Looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on summer salads? My Grilled Peach Burrata Salad combines juicy, grilled peaches with creamy burrata and greens for a dish that dazzles. It’s simple to make, uses wholesome ingredients, and bursts with taste. Join me as I guide you through every step, ensuring you create a salad that will impress at your next gathering or make any meal special. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here is what you need for the Grilled Peach Burrata Salad:
– 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
– 1 ball of burrata cheese
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Ripe peaches add sweetness and a lovely texture. Olive oil helps to grill them just right. Salt and pepper bring out the flavors in the peaches and greens. Arugula or mixed greens offer a fresh base that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Burrata cheese is creamy and rich, making it a star. The balsamic glaze gives a tangy kick that ties everything together. Toasted walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Lastly, fresh basil leaves not only look great but add aromatic flavor. Together, these ingredients create a fresh and flavorful dish that you will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Grill
Start by preheating your grill. Set it to medium heat. This step is crucial. A well-heated grill helps the peaches cook evenly. It also gives them nice grill marks. Wait until you feel the heat when you hold your hand above the grill.
Grilling the Peaches
Next, brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want to see nice grill marks and the peaches should feel slightly soft. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool a bit. This makes handling easier when assembling the salad.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, add the arugula or mixed greens. This is the base of your salad. Arrange the grilled peaches on top of the greens. Next, take the burrata cheese and carefully tear it into pieces. Scatter the burrata over the salad. Drizzle the balsamic glaze all over your salad for a sweet touch. Finally, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. Don’t forget to add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Serve this beautiful salad right away!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Peaches
Pick ripe peaches for the best taste. Ripe peaches feel soft but not mushy. Smell them; they should have a sweet scent. Unripe peaches are harder and lack flavor. If you can, buy them a few days before you need them. Let them sit at room temperature to ripen.
Perfecting the Grill Marks
Grilling requires the right heat. Set your grill to medium heat. This temperature gives the peaches nice grill marks. If the heat is too low, they won’t grill well. If it’s too high, they may burn. Grill peaches cut side down for about 4-5 minutes. Look for deep grill marks and slight softness.
Variations for Flavor
You can switch up the cheese or nuts in this salad. Try goat cheese or feta for a twist. Both add tangy flavors. For nuts, walnuts or pecans work well. You can also try almonds for a crunch. Each change can make your salad unique and tasty.
Variations
Adding Proteins
Want to make this salad heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken gives a nice flavor and works well with the sweet peaches. Simply season the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill it until cooked through, then slice it. For shrimp, toss them in olive oil and seasonings. Grill until they turn pink, which takes just a few minutes. Both options add protein and boost the salad’s taste.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
You can switch fruits and greens based on the season. If peaches are out of season, try nectarines or plums. They offer similar sweetness. For greens, spinach or kale can replace arugula. Both add a new texture and taste. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite mix!
Flavor Enhancements
Adding herbs or citrus can really brighten this salad. Fresh mint or dill can add a nice twist. Chop them finely and sprinkle them over the top. You can also squeeze some lemon or lime juice on the salad for extra zest. This small change can make the dish even more refreshing. Use what you love and enjoy the flavor boost!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Leftovers
To store grilled peaches and salad, place each item in separate containers. Use airtight containers to keep the salad fresh. If you have leftover grilled peaches, let them cool first. Then, cover them lightly with plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge. This keeps them moist and tasty.
Shelf Life
Grilled peaches can last about three days in the fridge. The salad, however, is best eaten within two days. After that, the greens may wilt and lose flavor. Keep an eye on your leftovers for freshness.
Reheating Tips
You can reheat grilled peaches in a pan on low heat. This warms them quickly without drying them out. Avoid microwaving the salad, as this can make the greens soggy. Instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this salad?
Yes, you can use canned peaches. However, fresh peaches taste better. Canned peaches are softer and may lack the same flavor. If using canned, choose peaches in juice, not syrup. Drain them well before grilling. This keeps the salad light and fresh.
What other greens work well with burrata?
You can use many greens with burrata. Spinach, mixed greens, or baby kale fit nicely. Each green adds its own flavor. Spinach gives a mild taste, while kale adds a bit of crunch. Feel free to mix greens for a fun texture.
How do I ripen peaches quickly?
To ripen peaches, place them in a paper bag. Add an apple or banana for faster ripening. The gases from these fruits help peaches ripen faster. Keep the bag at room temperature. Check the peaches daily until they feel soft.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
You can prep parts of the salad ahead. Grill the peaches and store them in the fridge. Prepare the greens and nuts too. Just wait to add the burrata and balsamic glaze until serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.
This blog post covered how to make a tasty grilled peach salad. You learned about the key ingredients, like ripe peaches, burrata cheese, and toasted nuts. We outlined the steps for grilling your peaches and assembling the salad. I also shared tips for choosing the best peaches and making delicious variations.
Whether you follow the recipe or get creative, enjoy each bite. This fresh salad brings summer flavors to your table and is simple to make. Remember to store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. Happy cooking!
