Summer Salad with Chicken and Peaches
Imported from Instagram
35 minEasy4 servings

Summer Salad with Chicken and Peaches

A refreshing and hearty summer salad featuring seasoned chicken, fresh sweet corn, juicy peaches, and feta cheese. Perfect for a quick meal prep or sharing with friends.

Mise turned a cooking video on Instagram into this written step-by-step recipe — 14 ingredients, 5 steps, 35 min, with a generated photo for every step.

Time35min
LevelEasy
Servings4
Method 5 steps
01

Start by slicing the red onion and putting it in a bowl covered with cold water. Set aside to soak for 30 minutes so it won't overpower the salad.

02

To make the corn on the cob: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Shuck corn and place in boiling water for five minutes. Remove corn and let cool before cutting kernels off the cob.

03

To make the chicken: if chicken is greater than an inch thick, cut in half lengthways to get a thinner piece. Season both sides with sea salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano then heat a skillet over medium high heat. Once hot add avocado oil and cook 4 minutes each side until they temp to 165°F when inserted in the thickest part.

04

Make or gather your balsamic vinaigrette.

05

Prep the peach and cheese as needed, then assemble the salad by combining the mixed greens, soaked red onions, corn kernels, cooked chicken, peaches, and feta cheese. Serve with the vinaigrette.

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Notes

This seasonal plate captures the peak of harvest flavors by balancing sweet and savory elements. The combination of warm, seasoned poultry and cold, crisp fruit relies on the contrast between the juicy peaches and the salty bite of the cheese. Since stone fruit provides the primary moisture and flavor profile, selecting ripe, fragrant peaches is the most critical factor for success. The method of soaking the onion is a deliberate choice to remove the harsh sulfurous bite, ensuring the delicate greens remain the focus.

Ideal for warm weather dining, this salad offers a substantial meal without feeling heavy. The dry-rubbed chicken provides a savory foundation that prevents the salad from becoming overly sweet. Expect a variety of textures on the plate, from the crunch of blanched corn to the creamy finish of the crumbled cheese, all unified by the acidic brightness of a classic vinaigrette. It serves well as a light lunch or a casual evening meal.

Before you start

  • When soaking the red onion in step one, use ice water to maximize the crisp texture. Ensure the slices are fully submerged to effectively neutralize the pungent raw flavor.
  • For the corn in step two, avoid overboiling which leads to a mushy texture. The kernels should be bright yellow and retain a firm, distinct snap when bitten.
  • Monitor the skillet temperature closely during step three. If the spices begin to smoke or blacken before the four-minute mark, lower the heat to prevent a bitter, burnt crust.
  • Allow the cooked chicken to rest for five minutes before slicing. Cutting into the meat immediately causes the juices to escape, which will wilt the mixed greens prematurely.

Swaps that work

  • Replace the peach with an equal weight of nectarines. This maintains the stone fruit sweetness while removing the fuzzy skin texture from the salad.
  • Substitute the avocado oil with an equal amount of grapeseed oil. Both have high smoke points suitable for searing chicken without adding heavy flavors.
  • Use crumbled blue cheese instead of feta. Use the same 0.125 cup measurement to provide a sharper, more pungent contrast to the sweet corn.

Keeping it

This salad is best consumed immediately after assembly to prevent the greens from wilting under the weight of the fruit and dressing. If preparing in advance, store the cooked chicken, blanched corn, and sliced peaches in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Do not freeze the assembled salad or the fresh produce. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan over low heat before adding it to the cold components.

Questions

Can the chicken be prepared on an outdoor grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can grill the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat for about four to five minutes per side. This adds a smoky charred flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches and corn. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain food safety and optimal moisture.

Do the peaches need to be peeled before slicing?

Peeling is unnecessary if using ripe peaches. The skin provides structural integrity to the slices and adds a slight tartness and visual color to the dish. If the skin texture is unappealing, use a vegetable peeler or blanch the fruit briefly in boiling water to remove it easily.

Why is the red onion soaked in water first?

Soaking sliced onions in cold water draws out the propanethial S-oxide, the compound responsible for their sharp, stinging heat. This process mellows the flavor significantly, allowing the onion to provide a mild crunch and aromatic quality without overpowering the subtle flavors of the greens and fresh fruit.

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