Peach Burrata Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a delicious way to soak up summer’s best flavors, look no further than this Peach Burrata Salad. With its lush slices of ripe peach, creamy burrata cheese, and a touch of basil, every bite feels like a celebration of the season. The simplicity of the ingredients lets each one shine, while a tangy balsamic drizzle ties it all together for a dish that feels special yet comes together in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity truly shines in this Peach Burrata Salad, where every ingredient brings something fresh and vibrant to the table. Each component has a role to play, from juicy sweetness and creamy richness to bite and brightness—here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Peaches: Look for ripe but slightly firm peaches; they’ll slice beautifully and offer juicy sweetness without falling apart.
- Burrata Cheese: This creamy cheese is the star, adding luxurious creaminess that mingles perfectly with the fruit.
- Mixed Greens: A bed of greens (like arugula, spinach, or baby lettuces) adds crunch, color, and a peppery base.
- Olive Oil: A good drizzle of your favorite extra-virgin olive oil adds fruitiness and brings the salad together.
- Balsamic Glaze: Just a little goes a long way—its tangy sweetness highlights both the peaches and the cheese.
- Salt & Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper and flaky sea salt are small touches that make big flavor differences.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn basil leaves brighten up the whole salad and are beautiful as a garnish.
How to Make Peach Burrata Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Begin by spreading your mixed greens on a large serving platter or in a wide salad bowl. This not only acts as a lovely, crisp base but also catches all the juices and flavors from the other ingredients. If you can, give the greens a quick toss with a pinch of salt and just a touch of olive oil for a little seasoning from the start.
Step 2: Slice the Peaches
Take your ripe peaches and slice them into thick wedges or rounds—whatever you find most appealing. No need to peel them unless you prefer! Nicely sliced, the peaches add color and an irresistible juiciness to the salad. Arrange the slices over the greens in a gently overlapping pattern for a bit of elegance.
Step 3: Add the Burrata
Carefully place the burrata cheese on top of the peaches and greens. You can keep the ball whole for a dramatic presentation, or tear it open to let the creamy center ooze over the salad. Burrata has a delicate skin and a lusciously soft inside, so handle with care—it’s messy in the best possible way.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
Now come the finishing touches: generously drizzle the olive oil and a ribbon of balsamic glaze over everything. These two ingredients not only dress the salad but also amplify the flavors. The oil brings richness, while the glaze adds a tangy contrast that ties peaches and cheese together beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Finally, season your Peach Burrata Salad with a little flaky salt and cracked pepper for depth. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top—tear them right before serving to maximize their aroma. The salad is now ready for its close-up and, more importantly, for you to dig in while everything is fresh and vibrant!
How to Serve Peach Burrata Salad
Garnishes
This salad loves a finishing touch. Besides basil, consider adding toasted nuts (like almonds or pistachios) for crunch, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra zing. Edible flowers, if you have them, look stunning and make the Peach Burrata Salad feel even more celebratory for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peach Burrata Salad with crusty grilled bread or crostini—it’s perfect for mopping up those delicious juices. It’s also a lovely opener for grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or seafood, especially at a summer dinner party. It’s versatile enough to stand as a light lunch on its own, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For an appetizer, serve the salad on small plates or even in cocktail glasses for an individual twist. Layer the ingredients in jars for a picnic, or try adding thinly sliced prosciutto to turn the Peach Burrata Salad into a heartier main course. The colors and shapes make it stunning no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Peach Burrata Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a day, though note that the greens and peaches may soften over time. For best texture, enjoy as soon as possible after assembling.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The fresh peaches and burrata do not hold up well to freezing and thawing, as they’ll lose their beautiful texture and flavor. For peak enjoyment, this salad is best made and eaten fresh.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat anything here—in fact, it’s best to serve Peach Burrata Salad chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to liven up leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature and add a fresh touch of basil or a new drizzle of olive oil and balsamic before serving.
FAQs
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines are a wonderful substitute for peaches in Peach Burrata Salad. Their skin is smoother, and they offer similar sweetness and juiciness. Just slice and use in the same way as you would peaches—no extra adjustments needed.
Is there a vegan alternative for burrata?
While burrata is traditionally made from dairy, you can find plant-based mozzarella alternatives in many grocery stores. If you want a vegan spin on Peach Burrata Salad, try using a vegan mozzarella (soft style) or even dollops of creamy cashew cheese as a substitute.
What other herbs can I try?
Fresh basil is classic, but feel free to experiment with mint, tarragon, or even a little thyme for a fun twist. Each herb brings a unique aroma and flavor that can change the character of your Peach Burrata Salad.
How do I pick the best peaches?
Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant—but not mushy. If your peaches are too firm, let them sit on the counter for a day or two to ripen. The better the fruit, the better your Peach Burrata Salad will taste!
Can this salad be made ahead?
You can prep the ingredients ahead by washing the greens, slicing the peaches, and keeping the burrata refrigerated. Wait until just before serving to assemble and dress the Peach Burrata Salad so everything stays fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says summer quite like a big plate of Peach Burrata Salad. It’s easy, elegant, and packed full of bright flavors that always impress friends and family. I hope you give it a try soon—and that it becomes a highlight of your warm-weather gatherings!
