There are few things as breathtakingly simple and elegant as a Peach Burrata Salad. Imagine sun-ripened peaches at their sweetest, nestled beside luxuriously creamy burrata cheese, accented by peppery greens, fresh basil, and a final drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Every bite feels like summer on a plate, bright and bursting with flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. This dish is the very best combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp, and there’s a good chance it will become your most-requested recipe before the season’s through.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peach Burrata Salad is in its simplicity: every ingredient is there for a reason, and together they create something much greater than the sum of their parts. Take a moment to gather the freshest produce possible—the results are absolutely worth it.
- 3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced: Choose peaches that yield slightly to the touch for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- 8 oz burrata cheese: Burrata’s creamy interior oozes throughout the salad, bringing luscious richness in every forkful.
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens: The greens add a peppery, fresh contrast that really wakes everything up.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Basil underscores the summery flavors and adds wonderful aroma.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor and silky texture.
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze: A drizzle of this tangy-sweet syrup elevates each ingredient beautifully.
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios: These provide crunch and a nutty depth that rounds out the salad.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Even just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and ties the dish together.
How to Make Peach Burrata Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by spreading your arugula or mixed greens across a large serving platter or on individual salad plates. The greens are the peppery, crisp foundation for the Peach Burrata Salad, so use your hands to fluff them lightly and create a lovely base for what’s coming next.
Step 2: Add the Sliced Peaches
Distribute the sliced peaches evenly over the greens. For the most photogenic presentation, fan out the slices a bit and nestle them throughout the bed of greens. Their sweet juiciness is the highlight of every bite.
Step 3: Add the Burrata Cheese
Gently tear the burrata into rustic chunks and scatter them across the salad. Let the creamy centers spill out just a little—which promises an irresistible creaminess that will mingle with each forkful of peach and greens.
Step 4: Layer on Basil and Nuts
Now it’s time for fresh basil and toasted pine nuts (or pistachios—your choice). Sprinkle basil leaves and nuts over the top to add fragrance, pop, and crunch. This is your chance to add a little more personality and texture to the Peach Burrata Salad.
Step 5: Dress and Season
Drizzle the olive oil and glossy balsamic glaze generously over the entire salad. Sprinkle everything with a touch of salt and a shower of freshly cracked black pepper. Take a step back and admire—your Peach Burrata Salad is colorful, inviting, and positively bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Peach Burrata Salad
Garnishes
A Peach Burrata Salad looks stunning as is, but don’t hesitate to add a flourish: extra whole basil leaves, zest from a lemon, or a few edible flowers take the visual appeal up a notch. Scatter a final pinch of flaky sea salt at the table for sparkle and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well with others! Serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping into the burrata, or pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or even a refreshing glass of chilled rosé. If you’re setting up a buffet, consider pairing it with light summer pastas or charcuterie for a varied spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try layering the salad in individual glass jars for a picnic, or assemble mini versions on crostini for an appetizer. For extra flair, grill the peach slices for caramelized edges that bring smoky depth to the salad’s flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Peach Burrata Salad, transfer it gently into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. The greens and peaches will soften with time, but the flavors will still be delightful for up to one day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of burrata and fresh peaches doesn’t hold up well to freezing, so this is one best enjoyed freshly made.
Reheating
This recipe is all about its fresh, cool ingredients, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If leftovers are coming straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take the chill off before digging in.
FAQs
Can I make Peach Burrata Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the burrata with a plant-based creamy cheese, and make sure your balsamic glaze doesn’t contain honey. The salad will be just as summery and satisfying.
What can I use instead of burrata?
Fresh mozzarella is the closest substitute in terms of texture and flavor, but you could also try ricotta or creamy goat cheese for a different, yet equally delicious, twist.
Do I have to peel the peaches?
Not at all. The skin adds color and a lovely texture contrast. If your peaches are especially fuzzy or firm, you can peel them, but ripe peaches should be sweet and tender just as they are.
How can I make the salad more hearty?
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or even lentils to up the protein and make it a satisfying main course. The Peach Burrata Salad is endlessly flexible based on what you have on hand.
What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is a syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, sometimes with a little sweetener, that clings to the salad and brings intense flavor. Regular balsamic vinegar will be more tangy and less sweet; you can use it, but the glaze brings more richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of delight in bringing together simple, fresh ingredients in a Peach Burrata Salad and watching them sing in harmony. I hope you’ll give this stunning dish a try—it’s sunshine on a plate, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every juicy, creamy, and herbaceous bite!
