Sweet meets savory in this grilled Chicken With Nectarine Fruit Salsa. Perfect for warm evenings and quick dinners that feel like a treat.
Grilling chicken in the summer always brings back memories of backyard cookouts, and this recipe is no exception. The inspiration came from a sunny afternoon experimenting with fruit pairings for chicken, and nectarines were the surprising standout. Did you know nectarines are just smooth-skinned (and slightly firmer and tangier) peaches? They often get overshadowed by their fuzzier cousins, but the tangy flavor of nectarines makes them perfect for a sweet summer salsa.
This recipe was born when I grilled some nectarines on a whim, pairing them with slivered almonds and crumbled goat cheese for a fresh salsa. The result was an instant crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat for every barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Is Chicken With Nectarine Fruit Salsa Healthy?
While “healthy” can mean something different to everyone, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients. Grilled chicken is a lean protein option, and the nectarine salsa adds a pop of natural sweetness without added sugar. Fresh mint, slivered almonds, and goat cheese round out the dish, providing a mix of textures and nutrients.
If you’re allergic to nuts, leave out the almonds and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Those who are lactose intolerant can leave out the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Delicious Flavor Tweaks
Looking to add a shot of extra flavor to this salsa? Instead of balsamic vinegar, try adding lime juice for some brightness. You could also use different herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or flat-leaf parsley. Not a fan of goat cheese? Go for a bolder option like crumbled blue cheese, or keep it mild with chopped mozzarella. If you like heat, add a chopped red chili or stir in some hot sauce. Adding extra ingredients, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or diced avocado, would also be great.
How To Make Ahead And Store
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Once cooked, the chicken will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The salsa is best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (dice the nectarines, chop the mint, and crumble the goat cheese) and store them separately in airtight containers. Once combined, the salsa will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing isn’t recommended for the salsa.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken with nectarine fruit salsa pairs beautifully with this unique Pomegranate-Persimmon Salad and some Air-Fryer Roasted Potatoes. You could also serve it with Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Carrots and a side of Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus to complement the sweetness of the nectarines in the salsa.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Pinch of salt
- 1 pound chicken breasts
For the salsa:
- 2 small nectarines (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 6 tablespoons goat cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the honey is dissolved. Whisk again, and add the chicken, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
- Preheat your grill on medium for 10 minutes. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the center. Let them rest 5 minutes.
- Wash and halve your nectarines, and remove the pits. Place them cut side down on the grill while the chicken is cooking for 2-3 minutes, until grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and cool on a plate or cutting board.
- While the chicken cooks, heat your oven to 400°F. Place the almonds on a small baking pan and toast 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning, until lightly browned. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Dice the grilled and cooled nectarines. In a small bowl, mix them with the remaining salsa ingredients except for the goat cheese. Crush the almonds, add them to the salsa, and season with salt to taste. Stir in the goat cheese.
- Spoon the salsa over the chicken, and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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