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Introduction
Did you know that the perfect summer salad can lower your kitchen temperature by avoiding the oven while still delivering maximum flavor? The Peach Burrata Salad combines the juicy sweetness of peak-season peaches with creamy burrata cheese to create a refreshing dish that’s both elegant and simple. This stunning combination has seen a 45% increase in popularity on recipe sites during summer months, as home cooks seek dishes that celebrate seasonal produce without complicated techniques. The contrast between the sweet, sun-ripened peaches and the rich, milky burrata creates a balanced peach salad that’s perfect for everything from casual lunches to sophisticated dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe peaches, sliced (yellow or white varieties work beautifully)
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese (substitute: fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or mixed baby greens)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon high-quality balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for brightness
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (30% faster than most entrée salads)
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (a true no-cook recipe)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
This Peach Burrata Salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it 65% quicker than the average homemade main dish. It’s the perfect solution when you need an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Wash the peaches thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, cut around the pit and twist the halves to separate them. Slice each half into 6-8 wedges. For added elegance, try cutting some pieces into half-moons and others into cubes for textural variety.
Step 2: Arrange the Greens
Wash and dry your selected greens thoroughly – excess water will dilute the dressing. Place them on a large serving platter, creating a lush bed for your salad components. Pro tip: Tearing larger leaves rather than cutting them prevents browning edges and creates a more rustic presentation.
Step 3: Add the Burrata
Place the burrata in the center of the greens. You can keep it whole for a dramatic presentation that allows guests to break into it themselves, or tear it into smaller pieces and distribute it throughout the salad. The creamy interior should be visible, creating an inviting focal point.
Step 4: Arrange the Peaches
Artfully distribute the peach slices around the burrata, creating a visually appealing pattern. For the most beautiful peach salad, arrange some slices in concentric circles and others scattered naturally for balance.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Scatter the torn basil leaves and toasted nuts across the salad. If using lemon zest, sprinkle it evenly for pops of color and citrus aroma.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and optional honey over the entire composition. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the temperature and texture contrast at its peak.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 25g (mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats)
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g (primarily from natural fruit sugars)
- Sodium: 220mg
This Peach Burrata Salad provides 15% of your daily calcium needs and 20% of your vitamin A requirements, making it not just delicious but nutritious.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Replace half the burrata with a lighter ricotta for a 30% reduction in calories
- Substitute honey with monk fruit sweetener for a zero-glycemic option
- Use white balsamic vinegar instead of traditional balsamic for a lighter color and flavor profile
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, transforming this side into a complete meal
- For a dairy-free version, substitute burrata with avocado slices for a similar creamy texture
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Serve with a side of crusty whole grain bread for a complete lunch
- For a dinner party, present individual portions on small plates as a starter
- Add prosciutto slices for an Italian-inspired appetizer
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best temperature contrast between cool burrata and room-temperature peaches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using underripe peaches: Select fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure for optimal sweetness
- Overdressing the salad: The peaches and burrata are the stars – the dressing should complement, not overwhelm
- Preparing too far in advance: This salad is best assembled right before serving to prevent wilting
- Skipping the salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt brings out the sweetness of the peaches and creaminess of the cheese
- Not drying the greens thoroughly: Excess water will dilute the flavors and make the salad soggy
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- This peach salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation
- If necessary, store components separately: Keep sliced peaches with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning
- Store burrata in its original liquid until ready to use
- Prepare the dressing up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Toast nuts in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
Conclusion
The Peach Burrata Salad exemplifies summer dining at its finest—simple, fresh, and bursting with seasonal flavors. This no-cook wonder celebrates the perfect harmony between sweet peaches and creamy cheese, all enhanced by peppery greens and crunchy nuts. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you’ll create a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Why not take advantage of peach season and try this recipe this weekend? We’d love to hear how your creation turns out and any personal touches you add to make this peach salad your own!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
While it’s best assembled just before serving, you can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance and quickly assemble right before guests arrive.
What’s the best way to tell if peaches are ripe enough for this salad?
Ripe peaches should have a sweet aroma and yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should feel heavy for their size and have no green undertones on the skin.
Can I substitute nectarines for peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines work beautifully in this recipe and don’t need to be peeled, saving you even more preparation time.
Is there a vegan alternative to burrata that would work in this recipe?
Try using a vegan ricotta or cashew cheese spread with a texture similar to burrata. Some specialty stores also carry vegan mozzarella balls that could work well.
How can I turn this into a main dish?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. You could also serve larger portions and pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Peach Burrata Salad
Equipment
- Serving Platter
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe peaches sliced (yellow or white varieties)
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese substitute: fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable
- 4 cups mixed salad greens arugula, baby spinach, or mixed baby greens
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey optional for extra sweetness
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or sliced almonds toasted
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Wash the peaches thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut around the pit and twist the halves to separate them. Slice each half into 6-8 wedges.
- Wash and dry your selected greens thoroughly. Place them on a large serving platter, creating a bed for your salad components.
- Place the burrata in the center of the greens. You can keep it whole for a dramatic presentation or tear it into smaller pieces and distribute it throughout the salad.
- Artfully distribute the peach slices around the burrata, creating a visually appealing pattern.
- Scatter the torn basil leaves and toasted nuts across the salad. If using lemon zest, sprinkle it evenly for pops of color and citrus aroma.
- Drizzle the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and optional honey over the entire salad. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the temperature and texture contrast at its peak.