Wow! their wonderful sweet aroma was the first thing I experienced when I walked into the produce aisle. It's like the first smell of summer, and the promise of sunny warm days just ahead. Nectarines are one of my favorites, and I look forward their arrival.
Oh course, this also signals flip flops, shorts, and eeks! how did my legs get this white!
The sun's coming up earlier, and setting later, it's the perfect time to start transitioning to lighter, healthy meals.
Grilling nectarines is really easy. If you have never tried preparing nectarines this way you are in for a TREAT!
Grilling the nectarines caramelizes the natural sugars and creates a sweet smokey flavor that is a perfect warm gooey compliment to creamy goat cheese and spicy arugula. Top all of it off with a Honey Fig vinaigrette and you'll be ready for the long days of summer.
This is a healthy, easy to prepare salad, that you can whip together in about 20 min.
Grilled Nectarine and Chevre Salad with Honey Fig Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 small nectarines ripe, but still firm
- 2 oz. chevre cheese goat cheese
- 2 tablespoon sliced almonds or pistachios
- garnish with blueberries or strawberries if desired
For the Honey Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 6 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fig spread such as Dalmatia, usually found in the cheese section of the grocery store
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
For the nectarines
- Preheat grill or grill-pan to medium high.
- Slice nectarines in ½ inch slices. Brush each slice with olive oil. Grill the nectarines for 2-3 min. per side ( until you can see grill marks). Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dressing.
For the dressing
- In a small microwave safe bowl add fig spread. Microwave for approx 10 seconds until the spread is liquefied. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and lemon juice to the fig mixture. Whisk until completely mixed.
To assemble the salad
- Create a bed of arugula and spinach mixture on desired number of plates. Top with grilled nectarines, chevre ( cut or spoon into quarter size pieces), almond slices (or pistachios). Drizzle with vinaigrette. Garnish with a few blueberries or strawberry slices if desired.
Jo from yummyvege
This sounds yummy although I'm intrigued by the fig spread - never heard of it before.
Susan
Hi Jo...maybe the fig spread is more readily available here in the USA? It's kind of like a jelly and is sold in the cheese section, something like a quince paste, which would also be good. Or do you have Fig vinaigrette in Spain? no worries if you cant find it...salad would be equally as tasty with just the honey! hope you enjoy