Peach Burrata Summer Salad

This fresh peach burrata salad celebrates the best of summer produce with creamy cheese and sweet fruit. The balance of juicy peaches, rich burrata, and bright herbs creates a stunning no-cook dish perfect for warm evenings or elegant entertaining.

I first created this salad for an impromptu garden lunch when peaches were overflowing at the farmers market. The combination was so magical that it became my signature summer entertaining dish that friends now specifically request.

Ingredients

• Ripe peaches their natural sweetness and juicy texture form the foundation of this salad. Look for fragrant fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Burrata cheese the creamy center creates a luxurious contrast to the fruit. Always choose fresh burrata stored in liquid for the best texture.
• Cherry tomatoes they add a welcome acidic balance to the sweet peaches. Select vine-ripened varieties for maximum flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic herbal note that complements both fruit and cheese. Italian large-leaf varieties offer the best flavor.
• Arugula or mixed greens optional base that adds peppery depth and makes the dish more substantial.
• Extra virgin olive oil use a high-quality variety with fruity notes to enhance the fresh ingredients.
• Balsamic glaze contributes sweet tanginess and beautiful visual contrast. Look for a thick, syrupy consistency.
• Sea salt and black pepper simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors. Flaky sea salt works particularly well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Ingredients

Wash peaches thoroughly and slice into thin wedges about ¼-inch thick. For best results, use a sharp knife and work with firm but ripe peaches. If cherry tomatoes are included, halve them cleanly through the stem end. Handle the burrata gently to preserve its creamy interior, tearing it open just before serving to prevent it from drying out.

Assemble the Salad

Arrange your chosen greens in a thin, even layer across a large serving platter, creating a lush bed for the other ingredients. This step provides color contrast and a subtle peppery flavor foundation. Strategically place torn burrata portions either centrally as a focal point or in several spots throughout the arrangement for even distribution when serving.

Layer Peaches and Tomatoes

Position peach slices in an overlapping pattern radiating outward from the burrata or in a visually pleasing arrangement across the platter. Distribute halved cherry tomatoes throughout the composition, nestling them between peach slices for pops of bright color and acidic contrast that balances the sweet fruit.

Add Fresh Basil

Distribute basil leaves throughout the salad, placing some whole and some torn for textural interest. Tuck leaves partially under ingredients so they peek out attractively. The bright green creates visual appeal while the aromatic quality enhances every bite with herbal freshness.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in a slow, thin stream across all ingredients, using approximately two tablespoons total. Follow with balsamic glaze applied in a zigzag pattern, allowing some to pool around the burrata. The contrasting colors of golden oil and dark glaze create visual drama.

Season and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt, focusing particularly on the peaches and burrata which benefit most from seasoning. Add freshly cracked black pepper for subtle heat and complexity. Serve immediately while the burrata is at its peak creaminess and temperature.

Bookmark

The burrata is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered its magic on a trip to southern Italy where I watched a cheesemaker pull fresh burrata by hand. The contrasting textures of the firm outer shell and creamy center remind me of that unforgettable experience every time I make this salad.

Perfect Peach Selection

The success of this salad depends heavily on selecting ideal peaches. Look for fruits with a strong sweet fragrance and skin that shows no green tints. The perfect peach will yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn't feel soft or mushy. For this recipe, peaches that are perfectly ripe or just slightly firm work best as they maintain their shape when sliced. I prefer yellow-fleshed varieties for their deeper flavor, though white peaches can offer a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy burrata. If your peaches aren't quite ripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to speed the ripening process.

Make-Ahead Options

While this salad shines brightest when assembled just before serving, certain components can be prepared in advance for convenience. Wash and dry greens up to a day ahead, storing them wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed container in the refrigerator. The balsamic glaze can be purchased premade or reduced from regular balsamic vinegar several days in advance. Peaches should be sliced shortly before serving to prevent browning, though if necessary, you can slice them up to an hour ahead and toss with a small squeeze of lemon juice to maintain their color. Always keep the burrata refrigerated in its liquid until the last possible moment, as it loses its magic once it warms and dries out.

Seasonal Adaptations

This versatile salad template evolves beautifully throughout the growing season. In early summer when peaches are just appearing, supplement with strawberries or apricots. During peak peach season, let them take center stage without competition. As summer transitions to fall, incorporate figs or thinly sliced pears alongside the last peaches. The winter version works surprisingly well with good quality preserved peaches or nectarines from the jar. The consistent elements remain the creamy burrata, fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and balsamic glaze, while the fruit component adapts to what nature provides at its best. This approach ensures you can enjoy variations of this stunning salad year-round.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this peach burrata salad in advance?

It's best to assemble this salad just before serving. However, you can wash and prep the ingredients up to a few hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Wait until serving time to tear the burrata and dress the salad to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

→ What can I substitute for burrata cheese?

If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella makes an excellent substitute. While it won't have the same creamy center, it offers a similar mild flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches. For a different twist, try ricotta or even a mild goat cheese.

→ How do I select the best peaches for this salad?

Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. They should have a sweet fragrance and no green areas. For the best flavor, use peaches that are at peak ripeness. If your peaches need ripening, store them at room temperature for 1-2 days.

→ What's the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar that's been simmered until thickened and slightly sweetened. It's more viscous and concentrated than regular balsamic vinegar, providing a more intense flavor with less acidity. If you only have balsamic vinegar, you can make your own glaze by simmering vinegar with a touch of honey until reduced by half.

→ Can I make this salad into a complete meal?

Absolutely! To transform this into a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, prosciutto, or smoked salmon. You can also include more substantial elements like toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or crusty bread on the side. Increasing the portion of greens will also create a more filling salad experience.

→ How long will leftover peach burrata salad keep?

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, though the quality will decline as the burrata will continue to release moisture and the peaches may brown slightly. The greens will also wilt once dressed.