Peach and Burrata Caprese Salad Delight

This elegant Peach and Burrata Caprese Salad puts a summery twist on the classic Italian appetizer. With juicy peaches, creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a sweet-tangy drizzle, this no-cook dish makes for a stunning starter or light meal that celebrates seasonal produce at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This refreshing salad is a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients. It comes together in just 10 minutes with no cooking required—perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. The combination of sweet, juicy peaches with creamy burrata creates an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures, while the balsamic glaze and honey add depth without overpowering the delicate ingredients. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peaches bring a sweet, juicy element that makes this summer salad shine. Look for ripe peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. Both yellow and white peaches work beautifully here, so choose whichever looks best at your market.

Burrata cheese is the luxurious star of this dish. This Italian cheese features a mozzarella exterior filled with soft, creamy stracciatella and cream. When torn open, the creamy center mingles wonderfully with the other ingredients. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella can work as a substitute, though you’ll miss some of that luscious creaminess.

Basil leaves provide a classic aromatic element that pairs perfectly with both the peaches and cheese. The herb’s slightly peppery, bright flavor cuts through the richness of the burrata and complements the sweetness of the peaches. Use the freshest leaves you can find.

Honey adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the peaches. It also creates a lovely balance with the tangy balsamic glaze. Choose a mild variety that won’t overpower the other flavors.

Balsamic glaze brings a sweet-tart complexity that ties everything together. This reduced, thickened balsamic vinegar adds both flavor and visual appeal with its dark drizzle against the white cheese and colorful peaches. If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, you can reduce it in a small saucepan until syrupy.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. A good flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will elevate all the flavors in this simple dish.

Directions

1. Arrange peach slices and burrata pieces on a serving platter.
2. Top with fresh basil leaves.
3. Drizzle with honey and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings at approximately 180 calories per serving. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare with no cooking time required, making it perfect for quick entertaining or a refreshing summer meal.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add sliced cucumbers, pitted kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean flair.

Nutty Addition: Top with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.

Berry Twist: Substitute or combine peaches with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a different fruity dimension.

Herb Variations: Experiment with mint or tarragon instead of (or in addition to) basil for different aromatic notes.

Spicy Kick: Add a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a touch of heat.

Citrus Accent: Include a light grating of lemon zest over the finished salad for a bright, citrusy note.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling to fully appreciate the contrasting textures and fresh flavors. However, if you need to store it:

Short-term storage: Cover the assembled salad (without dressings) and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Add the honey and balsamic glaze just before serving.

Ingredient prep: You can slice peaches up to 2 hours ahead and toss with a small amount of lemon juice to prevent browning. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Leftovers: While not ideal, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The basil will darken and the texture will change, but the flavors will still be enjoyable.

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

How do I select the best peaches for this salad?

Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet fragrance. They should be ripe but still firm enough to slice cleanly. Both yellow and white peaches work well—select whichever looks better at your market or farm stand.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

This salad is best assembled just before serving. However, you can prepare the components ahead of time—slice the peaches (toss with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning) and have other ingredients ready to assemble quickly when needed.

What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has an outer shell of solid mozzarella with a soft, creamy interior of stracciatella and cream. Traditional mozzarella is solid throughout. Burrata provides a more luxurious, creamy texture for this salad.

Can I substitute the balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar until reduced by half and slightly thickened. Alternatively, you could use a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar or even a light drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

How can I turn this into a more substantial meal?

To make this salad more filling, serve it on a bed of arugula, add some sliced avocado, or include a protein like grilled chicken . You could also serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete light meal.

Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?

Absolutely! Nectarines make an excellent substitute for peaches in this recipe and don’t need to be peeled. Choose ripe, fragrant nectarines for the best flavor.

Do I need to peel the peaches?

Peeling is optional. If your peaches have a thin, tender skin, you can leave it on for added color and texture. If the skin is thick or fuzzy, you might prefer to peel them for a more elegant presentation and smoother texture.

How do I prevent the peaches from browning?

If preparing the peaches ahead of time, toss the slices gently with a small amount of lemon juice. The citric acid helps prevent oxidation (browning) without significantly altering the flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

This Peach and Burrata Caprese Salad Delight exemplifies the beauty of seasonal cooking at its finest. With just a handful of quality ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a visually stunning and delicious dish that balances sweet peaches, creamy cheese, aromatic basil, and tangy-sweet drizzles. Perfect for entertaining or as a light summer meal, this refreshing salad showcases how simplicity often yields the most memorable flavors. Let the natural beauty and taste of each ingredient shine through in this elegant yet effortless culinary creation.

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