Last summer, my garden overflowed with the juiciest peaches I’d ever grown. I was determined to find new and exciting ways to use them, beyond just pies and jams. That’s when I stumbled upon the brilliant idea of combining those sweet, sun-ripened peaches with creamy burrata and fresh basil. The result? An absolute explosion of flavor that quickly became a family favorite! I knew immediately that I needed to share this peach caprese salad with burrata!
Picture this: slices of perfectly ripe peaches, their sweetness intensified by a light grilling, nestled alongside dollops of soft, pillowy burrata cheese. Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant, peppery note, and the whole thing is drizzled with a balsamic glaze that ties everything together in a symphony of flavors. My husband, who usually prefers savory dishes, declared it the best salad he’d ever tasted! Even my picky eight-year-old, who usually shies away from anything green, couldn’t resist the allure of the peaches and creamy cheese.
This peach caprese salad with burrata is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive. It’s so simple to throw together, yet it feels incredibly elegant and impressive. I often serve it as a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or even a unique side dish at barbecues. The best part? It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings. Speaking of peaches make sure to check out this peach burrata salad!
I remember one particular evening when my in-laws came over unannounced. I had very little in the fridge, but luckily, I had some ripe peaches, fresh burrata, and basil on hand. Within minutes, I had this peach caprese salad with burrata on the table, and everyone raved about it. It was a moment that truly solidified my love for this recipe – it’s not just delicious, but it’s also a reliable crowd-pleaser that always comes through in a pinch.
Sometimes, cooking can feel like a chore, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. But this recipe is different. It’s a reminder that you can create something truly special with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. It’s also a dish that always brings a smile to my face, reminding me of sunny days, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
Trust me, your family is going to love this peach caprese salad with burrata as much as mine does! It’s become such a staple in our house, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this incredible combination of flavors.
Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing salad:
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s talk ingredients for a minute because, like any great recipe, the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. First, the peaches: you want them to be ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced. I usually get mine from the local farmer’s market because they always seem to have the sweetest and juiciest varieties. But if you’re buying from the grocery store, give them a gentle squeeze – they should yield slightly to pressure.
Now, for the burrata! Oh, burrata, you creamy, dreamy delight. If you’ve never had burrata before, you’re in for a treat. It’s basically a mozzarella ball filled with a soft, creamy center. When you cut into it, the creamy center oozes out, creating a luxurious texture that’s simply divine. I have a really helpful Burrata Cheese Guide that you can check out if you would like to know more. I always look for burrata that’s packaged in water, as it tends to be fresher. Also, try to use it within a day or two of buying it for the best flavor and texture. My family prefers the taste of burrata, but a good mozzarella would be fine too.
Next up, fresh basil. This is a non-negotiable! Dried basil just won’t cut it in this recipe. Fresh basil adds a peppery, aromatic note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peaches and the creaminess of the burrata. I like to grow my own basil in a pot on my patio, but you can easily find it at most grocery stores. When you’re buying basil, look for leaves that are bright green and free of blemishes.
And last but not least, the balsamic glaze. This is the secret ingredient that ties everything together. The tangy-sweet flavor of the balsamic glaze adds a depth of flavor that elevates this salad to a whole new level. You can find balsamic glaze at most grocery stores, but you can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. And don’t be scared of a bit of salt and pepper. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
A little kitchen secret? Here’s something my mom taught me. She marinates the peaches in a bit of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper before assembling the peach caprese salad with burrata. It adds a flavor punch to the peaches themselves.
If you’re trying to keep costs down you could consider using fresh mozzarella instead of burrata. It would change the texture of the peach caprese salad with burrata but would be an adequate and flavorful substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata:
- Prepare the peaches: Gently brush the peach slices with olive oil. This will help them caramelize beautifully on the grill or in a pan.
- Grill or pan-sear the peaches: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Grill or sear the peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly softened and have grill marks. Don’t worry if they look a little messy at first – mine always do too! The goal is to enhance their sweetness and add a touch of smoky flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the peaches caramelizing.
- Arrange the salad: On a serving platter, arrange the grilled peach slices and burrata cheese. You can either leave the burrata as whole balls or gently tear them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.
- Add the basil: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the peach and burrata.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Be generous, as the balsamic glaze adds a crucial tangy-sweet element to the dish.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this peach caprese salad with burrata. First things first, you’ll want to prepare your peaches. Gently brush the peach slices with olive oil. This step is important because it helps the peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill or in a pan. I learned the hard way that skipping this step can result in dry, lackluster peaches.
Next, it’s time to grill or pan-sear those beauties. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Grill or sear the peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly softened and have those gorgeous grill marks. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the peaches instead of searing them. If you’re grilling, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing!
Once the peaches are grilled or seared, it’s time to assemble the salad. On a serving platter, arrange the grilled peach slices and burrata cheese. You can either leave the burrata as whole balls or gently tear them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. I personally like to tear them because it allows the creamy center to ooze out and mingle with the peaches.
Now, for the fresh basil! Scatter the basil leaves over the peach and burrata. I like to use a mix of whole leaves and torn leaves for visual appeal. The basil adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that really elevates the dish.
And now, the grand finale: the balsamic glaze. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Don’t be shy – the balsamic glaze adds a crucial tangy-sweet element to the dish. I learned this trick from my Italian grandmother, who always said that a good balsamic glaze can fix just about anything. I also love adding a drizzle of olive oil to the salad.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
My husband always asks me to make extra balsamic glaze because he loves to dip crusty bread in it. It’s so satisfying!
And there you have it – a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious peach caprese salad with burrata that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Serving Ideas
In my house, we treat this peach caprese salad with burrata as a blank canvas, ready to be adapted based on the occasion and who’s at the table. Most often, I’ll serve it as a vibrant appetizer at summer barbecues. It’s always a hit, especially when paired with grilled meats and other seasonal salads. I also love serving it as a light lunch on hot days, accompanied by some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious balsamic glaze and burrata creaminess.
For a more substantial meal, you can easily add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad. This turns it into a complete and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. My daughter is vegetarian, so I often add grilled halloumi cheese for her, which provides a salty, savory contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.
When it comes to presentation, I like to keep it simple and elegant. I usually arrange the peach slices, burrata, and basil on a large platter and then drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top. For a pop of color, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or toasted pine nuts. It makes it look so much fancier!
On those special nights when we have friends over, I make it a point to add a little extra flair. I often serve the salad with a side of crostini, which are small toasted bread slices that are perfect for scooping up the burrata and peaches. I also like to drizzle the salad with a high-quality olive oil and sprinkle it with some flaky sea salt. It’s the little touches that make all the difference.
One of the best things about this peach caprese salad with burrata is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. If you’re not a fan of balsamic glaze, you can substitute it with a honey-lemon vinaigrette or a pesto sauce. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use mint or arugula instead. The possibilities are endless!
And what about leftovers? If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. The flavors meld together overnight, making the salad even more delicious. I love to pack it in a container and take it to work with me. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious meal that always brightens my day.
My daughter always asks for extra basil on her portion, while my son prefers it with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick. It’s really a versatile dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making peach caprese salad:
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to serve this salad immediately, you can prepare the peaches and balsamic glaze ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the salad right before serving to prevent the peaches from getting soggy.
Q: Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
A: Absolutely! While burrata adds a unique creamy texture, fresh mozzarella is a great substitute. Just make sure to use high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill pan?
A: No problem! You can easily pan-sear the peaches in a skillet or bake them in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the peach slices on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly softened.
Q: Can I add other fruits to this salad?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or nectarines. Just make sure to choose fruits that complement the peaches and burrata.
Q: My balsamic glaze is too thick. What can I do?
A: If your balsamic glaze is too thick, simply add a teaspoon or two of water and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: While fresh basil is definitely preferred, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Just use about half the amount, as dried basil has a more concentrated flavor.
I’ve definitely overcooked the peaches before. If you do this, don’t worry! Just let them cool slightly and they’ll still taste delicious. The key is to keep a close eye on them while they’re grilling or searing.
If my mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, I use less salt when I prepare the peaches. I also ensure the burrata isn’t too salty and I skip the additional salt at the end.
I often get asked if this is a filling meal on its own. If you want to make it a more substantial meal you could always add some grilled chicken.
Conclusion
This peach caprese salad with burrata is more than just a recipe for me. It’s a reminder of warm summer days, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for special occasions or casual weeknight dinners. It’s the perfect dish to take to any potluck and is sure to wow!
I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and to embrace the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures, and most importantly, have fun! It’s so easy to whip up and is sure to satisfy. It’s a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Here are a few of my personal tips for making this salad a success:
- Always use ripe peaches: The sweetness of the peaches is key to this recipe.
- Don’t overcook the peaches: You want them to be slightly softened, not mushy.
- Use high-quality balsamic glaze: The balsamic glaze adds a crucial tangy-sweet element to the dish.
My son loves it with a drizzle of honey, while my daughter prefers it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your family’s preferences.
Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! This peach caprese salad with burrata is a celebration of flavor, texture, and the simple pleasure of good food.
I’d love to hear how this peach caprese salad with burrata turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! The Peaches Nutrition Facts linked will give you more insight on how nutritious this is. Make sure to also check out these chickpea peach salad with honey lime dressing, for an added summer treat!
PrintDelicious Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata Recipe
Explore 5 delightful variations of Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata, each offering a unique twist on the classic Italian appetizer. From balsamic glaze to honey-lemon vinaigrette, these salads are perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Fresh peaches, sliced
- Burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze or vinaigrette
- Optional: Arugula, Prosciutto, Honey, Lemon zest
Instructions
- Slice peaches and burrata.
- Arrange peaches, burrata, and basil on a plate.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or your preferred dressing.
- Add optional toppings as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Experiment with different types of peaches and dressings to find your favorite combination. For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: peach, caprese, burrata, salad, summer