled Peach Salad with Berries Healthy

Grilling fruit is a fantastic way to intensify its natural sweetness without adding excessive amounts of sugar or fat. This recipe focuses on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients like fresh produce and a light homemade vinaigrette to keep calories low while maximizing flavor.

Key Health Highlights

  • High in Fiber: Both peaches and berries are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and heart health.
  • Antioxidant-Rich: Berries provide powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
  • Vitamin C Boost: Peaches and lime juice add a dose of Vitamin C to support immune function.
  • Low in Sodium: The homemade dressing uses balsamic vinegar and ginger for flavor instead of salt.

FAQs About Grilled Peach Salad

No, it is best to leave the skin on. The skin helps hold the peach halves together so they don't get mushy or fall apart on the grill grates.

Grilled peaches are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm and firm. If you need to prep ahead, you can wash the berries and mix the dressing in advance, but wait to grill the peaches until just before serving.

You can easily make this indoors using a cast-iron grill pan or a standard skillet on your stovetop. Just sear the peaches over medium-high heat until they develop a nice color.

Yes, a sprinkle of cheese pairs beautifully with fruit. See the Variations section below for heart-smart ways to add feta or goat cheese.

Heart-Healthy Fresh Fruit Salads

Packed with fiber and natural sweetness, these heart-healthy fresh fruit salads make a refreshing addition to any meal or a guilt-free snack. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce while boosting your daily intake of essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Light Fruit Sides

Complement your savory main courses with these light fruit sides that add a perfect touch of natural sweetness to your dinner plate. These simple, nutrient-dense recipes are a delicious way to brighten up your menu without weighing you down.

Ingredient Spotlight: Peaches

Peaches are the star of this dish, offering more than just juicy flavor. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure. When selecting peaches for grilling, look for fruit that is fragrant and firm to the touch but gives slightly when pressed. If they are too soft, they may fall apart on the grill; if they are rock-hard, they won't caramelize as well. Keeping the skin on not only holds the peach halves together during cooking but also adds extra fiber and nutrients.

Healthy Variations

  • Savory Twist: For a savory contrast, sprinkle a small amount of crumbled feta, goat cheese, or torn fresh mozzarella (burrata) over the top. Keep the portion modest to maintain the heart-healthy profile.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add texture by tossing in a handful of toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds.
  • Herbal Note: Fresh mint or basil leaves make a wonderful addition or substitute for the lime zest garnish.
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Ingredients

Recipe yields 6 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

  2. Step 2

    Arrange peach halves skin side up on the grill. Grill the peaches for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, then turn and grill for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from grill and allow to cool for 3 minutes. On a flat surface, arrange the peach halves flat side down. With a sharp knife, cut the peach halves into bite-size pieces. Transfer the peaches to a large bowl and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, ginger and honey. Pour the vinaigrette over the peaches. Sprinkle with the lime juice. Add the raspberries and blackberries. Toss lightly. Garnish with lime zest, if using. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 1/4 cups

104
Calories
0
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
0
mg
Sodium
26
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
5
g
Fiber
0
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Stovetop Grill Pan: If you don't have an outdoor grill, preheat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the pan lightly with oil and cook the peaches as directed to get those beautiful char marks.
  • Skillet Sear: A regular non-stick or cast-iron skillet works too. The peaches won't have grill lines, but they will still caramelize and soften nicely.
  • Broiler: You can place the peach halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and broil them for 2–4 minutes, watching closely so they don't burn.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve Immediately: This salad is best served right after grilling when the peaches are warm and juicy.
  • Storage: Grilled fruit does not store well as it tends to become soggy. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but note that the texture will be much softer.
  • Prep Ahead: You can whisk the balsamic dressing together and wash the berries a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately until you are ready to grill the peaches.

What to Serve With This Heart Healthy Grilled Peach Salad with Berries

Ingredient Substitutions

Nectarines:  If you prefer smooth skin or can't find ripe peaches, nectarines are a perfect 1:1 swap and grill just as well.

Maple Syrup:  For a vegan option, you can substitute pure maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey in the dressing.

Lime Juice:  Fresh lemon juice can be used if you don't have limes, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Ginger:  If you don't have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger can work in a pinch, but start with a small amount and taste as you go.

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