When it comes to summer salads, I love the combination of sweet and savory. I’ve already shared recipes for a watermelon feta salad, tropical mango salad, pineapple cucumber salad, and now this grilled peach burrata salad. This simple salad is inspired by a peach Caprese salad and combines grilled peaches with creamy burrata, tangy red onion, fresh basil, and a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. The results are out of this world! During the summer, I love heading to my local farmer’s market and coming home with the ripest, juiciest produce I can find to pull together fresh dishes that take advantage of the produce’s peak season. From this summer’s bounty, I have made pineapple ginger juice (and pineapple lemonade), Italian bruschetta, and roasted red pepper hummus (topped with grilled peaches) so far. And I think you can guess that this week I brought home some delicious tomatoes and peaches! This peach and tomato salad is inspired by my previously posted burrata Caprese salad – a simple Italian salad that combines cheese, tomatoes, and basil with a simple olive oil dressing for the ultimate fresh, balanced, summery appetizer or side. This version bumps up the flavor further with the addition of peaches and red onion. However, for more of a classic peach Caprese salad, feel free to omit the red onion. Did I mention that this salad is versatile, too? You can even make it vegan!
What is burrata?
If you’ve never tried burrata, then you’re in for a treat. If you already love fresh creamy mozzarella, prepare to fall in love with burrata – which is like mozzarella enhanced. Unlike mozzarella, when slicing into burrata, a rich cream oozes out, spreading over the ingredients below. That’s why it makes for a great addition to this peach Caprese salad. No matter what adjustments you make to the recipe, this peach burrata salad is sure to be a favorite this summer, though, as it makes the most of the simple ingredients at their peak ripeness. Ready in just 10 minutes, this quick summer salad is great for a last-minute side or to take to potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and garden parties! If there’s ever a side dish that’s going to steal the show, you’ve found it! If you’re feeling peach crazy, you could even follow up the meal with some homemade vegan peach ice cream! Looking for more summer salad inspiration? Perhaps you’ll like this traditional Lebanese Fattoush salad, Middle Eastern chickpea salad, avocado cucumber tomato salad, or Persian Shirazi salad with cucumber, tomato, and onion!
The peach burrata salad ingredients
Peaches: use ripe, juicy peaches. Make sure they’re not too soft. Tomatoes: use fresh, ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. I like to use beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes. However, you could also use smaller plum/cherry tomatoes. Burrata: Burrata is rich and creamy and perfect for this peach tomato salad. You could alternatively use mozzarella (fresh mozzarella, usually packed in liquid!). For a vegan option, use vegan mozzarella. You could even use feta (or vegan feta) in a pinch – the saltiness will balance the grilled peach sweetness well. Onion: use red onion, which is slightly “sweeter” when raw instead of yellow onion. However, you could also use a sweet onion variety like Vidalia onions. Basil: make sure to use fresh basil. Dressing: olive oil (use extra virgin olive oil) and lemon (fresh lemon juice) are all you need for a simple salad dressing. Alternatively, a honey mustard dressing may pair well with this simple peach tomato salad. Bread (optional): like for this Tuscan Panzanella (bread salad), I love to add pieces of toasted bread to this salad, too. Though it’s optional. Salt & Pepper.
Optional add-ins
Avocado: add some cubed/sliced avocado for extra healthy fats and a creamy element. Corn: corn is that perfect in-between ingredient for this grilled peach salad. It’s slightly sweet but also savory and pairs well with both tomatoes and grilled peaches. Extra greens: to bulk up the salad slightly, you can add some greens: arugula, spinach, butterhead salad, baby leafy greens, lettuce, etc. Nuts: pistachios, pecans, pine nuts, or walnuts would work well with this peach Caprese salad. I recommend lightly toasting them in a dry pan to enhance their flavor. Balsamic: I often add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to Caprese salad and mozzarella bruschetta. It will taste just as delicious with the addition of peaches. Honey: instead of balsamic, you could also make a simple honey vinaigrette by adding a little honey (or vegan dandelion honey) to the olive oil dressing.
How to make grilled peach burrata salad
Step 1: Chop the ingredients First, slice the tomatoes into thin slices (if using larger tomatoes; or halve/quarter for smaller ones). You can do this with a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Then add the pieces to a large platter and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Then finely slice the red onion and cut the peaches into small wedge slices, removing the stone. Step 2: Grill the peaches Heat a large grill pan and then place the peach slices on it and sear, untouched, for a couple of minutes per side until they are lightly caramelized and slightly “charred” with the grill pan pattern. You can also grill them on an outdoor grill. I didn’t use any oil as I didn’t find that I need it. However, feel free to use a little cooking spray or oil if you’re worried that the peaches will stick. Step 3: Assemble the grilled peach burrata salad Transfer the grilled peaches to the platter, spread out the basil leaves, and top with the burrata. You can place it whole in the center or rip it into smaller pieces throughout the grilled peach salad. Then sprinkle with olive oil and pepper. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to “marinate” and then enjoy! You can also add some lightly toasted bread – made the same way I do for this Panzanella salad.
How to store
I recommend enjoying this peach tomato salad fresh for the best flavor and textures. However, if you do have leftovers keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How to serve
You can enjoy this grilled peach burrata salad as an appetizer, alone as a main, or with several sides. You can also use pair this peach Caprese salad with crusty bread to make a simple peach Caprese bruschetta. Alternatively, grab some skewers for peach Caprese skewers. I like to add this fresh peach salad recipe to my list when I know I’m pulling together an entire appetizer spread. Serve alongside other appetizers like creamy labneh dip, creamy hummus, spinach yogurt dip borani, tabbouleh salad salad, and homemade pita bread. And if you are looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy along with this peach burrata salad, why not try a peach iced tea!
Recipe notes
For super creamy burrata: make sure to remove the burrata from the fridge 15-20 minutes before preparing this salad. That will give the center a chance to loosen up again after being chilled in the refrigerator. Use fresh, in-season ingredients: this simple grilled peach burrata salad really does benefit from use in-season tomatoes and peaches for the absolute best results. Otherwise, it may end up lackluster (which no one wants!). Allow the peach Caprese salad to marinate: all it needs is 10-15 minutes for the simple olive oil dressing to meld with the tomato and peach juices. Enjoy this fresh: this isn’t a meal-prep-friendly salad. If anything, I recommend you eat it within a couple of hours of preparing it for the best flavor (it’s a good thing it takes no time at all to prepare!).
More healthy summer salad recipes
The Perfect Spinach Strawberry Salad Tomato, cucumber, and mint salad Easy Caprese Pasta Salad (Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad) Tuscan Panzanella salad Simple Eggplant Salad Classic Italian Caprese salad
If you try this grilled peach burrata salad recipe (aka peach Caprese salad), I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
