peach burrata salad
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly ripe peach, and when you pair its sweet juiciness with creamy burrata, fresh greens, and a zesty dressing, magic happens. This peach burrata salad is a celebration of summer flavors, effortlessly combining textures and tastes into a dish that feels both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s light, refreshing, and guaranteed to be a showstopper at your next gathering or a delightful lunch for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes for a gourmet-level dish.
- Seasonal Delight: Highlights the best of summer peaches with fresh ingredients.
- Bursting with Flavor: The sweet peaches perfectly balance the savory burrata and tangy dressing.
- Visually Stunning: A beautiful array of colors and textures that looks incredible on any table.
- Light & Refreshing: A perfect starter, side, or light meal, especially on warm days.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different nuts, herbs, or added protein.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to this delightful summer salad.
For the Salad:
- 4 cups (100 g) fresh arugula
- 2 ripe peaches (approx. 350-400 g), pitted and sliced
- 8 ounces (225 g) burrata cheese, gently torn or sliced
- ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- ⅓ cup (35 g) pecans, roughly chopped
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1 small shallot (approx. 30 g), finely sliced or minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) honey
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Arugula: Its peppery bite adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet peaches. If you prefer a milder green, baby spinach or mixed greens would also work well.
Peaches: Choose firm but ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture. Nectarines are an excellent substitute if peaches aren’t in season or available.
Burrata: This creamy Italian cheese is the star! It’s a fresh mozzarella shell filled with cream and mozzarella strands, offering an incredibly rich and luxurious texture. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) can be used, though the creamy interior will be missed.
Shallot: Mincing the shallot finely ensures its delicate oniony flavor integrates smoothly into the dressing without overpowering. Red onion, thinly sliced, could be a substitute if you like a stronger onion flavor.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the balsamic. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
Pecans: Provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted walnuts, pistachios, or even slivered almonds would be delicious swaps.
Equipment
- Large salad bowl or platter
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced or minced shallot, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is well emulsified. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Wash and pat dry your ripe peaches. Carefully pit them and slice each peach into even wedges or half-moon shapes.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
On a large serving platter or in a wide, shallow bowl, gently arrange the fresh arugula as your base.
Step 4: Add Peaches and Burrata
Artfully scatter the sliced peaches over the arugula. Then, carefully tear or slice the burrata into several pieces and nestle them among the peaches and greens.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette generously over the entire salad. Sprinkle with the fresh basil and chopped pecans. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Pro Tips
- Choose Ripe Peaches: The success of this salad largely depends on the quality of your peaches. Look for ones that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the textures of the burrata and greens.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
- Season as You Go: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper in the dressing – it helps to bring out all the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This peach burrata salad makes a fantastic appetizer, a vibrant side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or a light and satisfying lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up any remaining dressing and creamy burrata goodness. It’s also a wonderful addition to a summer brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
This salad is truly best enjoyed fresh. If you must store leftovers, keep the dressed and undressed components separate. Store undressed salad (arugula, peaches, burrata) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing in a separate container. Dress just before serving. We do not recommend reheating this salad.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, prosciutto, or crispy bacon would make this salad a heartier meal.
- Cheese Alternatives: If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or even crumbled feta can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Swaps: Mint or a mix of basil and mint would also be delightful with the peaches.
- Nutty Additions: Toasted walnuts, pistachios, or candied pecans could replace regular pecans.
- Extra Veggies: Thinly sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes could add more freshness and color.
Nutrition Information
A single serving of this refreshing peach burrata salad provides approximately 284 calories, with 12 grams of protein and 24 grams of fat, including 9 grams of saturated fat. It contains 14 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of dietary fiber and 11 grams of sugars. Additionally, each serving offers around 40 mg of cholesterol and 299 mg of sodium, making it a flavorful yet balanced option.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the balsamic vinaigrette can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk again before using.
Q: What kind of peaches are best for this salad?
A: Any ripe, sweet peach variety works well. Freestone peaches are often easier to slice as the pit detaches easily.
Q: Is burrata the same as mozzarella?
A: While burrata is made from mozzarella, it’s not the same. Burrata has an outer shell of solid mozzarella, but the inside contains a creamy mixture of mozzarella shreds and cream (stracciatella), giving it a much softer, richer texture.
Q: Can I add other fruits?
A: Absolutely! Berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even sliced figs, would complement the flavors beautifully, especially when in season.
This peach burrata salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the best of summer. With its vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and unforgettable flavors, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Whip it up for your next meal and prepare to impress!
Recipe Card
peach burrata salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the arugula and wash the peaches.
- Pit and slice peaches and set aside.
- Chop the fresh basil, slice the shallots and add them to a small bowl.
- Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper, and whisk the ingredients to combine.
- Lay the arugula on the platter, and top with the sliced peaches and burrata.
- Drizzle the salad dressing and sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
