This bright salad features sweet grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata cheese. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a stunning dish for any table!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad. Just grill those peaches, add some fresh greens, and top it off with that luscious cheese. Perfect for summer days! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for a sweet and juicy flavor. If peaches are out of season, try nectarines or ripe plums. They can give a similar sweetness when grilled. I personally love the flavor of a perfectly grilled peach!
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a robust flavor. If you’re low on it, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can work as good alternatives. Just keep in mind their taste may vary slightly.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and luscious; it’s perfect here. You can substitute with fresh mozzarella or ricotta, but it may lack that distinct creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, consider plant-based cheese options.
Pistachios: These add a nice crunch and saltiness. If you can’t find them, try walnuts or pecans for a different texture. Toasting them first makes them even tastier!
Honey: Drizzling honey is optional but brings sweetness. Maple syrup or agave syrup can be a great substitute if you prefer a different flavor, or skip it altogether for a less sweet salad.
How Do You Grill Peaches for the Best Flavor?
Grilling peaches caramelizes their sugars, making them taste amazing! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure good grill marks.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Place them cut-side down on the grill. There’s no need to move them for about 3-4 minutes; let them develop grill marks!
- Keep an eye on them; once slightly softened and caramelized, remove them from the heat and let them cool before adding to your salad.
How to Make Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 5-10 minutes for grilling the peaches. Total time is roughly 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and light dish perfect for summer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your peaches those beautiful grill marks and enhance their sweetness.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your peach halves and brush them lightly with olive oil. Season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This adds flavor while they grill.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Carefully place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they’ve softened slightly. Once grilled, remove them from the grill and set them aside to cool.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving platter, lay down a bed of fresh spinach leaves for the base. This green layer is both nutritious and colorful!
5. Add the Burrata:
Take the burrata cheese and tear it into pieces. Scatter these creamy pieces over the spinach. The burrata adds a rich texture that pairs wonderfully with the peaches.
6. Incorporate the Grilled Peaches:
Now, slice the grilled peaches if you like, and add them on top of the burrata. The warm peaches bring a lovely summer vibe to the salad!
7. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Pistachios:
Next, sprinkle the halved cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped pistachios over everything. The tomatoes will add a pop of color while the pistachios give a nice crunch.
8. Flavor with Fresh Dill:
Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh dill. This herb adds a delightful taste that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
9. Drizzle with Honey (Optional):
If you enjoy a little sweetness, drizzle honey over the top of the salad. It’s optional but adds a lovely touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now that your salad is all set, serve it immediately while it’s fresh. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors in this vibrant and delicious salad!
This salad beautifully combines the sweetness of grilled peaches with the creaminess of burrata cheese, making it a perfect summer dish!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead?
For this recipe, fresh peaches are best to achieve that delicious grilled flavor. However, if you must use canned or frozen peaches, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Grill them briefly just to warm up, but keep in mind, they won’t have the same smoky flavor as fresh peaches!
What If I Can’t Find Burrata Cheese?
No worries! If burrata is unavailable, you can replace it with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese. These cheeses won’t have the same creamy texture, but they’ll still provide a delightful contrast to the grilled peaches!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can grill the peaches and prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Keep the spinach, tomatoes, and pistachios separate, and store everything in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best taste and texture, and add the honey drizzle right before you enjoy it!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the ingredients separate to maintain their freshness. The salad can last for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the spinach may wilt and the burrata can become less creamy after a day in the fridge.