Peach Burrata Caprese Salad

This summer-inspired Peach and Burrata Caprese Salad transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning dish that celebrates the season's bounty. The sweet juiciness of ripe peaches pairs beautifully with creamy burrata, creating a perfect balance that will impress at any gathering.

I first made this salad when my garden basil was threatening to take over my herb patch and peaches were practically falling off the trees at our local farmers market. Now it's become my signature dish whenever I host summer dinners outdoors.

Ingredients

• Fresh peaches: 2 to 3 medium sized fruits that yield slightly to pressure, indicating perfect ripeness
• Burrata cheese: 1 to 2 balls depending on size, room temperature brings out the full creamy flavor
• Fresh basil leaves: Choose bright green leaves without any browning for the most aromatic experience
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use your best quality bottle as the flavor will be prominent
• Balsamic glaze: The reduction concentrates the sweetness beautifully with none of the vinegar harshness
• Salt and pepper: Freshly ground pepper and flaky sea salt elevate the entire dish
• Salad greens: Optional but adds a nice foundation with extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the peaches:

Wash peaches thoroughly under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, slice them into thin wedges about ¼ inch thick. If the skin seems tough, you can peel them first but I prefer keeping the skin for color and texture.

Arrange the base:

Place a generous handful of fresh salad greens on a large platter or individual plates if serving for a more formal occasion. The greens create a beautiful bed for the other ingredients to rest upon.

Add the burrata:

Gently tear open each burrata ball with your hands rather than cutting it. This preserves the creamy interior texture. Place torn pieces throughout the salad, allowing some of the creamy center to spill onto the greens.

Arrange the peaches:

Artfully position the peach wedges around and between the burrata pieces. Create a pattern that allows each serving to include both cheese and fruit in every bite.

Finish with herbs and seasonings:

Tear fresh basil leaves into pieces rather than chopping them to prevent bruising. Scatter them generously over the salad. Drizzle everything with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil followed by a light stream of balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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The basil is truly what makes this dish special for me. I grow several varieties in my garden, but the sweet Genovese basil works particularly well here. There's something magical about how its aromatic qualities enhance both the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the burrata.

Seasonal Variations

While peak summer peaches create the most spectacular version of this salad, you can adapt it throughout the year. In early summer, substitute strawberries or nectarines. For fall, try using thinly sliced apples or pears with a drizzle of honey. The burrata and basil remain constant elements that work beautifully with any seasonal fruit.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad looks and tastes best when assembled just before serving, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Wash and slice the peaches up to two hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Have all other components ready, and assemble just before guests arrive for the most impressive presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant salad as a stunning appetizer for a dinner party or as a light lunch paired with crusty bread. It also makes a perfect side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a complete summer meal, I often serve it with my herb-marinated grilled vegetables and a chilled glass of Prosecco or rosé.

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This salad is a celebration of summer simplicity that will leave your taste buds dancing. Try it this season and savor how the flavors come together beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Peach Burrata Caprese ahead of time?

For best results, assemble this salad just before serving. The burrata is most delicious when freshly broken, and the peaches will maintain their texture better. However, you can prep the ingredients separately up to a few hours ahead and assemble right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for burrata cheese?

If burrata isn't available, fresh mozzarella makes an excellent substitute. You could also use stracciatella (just the creamy interior of burrata) or even a good quality ricotta for a different but complementary texture and flavor.

→ How ripe should the peaches be for this dish?

Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure and smell fragrant. Overly soft peaches may become mushy in the salad, while underripe peaches won't deliver the desired sweetness.

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

Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar that's thicker and sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar. It has a syrupy consistency that makes it perfect for drizzling. If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, you can make your own glaze by simmering the vinegar until reduced by half.

→ What pairs well with this Peach Burrata Caprese Salad?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or fish. It's also excellent alongside crusty bread for a light lunch. For a complete summer meal, serve it with chilled white wine and finish with a light dessert.

→ Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is quite adaptable. Consider adding thinly sliced prosciutto, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Cherry tomatoes, arugula, or a drizzle of honey can also enhance the flavor profile while maintaining the dish's fresh character.