This summer peach salad with burrata is a simple, fresh, but flavorful dish; packed with complex flavor profiles of sweet and savory, there is a surprise in every bite. Crisp, fresh peaches, crunchy pecans, decadent melty burrata cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette all come together to create this dish. No cooking necessary and done in no time, this salad is perfection.
All about this summer peach salad with burrata
I went to a farm stand last weekend with the kids for a morning activity, never expecting to find the most delicious summer peaches there. The farm stand also had a chilled section with homemade burrata. It was just calling my name.
Once I brought my souvenirs home, it struck me to make a peach salad with the burrata. The combination of creamy, decadent burrata and sweet peaches is to die for. Adding some crunchy pecans and a perfect vinaigrette was the icing on the cake. This salad is just out of this world!
Each component of this salad brings so much flavor and works together perfectly. Arugula is one of my favorite bases for salads because the peppery flavor pairs so well with other ingredients, and makes for a more flavorful and delicious salad.
if you’ve never had burrata before, you are surely missing out. It is a cheese that has a mozzarella outer casing with a soft, creamy filling. The flavor is pretty mild, but the creaminess is what makes it so decadent and delicious. Because of it’s mild flavor, it pairs well with so many other flavor components.
The chopped pecans are optional, but I think they add the crunch that the salad needs. If you aren’t a fan of pecans, pignoli nuts (pine nuts) or walnuts would work well in this too.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad can be served by itself for a great lunch or light dinner, but can also be considered a side dish.
If you are looking for some extra protein, you can serve this with some juicy grilled chicken or shrimp for the ultimate summer meal. Sliced prosciutto would also be an amazing addition to this salad. Prosciutto di Parma is one of my favorite Italian meats, very similar to a cured ham, and adds an amazing salty flavor and would compliment these flavors perfectly.
Making the perfect restaurant-style salad
A lot of people joke that when you make a salad at home, it’s never quite the same as when you order it at a restaurant. Why is that? I think there are a few reasons as to why salads taste better out:
- Textures – a good salad needs a variety of textures; soft, crisp, crunchy.
- Flavors – a good salad has a good combination of flavors, ranging from sweet to salty.
- Dressing – a good salad has the perfect amount of dressing; a good salad is also not over-dressed and soggy.
This salad hits all of the notes above; it’s truly restaurant-style. I had never worked with burrata on my own before, and it was such a treat to eat such a delicious salad at home.
What will I need to make this summer peach salad with burrata?
Here is a list of everything you will need:
- arugula
- peaches
- This recipe is ideal for the summer time, when peaches are the freshest!
- You can also use nectarines.
- Frozen peaches will not work here; fresh is best.
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- I use the Modenaceti brand
- honey
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- shallot
- fresh basil
- burrata
- Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream.
- There are two components to burrata: the outside, and the inside. The outside is a solid white cheese, while the inside contains cream, which gives it the soft texture.
- You can find burrata at Italian specialty markets, or some supermarkets where they sell the mozzarella.
- Brands such as BelGioioso have started selling burrata as well.
- If you can’t find burrata, mozzarella is an acceptable substitute (but not the same!)
- pecans
How do I make this summer peach salad with burrata?
My favorite part about this salad is that there is no cooking necessary! Begin by rinsing your arugula and washing your peaches. Pit and slice your peaches and set aside.
To make the salad dressing, start by slicing the shallot and fresh basil. Put them in a bowl and add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, kosher salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together. Taste for seasoning.
To arrange the salad, lay the arugula on a platter and top with the sliced peaches and fresh burrata. Cut the burrata in half for some of that creamy inside to show, and arrange it on top of the salad. Top with the salad dressing and chopped pecans and you’re done!
Summer Peach Salad with Burrata
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 peaches, pitted, sliced
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 1/4 cup basil
- 8 oz burrata
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the arugula and wash the peaches.
- Pit and slice peaches and set aside.
- Chop the fresh basil, slice the shallots and add them to a small bowl.
- Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper, and whisk the ingredients to combine.
- Lay the arugula on the platter, and top with the sliced peaches and burrata.
- Drizzle the salad dressing and sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
Notes
- 8 WW points for 1/4 of the salad
Nutrition
You might also enjoy these Italian-inspired salads:
Christina says
Amazing!!! So full of flavor! Perfect summer salad
Siobhan says
I recently moved out east on Long Island close to farm stands. This salad has been my summer go to when guests come over. Everyone has LOVED it and asked for the recipe. It is a very easy dish to make when entertaining…just make dressing ahead.
Cheryl H says
Brought this to a BBQ—mixed everything and then added small sections of burrata on top and drizzled a little extra dressing over them.
I did modify —i had several bottles of balsamic dressing so I just added the shallot and basil to that for a semi-homemade dressing. It was absolutely fantastic! This is my new favorite salad. Thank you!!