Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution + Recipe by Laura Hearn, CNE

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, vibrant salads. Our Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette combines seasonal fresh fruits, nutrient-rich greens, and a tangy-sweet vinaigrette, creating a perfect addition to your summer menu. Choosing seasonal ingredients not only enhances the nutritional value of your meals but also supports local agriculture and sustainability. What you eat plays a crucial role in how you look and feel. Packed with skin-loving ingredients, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious. Let’s dive into all the juicy skin-loving benefits of this exquisite recipe.

Eating Seasonally: Why It Matters

Higher Nutritional Value: Seasonal fruits and vegetables don’t spend time sitting in storage where nutrients dissipate and become depleted. They are more local, spending less time in transit, resulting in fresher produce translating to higher nutrient value.

Better Taste: Seasonal produce is often more flavourful. Peaches in the summer are juicy and sweet, making them perfect for grilling and adding to salads like this one.

Cost-Effective: When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are usually more abundant and less expensive. Eating seasonally can help you save money while still enjoying high-quality, nutritious foods.

Supports Local Farmers: Buying seasonal produce often means supporting local farmers and markets, which can reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainable agriculture.

The Skin Benefits of Our Ingredients

Peaches

A are fantastic sources of vitamins A and C, which are crucial for skin health. Vitamin C helps in collagen production, keeping your skin firm and youthful, while vitamin A repairs damaged skin tissues. Additionally, peaches are rich in fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Furthermore, peaches have a low glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and potential skin issues.

Arugula and Mixed Greens

Arugula and mixed greens are packed with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which combat free radical damage and inflammation. This helps reduce redness and swelling associated with acne and other skin conditions. Leafy greens are also rich in chlorophyll, which supports liver function and cleanses the blood by providing essential nutrients that aid in detoxification, helping to clear impurities from the skin. Chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green, plays a vital role in this process.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a powerhouse for skin health, rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that nourish and moisturize the skin from within. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental damage. Antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols combat free radicals, slowing the aging process and preserving youthful, radiant skin.

One of olive oil’s standout components is oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen. Oleocanthal helps reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling, making olive oil particularly beneficial for maintaining a clear and healthy complexion.

Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a remarkable ingredient with numerous benefits for skin health. Two key ways in which this ingredient supports the skin are by supporting gut health and regulating blood sugar.

• Gut Health: ACV promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and aids digestion. A balanced gut microbiome is fundamental for clear skin as it helps reduce systemic inflammation, a common trigger for acne and other skin issues.

• Blood Sugar Regulation: ACV is excellent in stabilizing blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the bloodstream. This helps prevent the spikes and crashes in blood sugar that can lead to inflammation and subsequent breakouts.

Summer Salad Inspiration: Our Must-Try Favourites

• Citrus Beet Salad
• Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad
• Herbed Potato Salad
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Grilled Veggie Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

This grilled peach salad with honey vinaigrette is the perfect summer side dish packed with skin-loving ingredients!

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Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups arugula
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 3 peaches (cut into wedges)
• 1 cup blackberries
• ½ cup pecans

For the Vinaigrette

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (ACV)
• 3 tsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional:

• Nut cheese crumble

Instructions

Prepare the Grilled Peaches:

• Cut the peaches into half-moon slices
• Coat the peaches in avocado oil
• Grilled peaches for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
• Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Salad:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula and mixed greens.
• Add the peach wedges, blackberries, and pecans on top of the greens.

Make the Vinaigrette:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Dress the Salad:

• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
• Toss gently to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Optional Topping:

• Sprinkle nut cheese crumble over the top for an added flavour and texture boost.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, vibrant summer salad!