Smoked Duck and Grilled Peach Salad

Prep: 15 minCook: 6 min4 servingsmedium
Smoked Duck and Grilled Peach Salad

Charred peaches with peppery watercress and smoky duck create a seasonal salad with bright acidity from sherry vinegar. Quick assembly makes this elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
    red wine vinegar1:1acidic

    similar body and brightness

    Full guide →
  • 4 peaches, quartered
    nectarines1:1stone fruit

    similar texture and sweetness

    Full guide →
  • ½ cups watercress
    arugula1:1leafy greens

    slightly milder peppery note

    Full guide →
  • 1 ¾ oz smoked duck
    prosciutto50gcured meat

    saltier, less smoky

  • seasoning(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk together olive oil and sherry vinegar with seasoning in a large bowl

  2. 2

    Cut peaches into quarters

  3. 3

    Griddle peach quarters for 2-3 minutes each side until charred and caramelized

  4. 4

    Toss watercress with dressing and divide between bowls

  5. 5

    Top with grilled peaches and smoked duck

Tips

Tip 1

Grill peaches just before serving to maintain their warm, caramelized exterior against cool watercress

Good to Know

Storage

Watercress stores up to 5 days in a sealed container in the crisper. Smoked duck keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Assemble salad shortly before serving.

Make Ahead

Prepare dressing and wash watercress up to 4 hours ahead. Grill peaches immediately before plating.

Serve With

Serve immediately while peaches retain warmth and griddle char.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Overgrilling peaches leads to mushiness; monitor charring closely at 2-3 minute intervals

Watch

Adding watercress to hot peaches wilts leaves; keep greens cool and dress just before serving

Substitutions

peaches
nectarines1:1stone fruit

similar texture and sweetness

Full guide →
sherry vinegar
red wine vinegar1:1acidic

similar body and brightness

Full guide →
watercress
arugula1:1leafy greens

slightly milder peppery note

Full guide →
smoked duck
prosciutto50gcured meat

saltier, less smoky

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →