Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Roast Peach Salad


Ham, goat cheese, and balsamic kick up the flavor

Fresh peaches are one of the glories of summer. But sometimes the peaches we find at the market are less than fully ripe. What to do?

Roast them, we say (grilling works too). It brings out their sweetness and concentrates their flavor.

You don’t need to save them for dessert, either. Their sweet intensity plays well with savory ingredients (we like to use salty ham or prosciutto, plus goat cheese). Mix in some balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and you have a scrumptious salad.

A versatile one, too. This salad is fancy enough to start a summer dinner party. But it’s easy enough to serve as a quick weekday main.


Roast Peach Salad


Recipe: Roast Peach Salad

This salad is similar to our Roast Strawberry Salad. But we’ve made this dish heartier by adding ham to the mix. Indeed, a large serving of this would be satisfying enough to serve as a main course. But if you want a lighter salad, you can skip the ham and even the goat cheese – you’ll still have a tasty appetite teaser.

There are two steps in making this dish. First, you’ll need to roast the peaches. Then you’ll assemble the salad. Roasting (or grilling, if you prefer) takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Assembling the salad takes another 5 to 10 minutes. (Do note that you’ll want to wash the lettuce at least an hour ahead so it can crisp in the refrigerator.)

This recipe makes 4 starter-size servings, or two main-course servings.

Ingredients

For the roast peaches:
  • 4 fresh peaches (or to taste)
  • ~ 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (just enough to coat the peaches)
  • salt to taste (see Notes) 
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste (see Notes)
  • cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
For the salad:
  • 1 head of lettuce (romaine works well, but use any lettuce of your choice)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (just enough to coat the lettuce when tossing)
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons good-quality balsamic vinegar (to taste; see Notes)
  • the roasted peaches, sliced
  • 1 to 2 slices of deli ham or prosciutto per serving (or to taste)
  • ~4 ounces goat cheese (to taste)
Procedure

For roasting the peaches:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Wash and dry the peaches, then cut them in half. Remove the pits.
  3. Use a shallow baking pan that’s just large enough to hold the peach halves in one layer. Line the pan with aluminum foil (this will help with clean up). Add a bit of olive oil to the pan (just enough to film the surface). Add the peach halves, skin side down. Swirl them through the olive oil – just enough to lightly coat the side facing the pan. Now drizzle more olive oil over the top of the peaches, using your fingers to spread the oil over them until each half is lightly coated. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a light dusting of cayenne pepper, if you wish.
  4. Place the peaches in the oven and set a timer for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, flip the peaches and set the timer for another 10 minutes. After 20 minutes total, test the peaches for doneness – a knife will slide in with minimal resistance. If the peaches are not done to your taste, roast them another 5 minutes. 
  5. Remove the roasted peaches from the oven and let them cool for at least 5 minutes before using. (You can roast the peaches an hour or two ahead of time and let them sit at room temperature until ready to use.) Right before assembling the salad, cut the peach halves into slices.
For preparing the salad:
  1. Wash and dry the lettuce. Wrap the lettuce in a dish towel to absorb any excess moisture, then place it in the refrigerator to crisp for at least an hour.
  2. When ready to make the salad, remove the lettuce from the refrigerator and tear it into bite-size pieces. Add the lettuce pieces to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add the olive oil (start with a bit less than you think you’ll need). Toss the lettuce until the oil totally covers each leaf (you may need, or want, to add some additional oil).
  4. Add a pinch or two of salt and a few grinds of black pepper (to taste), then toss the lettuce to incorporate them. Sample a leaf to make sure the amounts of oil, salt, and pepper are to your taste. Correct if necessary.
  5. Add the balsamic vinegar (again, start with less than you think you’ll need) and toss the lettuce. Taste, and add more vinegar if necessary.
  6. Distribute the lettuce among your serving plates. Distribute the peach slices on top of the lettuce. Add a slice or two of ham or prosciutto to the top of each salad. Cut the goat cheese into small chunks, then distribute it over the salads.
  7. For extra garnish, you can drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar over the salads if you wish (this is very optional). 
  8. Serve and enjoy.
Roast Peach Salad

Notes
  • Prefer to grill the peaches? Here’s how: Prepare the peaches as you would for roasting. But instead of using the oven, grill them (using a grill pan) or cook them outdoors on the barbecue grill. Grilling takes less time than roasting – usually 10 to 15 minutes total. Turn the fruit often so it doesn’t char too much.
  • You could also run the peaches under the broiler.
  • How much olive oil and balsamic vinegar should you use when tossing the lettuce? It’s hard to specify exactly – every head of lettuce has a different volume. And everyone likes a different oil-to-vinegar ratio. So taste as you make.
  • Same deal with the salt and pepper. Season to your own taste.
  • You’ll definitely taste the olive oil in this dish, so use good quality.
  • Ditto the balsamic vinegar. You don’t need to buy the super-expensive aged stuff, but do use something of good quality. 
  • Traditionally, the best balsamic comes from Italy, specifically Modena and Reggio Emilia. But we’ve also had some good California balsamic vinegar, which is more affordable.
  • Roast peaches make a great garnish for dessert dishes (ice cream, in particular). If you’re using them for this purpose, you’ll probably want to roast them without the olive oil and seasoning.
  • Both ham and prosciutto work nicely in this dish. Their saltiness combines well with the sweetness of peaches and balsamic.
  • Salami (or a similar sausage) would probably work too.
  • Goat cheese is perfect in this dish. But a salty provolone might work well, too. Or you could try a bleu cheese.
Roast Peach Salad

Pompitous of Flavor

“Peachy keen flavor combo!” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs.

“Do I dare to eat a peach . . . for the first course?” I said. “Yes, I do.”

“Really love your peaches,” said Mrs K R. “Want to shake your balsamic.”

Mrs K R – my own space cowgirl.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Roast Strawberry Salad
Strawberry-Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy-Seed Dressing
Tomato, Cucumber, and White Bean Salad
BLT Pasta with Goat Cheese
Pineapple, Coconut, and Carrot Salad
Or check out the index for more recipes

90 comments:

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

Roasting stone food is a great way to enhance their flavor. Your salad is just perfect for a nice dinner or lunch on my balcony. All I need is some crusty bread and a glass of white wine. Thank you!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, isn't roasting fruit so nice? Love its flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Blogoratti said...

What a delicious looking dish, thanks for sharing the recipe and preparation. Warm greetings!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Blogoratti, neat dish, isn't it? SO tasty! Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

Peaches are indeed good with both sweet and savory meals. Michigan peaches started early this year: one vendor at the farmers' market says in his 35 years as a peach farmer it's the first time he's ever harvested a peach before the first of July. Just bought more at the market today -- will consider your suggestion!

best.. . mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

How have I never roasted peaches before? Thank you for the inspiration! This sounds wonderful!

Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon said...

Looks delicious John. When I was a child we had 3 peach trees on the edge of our garden. I miss those days when you could find a good peach. And no one seems to know what a free-stone peach is.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, Michigan peaches are good! Although most local peaches are good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, it IS wonderful! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Madonna, most of the peaches we've been getting lately are cling-stones. But in a few weeks some local, free-stones should start arriving -- they're the best of the season! Thanks for the comment.

savorthebestcooks@gmail.com said...

Mmmm, peaches! We have been enjoying them while they are in season and grilling really brings out their flavor. I love this salad, John!

laura dembowski said...

I love roasted peaches but haven't made them yet this year. Guess I better get to it!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, love all summer fruit, but peaches may be the best! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, time's a wasting! So buy some peaches. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I love grilling peaches this time of year. It makes them so much sweeter, which I love, and creates an even more flavorful salad. Love this with the goat cheese and ham!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, grilling/roasting peaches really brings out a lot of flavor, doesn't it? SO good! Thanks for the comment.

Barb | Creative Culinary said...

I saw this on Facebook and it became lunch! I had some leftover grilled pork that I subbed for the ham but I had just purchased some fresh Colorado peaches and they needed to get in my belly! Thanks John for the fantastic lunch; wish you could have joined me!

Angie's Recipes said...

Definitely a perfect summer salad, esp. when the juicy sweet stone fruit is in season.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and delicious!!! I definitely need to have this salad!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, wish I could have joined you, too! Grilled pork sounds great in this dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, stone fruit is SO good, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, you do, you do. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I just bought my first container of peaches this week. They are pretty ripe but some could be roasted for sure. it really takes the flaovr to the next level. This is a great summer salad!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, we love roasting fruit! Such nice flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

So fresh and delicious for these high temperatures.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, it's really hot here, so this is very welcome. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Lydia from Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen said...

This looks refreshing and delicious! I add citrus to salads and always forget about other fruits. Love it :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lydia, it's good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I love peaches! Now why haven't I roasted them??? Great idea and your salad looks fabulous.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, you'll love roast peaches! SO good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

I never quite understood the fruit and meat pairing to be honest! But I will always remember my dad's signature meal back in the day - pork chops and apple sauce! The apple sauce would be home-made too!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, homemade apple sauce is good stuff! A lot of meat/fruit pairings don't totally work, IMO, but when they do, they're wonderful. THanks for the comment.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking.com said...

Peaches are one of summer's highlights. A wonderful dinner to celebrate the season! By the time the peaches are ready, the rest of the salad will be done, bravo!

Healthy World Cuisine said...

So enjoying the stone fruit season. So short and so many delicious recipes to try. Roasting the peaches is a great alternative to all of the rain we are having or the indoor grill. Salads are our go to recipes in the summer...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, we love peaches! The season is always too short, so we take full advantage of it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, wish we had some rain! It's HOT and DRY here. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

Oh John, how divine! The peaches in Budapest were exquisite, perfect for your salad.

Judy said...

Roast peaches? Goat cheese and balsamic? All summer long! This sweet-savory salad is worthy of regular rotation, John. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi LIz, I've really enjoyed reading about your travels! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, we've had this multiple times so far this summer. :D Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

Yes, peaches are the glory of summer. Now if I could just keep those @#$%^& squirrels out of our peach tree. Really glorious salad, John.

Unknown said...

I've said it before (probably on this space, when you've posted peach things) and i'll say it again: peaches are one of my most favorite things about summer, and in my opinion, the only reason hot days like the ones we've had recently are tolerable. I love the idea of roasting peaches to bring out their beautiful flavor: beats having to wait that pesky day or two for them to ripen in a paper bag, for sure. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, squirrels! They just LOVE our tomatoes. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shannon, roasting them is wonderful, isn't it? Really intensifies their flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

The combination of roasted peach with the savory ham and goat cheese just sound delicious! Thanks for the inspiration John!
I hope you are having a wonderful week :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, it's a wonderful combo! Definitely worth having. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Super salad John! I've always saved grilled peaches for dessert. Have never roasted them. Grilled peaches with ham and feta sounds like a perfect summer meal! Thanks!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, grilled/roasted peaches with salty stuff is a really good combo. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sue/the view from great island said...

Love this John, I have a similar salad coming up, the flavor of roasted peaches is DIVINE!

Emma | Bake Then Eat said...

What a lovely salad, I think its great to add fruits to salad it helps to give them that touch of sweetness that plays perfectly with the savoury flavours. This is a great combo!

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

We love roasted and grilled peaches, this salad is wonderful. I bet the saltiness of the ham and the sweetness of the peaches is delicious, great salad.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, great minds and all of that. :-) Roast peaches are SO good, aren't they? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, it IS a great combo! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, the whole salt/sweet thing is really fun in this dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Looks delish and I love the addition of goat cheese. I think goat cheese pairs wonderfully touch with any roasted fruits or veggies.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, the goat cheese SO works in this dish! Great flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

It's boiling hot in Madrid now- I could go for you cool, refreshing salad now!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, boiling hot here, too! This is quite welcome. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

Roasting indeed brings out the best in fruits. And love how you used it for salad. Have a great weekend.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, love roast fruit! And love fruit in a summer salad. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Peaches are not in season yet in Japan but I can hardly wait! This looks perfect for hot summer days. I can already imagine my kids going for peaches and we end up eating the salad without peaches. haha.

Tricia Buice said...

Great combination of flavors and so pretty too! I adore roasted stone fruit. Bravo!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, just now coming into season here. And so good! Your kids will love this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, roast fruit is terrific, isn't it? And love it with salty stuff! Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

What a terrific summer salad, John! I've never roasted peaches, but I'm truly looking forward to trying this one!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, you'll enjoy roasted peaches -- SO good! Thanks for the comment.

lisa is cooking said...

This makes me realize that I have not eaten nearly enough peaches yet this summer! Love the idea of grilling them for this salad.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Lisa, it's pretty hard to eat enough peaches, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Roast peaches? HELL to the YES!!! Goat cheese and balsamic? I WAAAAAANT!!! Sweet-savory salads have been featuring in our kitchen often, think it is the warm summer like winter days that has us doing so. If I can find a peach, I shall be giving this a go. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anna, sweet/savory is such a nice combo, isn't it? SO good! Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

Like I said on FB, this is the perfect summer salad; it addresses all of the flavours we all love, salty, sweet and tart of the goats cheese. Nicely done.

Agness of Run Agness Run said...

Such a great combo of ingredients. Excellent recipe, John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, isn't this nice? Really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Agness, this tastes SO good! Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I can never get enough of peaches in summer. Although I usually just eat them out of hand or bake with them, this is a great reminder of how well they marry with savory ingredients, too.

Pam said...

That's one great peach salad, John! Bill loves peaches and I know he'd like this. Roasting definitely brings out the flavor in them. Take care

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, love peaches in savory things! Or out of hand. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, roasting fruit is such a neat technique, don't you think? Really enhances its flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I have a peach tree in my yard and am always looking for new ideas of how to use them!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, how neat to have your own peach tree! Lucky. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Love roasted peaches! What a perfect salad for a perfect summer dinner. Our peach tree bit the dust a few years ago, but that doesn't stop me from buying my favorite fruit!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, it's nice having fruit trees, isn't it? Although easier to buy the fruit. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Such a beautiful looking salad. I love the roasted peaches, they sound delish! Perfect recipe for summer peaches.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, roast peaches have terrific flavor. We love them! Thanks for the comment.

amira said...

I love peaches, one of my favorite but I've never tried them grilled!!. A very nice summer recipe. Thanks

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, you need to try this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

I've never roasted oeaches. Sounds delightful.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, you really need to try roasting peaches -- wonderful! Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

The best way to release the flavour of peach is by grilling or roasting them, it becomes more sweeter which is prefect for a salad like this

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, we love to grill or roast peaches when we're not eating them out of hand. So much more flavorful! Thanks for the comment.