Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing meals that capture the essence of the season. One such dish is the Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad, which offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant salad, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining friends. The juicy grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata provide a delicious contrast, while fresh greens and a hint of balsamic elevate the entire dish. You’ll find this salad not only provides nourishment but also pleases the palate, making it a go-to summer recipe.
What Is Summer Meals: Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad in 15 Minutes?
The Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad is a beautiful assembly of seasonal ingredients, showcasing the best flavors summer has to offer. At its core, it combines succulent peaches charred on the grill, luscious burrata cheese, and a medley of fresh greens. Typically, this delightful dish is dressed with a balsamic reduction and garnished with nuts for added crunch. The result is a salad bursting with flavors and textures that represent summer weekends spent outdoors, relaxing with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This
This salad is not only easy and quick to prepare, but it also delivers on taste and nutrition. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Time-efficient: With just 15 minutes of your day, you can create a delightful dish.
- Fresh ingredients: Utilizing seasonal peaches enhances the flavors and ensures you’re eating wholesome foods.
- Nutritious and satisfying: The combination of protein from burrata and vitamins from greens keeps you feeling fulfilled.
- Versatile: Ideal as a main course or a side dish, perfect for summer barbecues or casual lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peaches: 2 large ripe peaches, cut in half and pitted. These will be grilled to enhance their sweetness.
- Burrata cheese: 1 ball (about 8 oz) of fresh burrata for its creamy texture.
- Mixed greens: 4 cups of arugula or spring mix, providing a peppery or mild contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for grilling and dressing the salad for added richness.
- Balsamic reduction: 2 tablespoons to drizzle over the salad, adding a tangy depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: to taste, enhancing the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- Nuts: ¼ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy finish.
How to Make
- Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s well-heated to achieve those perfect char marks on the peaches.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides generously with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches become slightly softened.
- While the peaches grill, place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper, tossing to coat.
- Once the peaches are done, remove them carefully from the grill. Slice them into wedges or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Add the grilled peaches to the salad bowl along with the burrata cheese. Tear the burrata into pieces to distribute its creaminess throughout the salad.
- Finish by drizzling the balsamic reduction over the salad and adding the toasted nuts. Toss gently to combine everything without smashing the burrata.
- Serve immediately while the peaches are warm, allowing the flavors to shine.
Variations & Substitutions
Grilled Vegetable Addition: For a heartier salad, consider adding other grilled vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. They will add both color and nutrients, transforming this salad into a more substantial meal. Simply slice the vegetables, brush them with olive oil, and grill alongside the peaches.
Herb-Infused Dressing: If you want to get creative, you can substitute the balsamic reduction with a homemade herb-infused vinaigrette. Mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a zesty twist.
Nuts and Seeds Variety: Depending on your preference, experiment with different nuts such as almonds or pistachios or even add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. This can enhance the nutrition profile while adding an extra layer of flavor.
Vegan Alternative: For a vegan version, replace the burrata with a dairy-free alternative or avocado slices which will provide a creamy texture. Also, ensure that the balsamic reduction used is vegan-friendly.
Serving Size Variation: If you’re serving a larger crowd, easily scale up the quantities of ingredients. This salad can easily accommodate more peaches and greens without losing its balance, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the overall taste and presentation. First, avoid overcooking the peaches. Keep a close eye on them while grilling; 3-4 minutes is usually sufficient. Overcooking can cause them to turn mushy and lose the appealing texture that contrasts nicely with the burrata.
Another pitfall is not seasoning properly. A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and balances flavors, so be sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Lastly, using unripe peaches can hurt the flavor profile of your salad. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. This will ensure they caramelize on the grill and provide that juicy burst of sweetness we love in this salad.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To ensure this salad stays fresh, consume it within a few hours of preparation. However, if you need to store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the components separated if possible to prevent sogginess, particularly the burrata and greens.
Do not freeze the salad, as the texture of the grilled peaches and burrata will suffer in the process. If you have grilled peaches left over, you can freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag for later use in smoothies.
When ready to enjoy leftovers, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature, and if necessary, drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic reduction to refresh the flavors before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? It’s best to prepare this salad fresh, as the textures of the grilled peaches and burrata are most enjoyable right after they’re assembled. However, you can grill the peaches a few hours in advance and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving.
What can I substitute for burrata? If burrata is not accessible, consider fresh mozzarella as a substitute. Although it won’t have the same creamy interior, it will still provide deliciousness. Vegan alternatives can also work well if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe? While fresh peaches provide optimal flavor and texture, canned peaches in syrup will not yield the same vibrant taste. If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well and pat dry before grilling to prevent excessive moisture.
What other nuts can I use in this salad? This salad is quite versatile regarding nuts. Feel free to use walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand!
Can I increase the serving size easily? Absolutely! This salad scales up well. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly, keeping in mind the balance of flavors. Enjoy serving it at gatherings or picnics for a larger audience!
Conclusion: This Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad is a fabulous representation of summer meals. Its balance of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, makes it a dish everyone will enjoy. Perfect for entertaining during those warm months, this salad can stand alone as a refreshing main dish or complement a grilled entree. Embrace the season and give this delightful salad a try; you won’t be disappointed!
