This fresh salad combines juicy grilled peaches with creamy burrata cheese. The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
You can’t help but smile when you take a bite. It’s like summer on a plate! I love enjoying this salad as a light lunch or a colorful side dish at any gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for sweetness and grill marks. If peaches aren’t in season, try nectarines, which give a similar texture and flavor. You can even use plums for a fun twist!
Burrata Cheese: This creamy cheese is amazing in this salad, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute. Just slice it into bite-sized pieces instead of tearing.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Spinach serves as a fresh base. If you prefer, you can swap it with mixed greens or arugula for a peppery flavor boost. Both options will work nicely!
Pistachios: They add a nice crunch. Almonds or walnuts can substitute if pistachios aren’t available or if you need a nut-free option.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle adds sweetness and tang. If you don’t have it, reduced balsamic vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice works well for brightness.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly for This Salad?
Grilling peaches gives them a lovely sweetness and smokiness, but getting it just right is important. Follow these steps for ideal results:
- First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps the peaches caramelize without burning.
- Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and enhances grill marks.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper—this enhances their natural sweetness!
- Place peaches cut-side down on the grill, and let them grill for 3-4 minutes. Check for nice grill marks and a softer feel.
- Don’t overcook them; you want them warm and slightly softened but not mushy!
Let them cool a bit before adding to your salad. This helps them hold their shape better! Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors in your salad!
How to Make Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to grill the peaches, making it a quick dish ready in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help ensure those peaches get nice grill marks and caramelize beautifully.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Brush the halved peaches with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on them. This little seasoning step enhances their sweet flavor when grilled!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks, and the peaches become slightly soft. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving platter, arrange the fresh baby spinach as the base. It will add a lovely green layer to your salad!
5. Add the Burrata:
Tear the burrata cheese into smaller pieces and evenly distribute them over the bed of spinach. The creamy burrata will pair wonderfully with the sweet peaches!
6. Add Grilled Peaches:
Now, add the grilled peach halves to the platter, nestling them among the spinach and burrata. Their warm sweetness is a perfect match for the salad.
7. Top It Off:
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped pistachios over the salad. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while pistachios add a nice crunch!
8. Drizzle with Dressing:
Finally, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top, and if you like a touch of sweetness, add some honey as well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your salad with fresh dill or basil for a pop of flavor before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad immediately, and delight in the combination of creamy burrata, sweet grilled peaches, and crisp veggies!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture for this salad, you can use canned peaches if needed. Drain and rinse them first to remove excess syrup, then grill for a shorter time, about 1-2 minutes, just to warm them up and create some char.
What If I Don’t Have Burrata Cheese?
No worries! Mozzarella is a great substitute if you can’t find burrata. For an extra creamy texture, look for fresh mozzarella or burrata-style cheese. Just tear or cut it into chunks and place it on the salad as you would with burrata.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dressing and toppings separate to prevent the greens from wilting. If you have leftover grilled peaches, store them in a separate container to keep them fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep elements ahead! Grill the peaches and chop the pistachios a few hours in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh. Drizzle the balsamic glaze right before serving to prevent sogginess.
