If you’re looking for a refreshing dish this summer, try my Grilled Peach Burrata Salad! This tasty salad combines juicy grilled peaches, creamy burrata, and crunchy pistachios, making it a perfect dish for warm days. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your friends or family. Plus, the sweet and tangy dressing will take your taste buds to a whole new level. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This salad combines the sweetness of grilled peaches with the creaminess of burrata, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and quick grilling, this salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Textural Contrast: The crunchy pistachios paired with soft burrata and juicy peaches provide a satisfying mix of textures that makes each bite interesting.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the salad not only make it visually appealing but also elevate any dining experience, making it a showstopper on any table.
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Additional Ingredients
– 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
– 1 ball of creamy burrata cheese
– 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
Dressing Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– A handful of fresh basil leaves
When I create a salad, I love to use fresh, ripe peaches. Their sweetness shines when grilled. The olive oil adds richness, while the sea salt and black pepper bring balance.
Next, I choose my greens. Arugula adds a peppery bite, but mixed greens work well too. Burrata cheese is a must for its creamy texture. Roasted pistachios give a delightful crunch, making each bite exciting.
For the dressing, I combine honey and balsamic vinegar. This mix gives a sweet-tangy flavor that ties everything together. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch on top.
Each ingredient plays a role in making this salad a summer delight. It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures, creating a fun dish for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Grilled Peaches
1. Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is the key step for great grill marks.
2. Take your ripe peaches and cut them in half. Remove the pits carefully. Brush the cut sides with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps them grill well.
3. Season the peach halves with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple step enhances their natural sweetness.
Grilling the Peaches
1. Once your grill is hot, place the peach halves cut-side down on it. Grill for about 4-5 minutes.
2. Check for tenderness by gently pressing the peaches. They should feel soft but not mushy. You want to see beautiful grill marks too.
3. After grilling, take the peaches off the grill and let them cool a bit on a cutting board.
Assembling the Salad
1. Grab a large salad bowl and add your arugula or mixed greens. This forms a fresh, vibrant base for your salad.
2. Tear the burrata into pieces and place them over the greens. Burrata adds creaminess that pairs well with the peaches.
3. Slice the grilled peaches into wedges and gently arrange them on top of the salad. This adds a lovely burst of color and flavor.
4. Scatter the roughly chopped pistachios over the salad for a nice crunch. They bring texture and nutty flavor.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle this sweet-tangy dressing over the salad for added flavor.
6. Toss the salad gently, being careful to keep the burrata intact and creamy.
7. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and a nice aroma.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Grill Marks
To get those perfect grill marks, set your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature helps the peaches sear well. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil. This step is key, as it keeps them from sticking to the grill.
Grill the peaches for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want to see nice char marks, and they should feel soft when pressed gently. If you let them grill too long, they can become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
For an elegant look, serve your salad on a large platter or individual plates. Arrange the peaches and burrata artfully to highlight their colors. Drizzle some extra honey and balsamic vinegar on top. This finishing touch gives it a glossy finish that looks appealing.
Pair the salad with crusty bread or a light soup. These sides complement the freshness of the salad and round out your meal nicely.
Pairing Wine or Drinks
A chilled white wine works well with this dish. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. Their crispness balances the sweetness of the peaches and creaminess of the burrata. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon. The fizz adds a refreshing touch that enhances the salad’s flavors.
Pro Tips
- Choose Perfect Peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. This ensures they are ripe and sweet, enhancing the overall flavor of your salad.
- Grilling Technique: For optimal grill marks and caramelization, make sure your grill is preheated. Avoid moving the peaches too soon to allow them to develop a nice sear.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest greens you can find. Arugula adds a peppery note, but feel free to mix in other greens like spinach or mixed baby greens for variety.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this salad immediately after tossing to keep the burrata creamy and the greens crisp. This salad is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the fruit in this salad. Try using ripe nectarines or plums. They also grill well. For greens, consider spinach or mixed baby greens. These add different flavors and textures. You can even mix in some kale for extra crunch.
Flavor Variations
Add some spices to enhance the taste. A pinch of cinnamon on the peaches can add warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or mint can brighten the dish. You can also swap pistachios for walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch to the salad.
Dressing Alternatives
If you want to try different sweeteners, maple syrup works great. It adds a rich flavor. For vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both will give the salad a nice tang without overpowering it.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the burrata separate. This way, it stays creamy and does not soak into the greens. Place the grilled peaches in another container. This keeps their flavor strong. You can layer the arugula and pistachios in a third container. Always add the dressing just before serving. This keeps everything crisp.
Reheating Instructions
If you want to warm the peaches, use a microwave or a pan. Heat them just until warm. Do not overheat, or they will lose their juicy texture. For the burrata, you don’t need to reheat it at all. Just take it out of the fridge and let it warm to room temperature. This keeps it creamy and soft.
Shelf Life
The grilled peaches last about three days in the fridge. The burrata stays fresh for about two days. Arugula lasts about three to five days, depending on how fresh it was when you bought it. Roasted pistachios can stay good for a month if stored well. Honey and balsamic vinegar have long shelf lives, so they can last for months.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this salad?
Yes, you can use canned peaches. They are sweet and soft. However, fresh peaches taste better. Fresh peaches add a nice char from grilling. Canned peaches are often packed in syrup, which can be too sweet. If you use them, rinse and drain well. This helps reduce the sweetness.
Is burrata the only cheese option?
Burrata is creamy and delicious, but not the only choice. You can use fresh mozzarella. It gives a similar texture. Goat cheese is another great option. It adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with peaches. Feta cheese can also work, giving a salty contrast.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, swap the burrata for vegan cheese. Look for brands that mimic creaminess. You can also use avocado for richness. Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave. They add sweetness without animal products.
This blog post covered how to create a delicious grilled peach salad. You learned the key ingredients like ripe peaches, burrata cheese, and fresh basil dressing. We walked through each step, from grilling to assembling your salad.
Grilling adds a sweet flavor to peaches, and presenting it nicely makes a real impact. Remember to try different ingredients and dressings for fun twists. Enjoy your salad fresh and eat wel
