This refreshing salad brings together juicy grilled peaches and creamy burrata cheese for a perfect summer treat! A drizzle of olive oil adds extra flavor, making it a delightful choice.
If you’re like me, you’ll be surprised at how the sweet peaches and rich burrata pair so well. It feels fancy, but it’s super easy to whip up for picnics or light dinners! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches bring sweetness and juiciness to this salad. If you can’t find peaches, nectarines or plums are great substitutes—they grill well too and have similar textures.
Burrata Cheese: The creamy texture of burrata is perfect here. If you can’t find it, try fresh mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor, though the creaminess will be less.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the base of this salad, but you could use arugula for a spicier bite, or mixed greens if you want a more varied texture.
Pistachios: For a nutty crunch, chopped walnuts or almonds work well if you have nut allergies or want to switch it up. They add a nice contrast!
Balsamic Vinegar: If balsamic isn’t on hand, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead. Just adjust the sweetness since balsamic is sweeter.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
The grilling process is key to getting flavorful peaches! Start with ripe peaches, since unripe ones won’t develop good flavor. Here’s how to grill them correctly:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches lightly with olive oil. This helps avoid sticking and adds taste.
- Grill cut side down for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they soften a little. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
Once done, let them cool slightly before adding to the salad. Enjoy the sweet grilled flavor!
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh dill or basil, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 5-10 minutes for grilling the peaches. So, you’ll need around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and makes for a delicious, fresh dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help the peaches cook nicely and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your halved peaches and remove the pits. Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt on them. This will enhance the sweetness of the peaches while grilling!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves on the grill, cut side down. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are tender. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving platter, lay down the fresh spinach as your base. Tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and arrange it over the spinach. Next, add the grilled peach halves and the halved cherry tomatoes on top.
5. Add Pistachios and Dress:
Sprinkle the roughly chopped pistachios over the salad for some crunch. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad for a burst of flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, add a touch of freshness by garnishing with dill or basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful blend of flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Burrata?
Absolutely! If you can’t find burrata or prefer a different flavor, try fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the creaminess and taste preference—burrata is quite rich, so similar options would work best.
What Can I Substitute for Pistachios?
If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t have pistachios on hand, feel free to use walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds. Just chop them roughly for a similar crunch and flavor contrast to the salad.
How to Ripen Peaches Quickly?
If your peaches are not quite ripe, you can place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. The ethylene gas they produce will speed up the ripening process. Just check them daily to ensure they don’t become overripe!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to prep ingredients separately. Grill the peaches and make the dressing ahead, but assemble the salad right before serving. This prevents the spinach from wilting and keeps the burrata creamy!
