Utterly irresistible, delightfully fresh, and radiantly beautiful, Summer Peach Salad with Burrata is the dish that instantly turns any meal into an occasion. Sweet juicy peaches, creamy burrata, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans come together in this vibrant showstopper you’ll reach for all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Peak Summer Flavor: Ripe peaches and fresh basil highlight everything joyful and luscious about summer produce.
- Elegant Yet Effortless: In just 15 minutes, you get a salad that looks gorgeous enough for entertaining, but is easy enough for a weekday lunch.
- Sweet Meets Savory: The creamy burrata, honeyed dressing, and crunchy pecans create an unforgettable flavor and texture harmony.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: It’s just as perfect as an appetizer or a main—and adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Summer Peach Salad with Burrata is wonderfully simple, but the ingredients really shine when chosen with care. Each component adds a layer—whether that’s peppery bite, juicy sweetness, creamy luxury, or irresistible crunch.
- Arugula: Its peppery notes balance all the sweet and creamy elements—if you can, choose baby arugula for the most tender bite.
- Fresh Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are the heart of this salad; slightly firm peaches hold their shape best, but still taste sweet.
- Shallot: Sliced thin, shallot adds a delicate, subtle onion flavor—red onion is a good backup option if you need one.
- Olive Oil: Use your best extra virgin olive oil for a dressing with real flavor and fruitiness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Its gentle acidity and depth make the peaches and burrata come alive. Aged balsamic is extra special here.
- Honey: Just a drizzle brings a gentle sweetness to the vinaigrette, enhancing the natural sugar of the fruit.
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper: These basics make all the other flavors pop—don’t skimp on freshly cracked pepper for that finishing touch!
- Fresh Basil: Sweet, aromatic basil is summer in leaf-form; tear it right before serving for best aroma.
- Burrata Cheese: The star! Creamy, dreamy, with the perfect balance of rich and fresh. Let it come to room temp for the ultimate lush experience.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans bring the necessary crunch—toast them lightly in a dry skillet for extra toasty magic.
Variations
This salad is so adaptable—think of it as your canvas! It’s easy to make Summer Peach Salad with Burrata just right for your own taste or whatever is in your crisper drawer. Here are some delicious ways to tweak and personalize the dish:
- Swap the Greens: Try peppery baby kale, spinach, or even mixed salad greens for a fresh twist.
- Switch the Cheese: If you can’t find burrata, creamy mozzarella or whipped ricotta will also be lovely.
- Add Berries: Toss in fresh raspberries or blueberries to double down on summer sweetness—and extra color!
- Change the Nuts: Walnuts, sliced almonds, or pistachios all offer their own nutty crunch and flavor.
- Grilled Peaches: Give your peaches a quick sear on the grill or grill pan for a smoky, caramelized layer of flavor.
How to Make Summer Peach Salad with Burrata
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by giving your arugula and peaches a gentle rinse under cool water. Pit the peaches and slice them into thick wedges—this helps them hold up and look beautiful in the salad. If you’re lucky enough to have extra-ripe peaches, slice over a bowl to catch all those juices for your dressing! Thinly slice your shallot and chop the fresh basil, setting them aside for layering and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Add sliced shallot, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper to a small bowl. Whisk until the vinaigrette comes together and the honey dissolves. The shallots will mellow in the dressing as it sits—this tiny wait makes a big difference!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab your favorite platter or shallow bowl. Spread out the arugula as a bed, then artfully arrange the sliced peaches on top. Sprinkle over the torn or sliced basil leaves. Nestle the burrata right in the center (or break it into pieces for easier serving). Drizzle everything generously with your homemade dressing, making sure each bite gets a bit of flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Scatter the chopped pecans over the salad for robust crunch. Give an extra crack of fresh black pepper, and if you like, a tiny finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately for that glorious contrast between creamy burrata and fresh, juicy peaches. Summer Peach Salad with Burrata never lasts long!
Pro Tips for Making Summer Peach Salad with Burrata
- Room Temperature Burrata: Take the burrata out of the fridge at least 30 minutes in advance for the creamiest, most luscious texture—it won’t melt as soon as it hits the cold salad greens.
- Peach Ripeness Matters: Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure—overripe peaches might fall apart, while underripe ones won’t deliver that magical sweetness.
- Toast Your Pecans: For deeper nutty flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until fragrant, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the arugula perky and the peaches juicy, drizzle the dressing right before you bring your Summer Peach Salad with Burrata to the table.
How to Serve Summer Peach Salad with Burrata
Garnishes
For an extra burst of color and a restaurant-worthy finish, scatter a few whole basil leaves or edible flowers (like nasturtiums or pansies) on top of your Summer Peach Salad with Burrata. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a final drizzle of aged balsamic glaze brings a lovely, professional touch that’ll have your guests swooning.
Side Dishes
This salad is fabulous on its own, but it loves company! Serve with a rustic baguette or grilled sourdough for dipping into that oozy burrata. Roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or even a herby quinoa dish all make perfect main-courses to transform your Summer Peach Salad with Burrata into a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showy starter, assemble the salad on a wooden board—or create individual stacks on small plates for an elegant dinner party vibe. You can even serve it deconstructed, with all the toppings in separate bowls, letting guests build their dream version of Summer Peach Salad with Burrata at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), gently store the salad components separately when possible—especially the greens and the dressing. Burrata should be kept airtight and enjoyed within a day for best flavor and texture, while peaches will hold their shape for a day or two.
Freezing
This is a salad best served fresh! Freezing isn’t recommended, as both the peaches and burrata lose their lovely textures upon thawing. Enjoy every bite within a day or two of making for maximum deliciousness.
Reheating
No reheating needed—Summer Peach Salad with Burrata is all about crisp, cool, refreshing bites. If the salad is chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring back optimal flavor and lusciousness.
FAQs
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Can I make Summer Peach Salad with Burrata ahead of time?
You can prep the individual components—slice the peaches, wash the greens, mix the dressing, and chop the pecans—in advance. However, wait to dress and assemble until just before serving so everything stays fresh and vibrant.
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What if peaches aren’t in season?
If peaches aren’t available, nectarines or ripe plums make excellent substitutes with similar juicy sweetness and texture. In a pinch, good-quality canned peaches (drained and patted dry) will also work, though the flavor is best with fresh fruit.
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Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes! Creamy fresh mozzarella makes a delicious alternative—slice or tear it into soft pieces. If you want the ultra-creamy effect, look for the small balls labeled “bocconcini” or “ciliegine.”
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Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! Summer Peach Salad with Burrata contains no gluten. Simply check that your balsamic vinegar and any other add-ins are certified gluten-free if you have dietary sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig your fork into this Summer Peach Salad with Burrata—it’s sunshine on a plate and guaranteed to make any meal special. Share it with friends, save it for a quiet lunch, or bring it to your next gathering; either way, you’re in for a seriously happy bite. Enjoy every juicy, creamy, crunchy moment!
Print
Summer Peach Salad with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Summer Peach Salad with Burrata is a delightful combination of fresh arugula, juicy peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and crunchy pecans, all dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for a light and refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 8 oz burrata
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and prep: Rinse the arugula and wash the peaches. Pit and slice the peaches.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, combine sliced shallots, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Assemble salad: Lay arugula on a platter. Top with sliced peaches and burrata.
- Finish: Drizzle dressing over the salad and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Feel free to substitute arugula with mixed greens for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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