Arugula Salad with Charred Peaches, Pecans & Smoked Gouda

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Summer is the perfect time to dress up a simple garden salad while taking advantage of in-season stone fruit. On my way out the door at Hunger Mountain Co-op, I picked up a copy of Delicious Living, a free publication, and found this recipe. I can't wait to try it. The combination of juicy, crunchy, peppery, smoky, and sweet has my mouth watering. I just so happened to pick up some nectarines, which should work equally as well as the peaches. Make sure your stone fruit is firm and not overripe for successful grilling.

Candied Pecans

• ⅓ cup pecan halves
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup 
• ⅛ tsp. sweet smoked paprika 
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon 

For the Salad

• 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the grill
• 1 Tbsp  apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp whole grain mustard
• ½ tsp maple syrup
• ¼ tsp smoked salt
• ¼ tsp sweet smoked paprika
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 firm peaches, sliced
• 5 oz baby arugula
• 1 oz smoked Gouda, shaved with a cheese slicer or a vegetable peeler and sliced into strips

Method

For the candied pecans, combine pecan halves, maple syrup, sweet smoked paprika, and cinnamon in a medium-sized skillet. Stir and reduce to medium -low when bubbles begin to form. Continue stirring until the pan is dry and the pecans begin to stick together, 2-3 minutes. Transfer the contents to a sheet of parchment to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

To make the dressing, combine 3 Tbsp olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, smoked salt, smoked sweet paprika, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Set aside. 

Heat a stovetop grill or barbecue grill over high heat. Brush with olive oil. *I will also coat each slice of fruit with oil. Grill on each side until char marks appear, approximately 2-3 minutes each side. Remove to a wire rack.

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the dressing. Add half the peaches, half the cheese, and half the pecans, then toss gently to avoid breaking the fruit. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and arrange the remaining peaches, pecans, and cheese on top.

I can't wait to dig in!