As summer rolls in, our culinary cravings shift toward lighter, fresher dishes brimming with vibrant colors and flavors. Among the many seasonal delights, the Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad stands out as a true showstopper—combining smoky sweetness, creamy richness, and herbaceous freshness into one irresistible dish.
Whether you are hosting a garden party, looking for a stunning appetizer, or simply want to elevate your weekday lunches, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Beyond this recipe, we’ll explore related fresh salads such as the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad, the classic Grilled Peach Caprese Salad, and unique combinations like the Tomato-Peach Salad with Feta and Cucumber. Plus, we’ll discuss how to creatively integrate peaches and cheese into pasta salads like Salad Macaroni and Salad Pasta, and even nutrient-packed leafy green salads such as Salad Kale and rich Burrata Salad options.
What Makes Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad So Special?
This salad beautifully balances multiple sensory elements:
- Sweetness from juicy, caramelized grilled peaches
- Creaminess of fresh burrata cheese
- Earthy freshness from vibrant greens and herbs
- Acidity from balsamic vinegar or glaze that cuts through richness
- Crunch from nuts or seeds to add texture
The transformation of peaches on the grill brings out their sugars and adds a subtle smokiness, perfectly complementing the milky softness of burrata. This combination feels indulgent yet fresh, making it ideal for warm weather dining.
The Star Ingredient: Burrata Cheese
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese originating from Puglia. It is essentially a mozzarella shell filled with stracciatella (shreds of mozzarella) and cream. This gives it a luscious, buttery interior that oozes on slicing. Burrata has become a favorite among chefs and food lovers for its unique texture and mild, milky flavor.
Using burrata in your salad adds a layer of sophistication, creating a silky mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, slightly charred peaches. While it’s slightly pricier than mozzarella or feta, the luxurious experience is well worth it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the classic Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad, gather the following:
- 4 ripe peaches — firm enough to hold shape when grilled
- 1 ball of burrata cheese (about 8 ounces) — fresh and ideally consumed the same day
- Mixed salad greens — arugula, baby spinach, or a spring mix work well
- Fresh basil leaves — to add herbal brightness
- Extra virgin olive oil — for brushing and drizzling
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze — adds a tangy sweetness
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper — to season
- Optional nuts — toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans for crunch
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Selecting and Preparing the Peaches
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches will become mushy on the grill and lose their structure. Wash them well, cut in half, and remove the pits. Brush the cut side with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
2. Grilling the Peaches
Preheat your grill (outdoor or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Place peaches cut side down and grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see char marks and the fruit softens slightly. Flip and grill the skin side for an additional 2 minutes.
The grilling process enhances the peaches’ natural sugars, producing a smoky caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy burrata.
3. Preparing the Salad Base
While the peaches cool slightly, prepare your salad bed. Toss mixed greens lightly with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to season the leaves and soften their texture.
4. Assembling the Salad
Arrange the dressed greens on a serving platter or individual plates. Slice the grilled peaches into wedges and distribute evenly. Tear the burrata gently and place chunks across the salad. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
5. Finishing Touches
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze over the salad. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For added texture and a nutty aroma, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm grilled peaches with cool creamy cheese and crisp greens. It pairs well with crusty bread, grilled chicken, or light seafood dishes such as shrimp or scallops.
Blueberry Peach Feta Salad: A Fruity, Tangy Variation
If you’re craving a fruit-forward salad with a tangy bite, the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is a perfect alternative. This salad swaps burrata for feta cheese, which provides a sharper, saltier flavor that complements the sweetness of blueberries and peaches.
Ingredients:
- Fresh peaches, sliced
- Blueberries
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Baby spinach or kale
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Toasted almonds or pecans
- Lemon vinaigrette (lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper)
This salad is vibrant, nutrient-dense, and great for a healthy brunch or light lunch. The antioxidants in blueberries and vitamins in peaches add to the health benefits, making it a delicious way to nourish your body.
Grilled Peach Caprese Salad: An Elegant Twist on a Classic
The classic Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil gets a summery upgrade with grilled peaches replacing tomatoes. The smoky sweetness from the peaches contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil, enhanced by a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
- Grilled peach halves or wedges
- Fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper
This salad is simple to prepare and visually stunning, making it ideal as an appetizer or side for outdoor dinners or festive occasions.
Tomato-Peach Salad with Feta and Cucumber: Fresh and Crisp
Another refreshing salad idea is the Tomato-Peach Salad with Feta and Cucumber. This combination is packed with hydrating ingredients and a balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Ripe peaches, diced
- Crisp cucumber, diced
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh mint or basil
- Olive oil and lemon juice dressing
This salad is easy to prepare and makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats or fish. The sweetness of the peaches works hand in hand with the tangy feta and refreshing cucumber.
Salad Macaroni: A Versatile Pasta Salad with a Fruity Twist
Pasta salads are summer staples, perfect for picnics and potlucks. You can easily add grilled peaches or fruits to a traditional Salad Macaroni recipe to brighten it up.
Basic Ingredients:
- Cooked elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- Mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing
- Diced celery, bell peppers, and onions
- Herbs like parsley or dill
- Optional grilled peaches or diced fresh peaches
- Crumbled feta or burrata chunks
Adding fruit to pasta salad introduces a sweet note that balances the savory, creamy dressing. This can become a refreshing dish for lunches or side servings.
Salad Kale: Nutritious and Flavorful
Kale is a powerhouse leafy green packed with vitamins A, K, and C. Its hearty texture holds up well in salads, especially when massaged with olive oil and lemon juice to soften the leaves.
Ingredients for a Peach-Infused Kale Salad:
- Chopped kale, massaged
- Grilled peach slices
- Blueberries or other seasonal berries
- Crumbled feta or torn burrata
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Lemon vinaigrette
This salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, perfect for those seeking a wholesome and filling meal.
Salad Pasta: The Perfect Base for Creativity
The flexibility of Salad Pasta makes it a great canvas for incorporating summer fruits, cheeses, and herbs. Use penne, fusilli, or rotini pasta and mix in grilled peaches, burrata, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
You can prepare this dish in advance, chill it in the refrigerator, and serve it cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for warm-weather entertaining or meal prep.
Burrata Salad: The Creamy Star of Any Plate
Burrata salad doesn’t always need to include fruit. It can be as simple as fresh burrata served over ripe heirloom tomatoes with a sprinkle of olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
Adding grilled peaches or roasted vegetables elevates this concept and makes the salad more substantial. Burrata’s creamy texture brings richness, making it a favorite among cheese lovers.
Health Benefits of Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad Ingredients
- Peaches: Rich in vitamins A, C, and dietary fiber, peaches help boost immunity, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin. Their natural sugars provide a quick energy boost without the crash associated with processed sweets.
- Burrata: Provides protein and calcium essential for muscle repair and bone health. Despite being a rich cheese, it can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Greens (arugula, kale, spinach): Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these greens contribute to heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
- Nuts: Contain healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, supporting brain health and reducing inflammation.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Contains polyphenols that have antioxidant properties.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that is both delicious and nourishing.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
- Choose peaches with a balance of firmness and ripeness. They should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy.
- Use fresh burrata and consume it the same day. Burrata deteriorates quickly, so freshness is key.
- Don’t overcook the peaches. Grill just enough to get nice grill marks and caramelization.
- Massage kale if using it. This helps reduce bitterness and tough texture.
- Add texture. Nuts or seeds add an enjoyable crunch that contrasts with creamy burrata and soft peaches.
- Season well. Salt enhances sweetness and flavors, so don’t be shy with it.
- Use a high-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze to maximize flavor.
Pairing Ideas
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.
- Complement with a glass of chilled rosé or light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
- Add crusty artisan bread or crostini to scoop up the cheese and soak up juices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute burrata with mozzarella?
Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used, but it lacks the creamy interior that makes burrata special. Feta can also be used for a tangier flavor.
Is it possible to use frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are best for grilling due to texture and flavor. Frozen peaches can become mushy and watery, but you could use them fresh if thawed carefully and grilled briefly.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to grill peaches and assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the burrata fresh and greens crisp.
What dressing pairs best with this salad?
A simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze works beautifully. You can also use lemon vinaigrette for a citrusy touch.
Conclusion
The Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad is a beautiful celebration of summer flavors—juicy grilled peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh greens harmonize to create a dish that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you stick to this classic recipe or explore delightful variations like the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad or the Grilled Peach Caprese Salad, these salads bring a burst of color and nutrition to your table.
Incorporate peaches and burrata into your pasta salads such as Salad Macaroni or Salad Pasta for creative twists, or make hearty green salads like Salad Kale to nourish your body.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this salad is a must-try for anyone who loves seasonal cooking and fresh, vibrant flavors. So fire up your grill, slice those peaches, and enjoy a taste of summer that’s as delicious as it is elegant!
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