If you are looking to brighten your table with a dish that sings summer in every bite, the Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad masterfully combines juicy, ripe peaches with creamy burrata, fresh basil leaves, and crunchy toasted nuts, all elevated by a perfectly balanced balsamic glaze and a vibrant vinaigrette. It’s a delightful dance of textures and flavors that feels both fresh and indulgent, perfect for warm evenings or special gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe plays a key part in creating its harmony of taste, texture, and color. These simple, fresh components come together to deliver a sophisticated yet approachable salad that’s a feast for your eyes and palate.
- Ripe peaches: Choose freestone peaches for easy slicing and bursting with sweet, juicy flavor.
- Fresh burrata cheese: Creamy and rich, it adds a luscious, soft texture that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Mixed greens or baby spinach: A fresh base with mild flavor, providing a lovely contrast to the richness of the cheese and fruit.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds an herbaceous, slightly peppery note for brightness.
- Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds: Crunchy, nutty topping to enhance texture and add depth.
- Red onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a gentle sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Balsamic vinegar: Essential for both glaze and vinaigrette, offering sweet-tart complexity.
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance acidity.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides smooth richness and helps meld the vinaigrette together.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Key to enhancing every element’s flavor.
How to Make Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
To start, transforming balsamic vinegar into a luscious glaze requires gentle simmering. Combine your balsamic vinegar with honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Let it simmer over medium heat, then turn it down to low and let it reduce by half, becoming syrupy and rich in flavor. This glaze is the magical finishing touch that adds a glossy sweetness and tang to the salad.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
Next up is the vinaigrette, a smooth, zesty dressing that lifts every ingredient. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a dash of honey in a bowl or jar. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then whisk or shake until the oil and vinegar emulsify into a silky mixture. Taste and tweak seasoning as you like—this vinaigrette is all about enhancing the salad’s fresh flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Now for the fun part: assembling your masterpiece! Start by washing and drying your greens so they stay crisp. Spread the greens evenly on a serving platter or bowl to form a vibrant bed. Artfully arrange your peach slices on top—these juicy beauties bring the salad to life. Break the burrata into gentle chunks and nestle them between the peaches—this creamy cheese is what makes the salad feel indulgent but fresh. Sprinkle your basil leaves and optional thin red onion slices over all, adding pops of color and fragrant notes.
Step 4: Dress and Garnish
Drizzle your vinaigrette evenly across the salad, coating each leaf and slice without overpowering. Then, sparingly drizzle the balsamic glaze—just enough for a sweet-tart punch in each bite. Finally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delicate crunch that ties the whole dish together beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
How to Serve Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Although the salad is stunning as is, feel free to top it with edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies for a colorful flair. A light grating of lemon zest can also brighten the dish further. Freshly cracked pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add that final layer of seasoning to elevate the overall experience.
Side Dishes
This Peach Burrata Salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or grilled baguette slices for mopping up the delicious juices. For heartier meals, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a light pasta dish—its fresh flavors balance richer proteins perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve the salad layered in individual glass jars or clear bowls to showcase its vibrant colors. Alternatively, arrange each component separately on a large wooden board for a rustic, interactive salad platter where guests can assemble their own bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the fresh peaches and burrata, it’s best to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a day. The salad is freshest when eaten promptly, but if necessary, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing this Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe is not recommended. The delicate creaminess of burrata and the fresh texture of peaches will degrade after freezing, leading to an unappetizing texture and flavor loss.
Reheating
This salad is best served fresh and cold. It does not require reheating, as warmth would soften the burrata and wilt the salad greens undesirably. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Absolutely! While peaches are fantastic for their sweet juiciness and texture, nectarines, plums, or even ripe apricots can be wonderful substitutes and bring their own unique flavor profile.
What can I use if I can’t find burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella balls or even a soft chèvre (goat cheese) can be tasty alternatives, though burrata’s creamy center is uniquely luscious and worth seeking out if possible.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, skip the burrata and replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, such as cashew cheese. Also, ensure your glaze sweetener is vegan-friendly by choosing maple syrup over honey.
Can I prepare any parts of this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the balsamic glaze and vinaigrette in advance and refrigerate them. It’s best to slice peaches and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and optimal texture.
How do I toast nuts properly?
Toast pine nuts or almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels both effortlessly elegant and incredibly satisfying. It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that’ll brighten your meal and impress your guests. Give it a try next time you want a show-stopping summer salad — your taste buds will thank you warmly!
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Peach Burrata Salad with Basil, Balsamic Glaze, and Toasted Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the fresh and creamy flavors of summer with this Peach Burrata Salad. Juicy freestone peaches combine with rich burrata cheese, vibrant mixed greens, fresh basil, and toasted nuts, all brought together by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and optional balsamic glaze for a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 ripe peaches, preferably freestone, pitted and sliced
- 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese (about 2–3 balls)
- 5 ounces mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- Optional: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup if using. Simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before drizzling over salad.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Wash and dry the greens: Rinse the mixed greens or baby spinach thoroughly under cold water and spin or pat dry to remove excess moisture. This ensures a crisp base for your salad.
- Place greens on a platter or in a bowl: Arrange the cleaned greens evenly as the foundation of your salad presentation.
- Arrange peach slices over the greens: Distribute the pitted and sliced peaches attractively over the greens, creating vibrant color contrasts.
- Place burrata balls among the peaches: Tear or leave whole 2-3 balls of fresh burrata cheese and nestle them between the peaches for creamy bursts in every bite.
- Sprinkle with basil and red onion (if using): Scatter roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and thinly sliced red onion over the top to add aromatic and sharp flavors.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette: Generously pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the entire salad, coating the ingredients lightly but thoroughly.
- Drizzle sparingly with balsamic glaze: If using, add a few thin lines of the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad for a sweet tangy accent and elegant look.
- Garnish with pine nuts or almonds: Finish by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the salad to add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their peak.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm peaches to maintain texture.
- The balsamic glaze is optional but adds a beautiful sweetness and presentation touch.
- To toast pine nuts or almonds, gently heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Can be served as a light lunch or a starter for a summer meal.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey to keep the recipe vegan.
- Consume burrata cheese the same day as purchase for freshness.
