Peach Burrata Salad: Fresh Summer Elegance on a Plate
The quintessential peach burrata salad combines the juiciness of peak-season peaches with creamy, indulgent burrata cheese. This delightful dish celebrates summer’s bounty in the most elegant way possible. The contrast of sweet, ripe peaches against the milky richness of burrata creates a harmony of flavors that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When August heat settles in and peaches reach their perfect ripeness, this peach and burrata salad becomes the ideal light meal. The peppery arugula provides a perfect base for the star ingredients, while the balsamic dressing ties everything together with its sweet-tangy notes. Whether served as a starter or a light lunch, this grilled peach burrata salad will quickly become your summer signature dish.
Peach Burrata Salad Ingredients
Fresh Produce Components
- 4 cups arugula, fresh and peppery
- 2 peaches, ripe but firm, pitted and sliced
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced for mild onion flavor
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 8 oz burrata cheese (usually comes as 2 balls)
Dressing Elements
- 1 tbsp high-quality olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
How to Make Peach Burrata Salad
Preparation Steps
Thoroughly rinse the arugula in cold water and spin or pat dry. Place in a large bowl or arrange directly on a serving platter.
Wash the peaches well, then slice them in half and remove the pits. Cut each half into 5-6 slices and set aside.
Finely chop the fresh basil and thinly slice the shallots.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well incorporated and slightly emulsified.
Arrange the arugula on your serving platter, creating a lush green bed for the other ingredients.
Gently place the sliced peaches around the platter, distributing them evenly.
Carefully tear or cut the burrata balls and place them in the center or distributed throughout the salad.
Sprinkle the sliced shallots and chopped basil across the salad.
Drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over everything.
Finish by scattering the chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch.
Optional Grilling Method
If you prefer a grilled peach burrata salad variation:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush peach halves with a little olive oil.
Place peaches cut-side down on the grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and peaches slightly soften.
Remove, let cool slightly, then slice and continue with the recipe as above.
Tips & Variations for Perfect Peach Burrata Salad
Creative Adaptations
- For a peach tomato burrata salad, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes or sliced heirloom tomatoes for extra color and acidity.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile in the dressing.
- Add prosciutto for a savory element that pairs beautifully with the sweet peaches and creamy burrata.
- Try grilling the peaches for a deeper, caramelized flavor in your grilled peach and burrata salad.
- Swap pecans for toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for different texture and flavor notes.
- For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken breast or shrimp.
- Include a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving to enhance all flavors.
Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad
Complementary Flavor Profiles
- Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette: The classic choice for burrata and peach salad, offering sweet-tart notes that enhance the natural sweetness of peaches. Get the recipe here.
- Zesty Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: The bright citrus and herbaceous notes complement the creamy burrata and sweet peaches beautifully, adding a fresh dimension to the salad.
- Honey Mustard Dressing: The sweet-tangy profile works wonderfully with the peaches while contrasting nicely with the peppery arugula.
- Raspberry Vinaigrette: For a fruity twist that enhances the summer berry notes, this vibrant dressing adds color and complementary flavor to your tomato peach burrata salad.
What to Serve With This Salad
Perfect Pairings
A burrata and peach salad works wonderfully as part of a larger meal. Consider serving it alongside these complementary dishes:
- Grilled chicken or fish: The light, fresh flavors of the salad balance perfectly with simply prepared proteins.
- Crusty artisan bread: Essential for sopping up the delicious combination of burrata cream, dressing, and peach juices.
- Chilled soup: A cold cucumber or gazpacho soup makes an elegant starter before this salad.
- Sous Vide Chicken Thighs: The tender, juicy texture pairs beautifully with the fresh components of the salad.
- Light pasta dish: For a complete summer meal, serve this salad with a simple lemon pasta or orzo side dish.
Storage Instructions for Your Peach Burrata Salad
Keeping Everything Fresh
The peach burrata salad is definitely best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the ingredients are at their peak freshness. However, if you need to prepare elements ahead of time:
- Store washed arugula wrapped in paper towels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Slice peaches just before serving to prevent browning.
- The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and shake well before using.
- Once assembled, the salad will not keep well, as the arugula will wilt and the burrata will lose its texture.
- If you must store leftovers, do so without the dressing and burrata, adding those elements fresh when serving again.
FAQs About Peach Burrata Salad
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches in this burrata salad?
Absolutely! Nectarines make an excellent substitute for peaches in this recipe. They offer a similar sweetness with a slightly different texture. Choose ripe but firm nectarines and follow the same preparation steps as you would for peaches.
What’s the best type of burrata to use for peach and burrata salad?
Fresh, high-quality burrata is essential. Look for burrata that’s made locally if possible, or from a reputable Italian producer. The outer mozzarella shell should be firm but not tough, and the creamy center should be rich and buttery. Most grocery stores with good cheese selections carry burrata, but specialty cheese shops will often have the freshest options.
Can I make grilled peach burrata salad ahead of time for a party?
I recommend preparing the components separately and assembling just before serving. You can grill the peaches up to 2 hours ahead (though they’re best warm), wash and dry the arugula, make the dressing, and toast the nuts. Store everything separately, then assemble the salad right before your guests arrive for the freshest presentation and best texture.
Final Thoughts on This Summer Delight
Summer in Every Bite
There’s something magical about the simplicity of a perfect peach burrata salad. Each component shines on its own while creating something greater together – the peppery arugula, the sweet juicy peaches, the rich creamy burrata, and the tangy balsamic dressing. This salad captures the essence of summer dining: fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant.
I encourage you to make this grilled peach and burrata salad while peaches are at their peak. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it delivers an impressive, restaurant-worthy result. Your taste buds – and your dinner guests – will thank you!
Other Salads to Try
Fresh Summer Peach Burrata Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thoroughly rinse arugula and wash peaches.
- Pit and slice peaches into thin wedges.
- Chop the fresh basil, slice the shallots and prepare the dressing by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and fresh pepper in a small bowl.
- Arrange arugula on a serving platter, then distribute peach slices around the dish.
- Carefully tear or cut the burrata and place pieces throughout the salad.
- Sprinkle with sliced shallots and chopped basil.
- Drizzle the dressing over everything and finish with chopped pecans.
Notes
- For a grilled variation, brush peach halves with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until marked.
- Cool slightly before slicing. This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.
- Store components separately if preparing ahead.
