Description
A beautiful summer salad featuring juicy grilled peaches, creamy burrata, fresh arugula, fragrant basil, and toasted nuts, all finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing. This refreshing and vibrant salad combines smoky grilled fruit with creamy cheese and peppery greens, perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 balls burrata cheese
- 5 cups fresh arugula
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the peaches.
- Prepare the peaches: Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage caramelization.
- Grill the peaches: Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes until they develop light grill marks and a slight char.
- Arrange the base: Spread the fresh arugula evenly on a large serving platter to create the salad base.
- Add grilled peaches: Place the warm grilled peach halves over the arugula evenly.
- Add burrata cheese: Tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around and on top of the peaches.
- Add basil and nuts: Scatter fresh basil leaves and toasted walnuts or pecans over the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the entire salad to add sweetness and acidity.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve the salad immediately while peaches are warm and fresh.
Notes
- Use peaches that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape while grilling.
- Nectarines can be used as an excellent sweeter alternative to peaches.
- For a savory twist, add thin slices of prosciutto to the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Mediterranean