Ultimate Peach Burrata Salad: A Sweet & Spicy Summer Delight with Hot Honey Vinaigrette
This Peach Burrata Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette is truly the pinnacle of summer cooking. Imagine the perfect harmony of juicy, sweet peaches, lusciously creamy burrata cheese, crunchy toasted pistachios, and aromatic fresh basil, all brought together with a vibrant, sweet-and-spicy hot honey dressing. This exquisite dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also incredibly versatile – ideal as a sophisticated appetizer, a refreshing side dish, or a light, satisfying lunch. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes with absolutely no cooking required, making it your go-to recipe for effortless summer entertaining.
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About This Irresistible Peach Burrata Salad
When summer peaches reach their glorious peak, there’s one recipe that truly encapsulates the season’s bounty: this delightful Burrata Peach Salad. It’s a dish designed for those moments when you crave something incredibly fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying, yet demand minimal effort in the kitchen. Forget complex preparations or long cooking times – this salad delivers maximum flavor with elegant simplicity.
We believe summer salads should transcend the ordinary. This particular creation was born from a desire for a new, exciting salad featuring creamy burrata, especially during those times when traditional green salads just don’t hit the spot. It’s a revelation of textures and tastes that will make you want to savor every single bite, truly prolonging the joy of summer flavors.
Imagine this salad taking center stage as your ultimate summer appetizer or a stunning side dish. Its fresh, colorful appearance is matched only by its incredible flavor profile. The natural sweetness of ripe peaches finds its perfect counterpoint in the rich, milky creaminess of burrata. A generous sprinkle of toasted pistachios introduces a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty undertone, elevating the overall experience. What truly ties all these elements together is the hot honey vinaigrette, a masterful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that expertly cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and utterly addictive dressing.
This peach burrata salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an ode to the simple pleasures of summer. It’s unique, effortlessly elegant, and specifically crafted to celebrate the season’s finest produce. Whether served as a sophisticated starter, a light and satisfying lunch, or the vibrant centerpiece of your summer entertaining spread, it promises to be a memorable addition to any table.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
When peaches are at their absolute best, this salad offers the most spectacular way to celebrate their natural sweetness. It’s truly a showstopper, and here are just a few reasons why we are completely obsessed with it:
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: This elegant salad comes together in a remarkable 15 minutes! It’s the perfect solution for last-minute gatherings or when you need a gourmet touch without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Effortless & No-Cook: Say goodbye to hot stoves and ovens on sweltering summer days. This recipe requires absolutely no cooking, keeping your kitchen cool and your stress levels low. If you desire a unique twist, we even provide a tip for grilling your peaches to add a smoky depth of flavor.
- An Unforgettable Flavor Symphony: The unique combination of intensely sweet, sun-ripened peaches, the unparalleled creamy texture of burrata, and the tantalizing kick from the spicy hot honey vinaigrette creates a flavor profile that is truly next-level. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully, resulting in a perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious experience.
- Restaurant-Quality Presentation at Home: This peach burrata salad boasts a stunning, vibrant appearance that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant. The best part? You can effortlessly recreate this impressive dish in your own home, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Your Burrata Peach Salad
Crafting this delightful salad starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavors and textures that make this dish so special.
- Hot Honey: While standard honey will provide sweetness, hot honey introduces an exciting layer of both sweetness and a gentle, warming heat. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates the vinaigrette from good to extraordinary. You can easily find it pre-made at most grocery stores or follow our simple recipe to whip up your own homemade hot honey.
- Champagne Vinegar: This delicate, nuanced vinegar brings a subtle tang and brightness to the vinaigrette, complementing the sweetness of the peaches without overpowering them. If you don’t have champagne vinegar on hand, a good quality white wine vinegar makes an excellent substitute.
- Dijon Mustard: Essential for both flavor and emulsification, Dijon mustard adds a sharp, piquant note to the dressing. Its creamy texture helps bind the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth, cohesive vinaigrette. For the best flavor, we highly recommend sticking with Dijon.
- Shallot: Finely minced shallot contributes a delicate, sweet onion flavor that is milder and more refined than a regular onion. This subtle aromatic is key to the vinaigrette’s complexity. If a shallot isn’t available, a very small amount of finely minced red onion or even a tiny pinch of onion powder can work in a pinch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love an extra kick of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette provides a lovely spicy accent that pairs beautifully with the hot honey. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder salad.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Proper seasoning is paramount. These staples enhance all the other flavors. We always recommend adjusting to your personal taste. For a gourmet finish, a sprinkle of flaky Maldon sea salt at the end adds a delightful textural contrast.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As the base for your vinaigrette, the quality of your olive oil truly shines through. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil if possible. Brands like Graza offer excellent options that will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your dressing.
- Peaches: The star of the show! Choose fresh peaches that are ripe, but still possess a slight firmness. This ensures they hold their beautiful shape when sliced and offer a pleasant texture. Overly soft peaches can become mushy. If peaches aren’t in season or unavailable, ripe nectarines are a fantastic alternative, offering a similar sweet and juicy profile without the fuzzy skin.
- Burrata: This Italian cheese is a true indulgence. Burrata is essentially fresh mozzarella with a creamy, rich center of stracciatella and cream, offering a sublime, almost liquid texture when torn open. For the best gooey, luxurious experience, always bring your burrata to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. If burrata is hard to find, fresh mozzarella is a perfectly acceptable substitute, though it won’t have the same decadent, flowing center.
- Toasted Pistachios: These add a wonderful crunch and a delicate, earthy flavor that complements both the peaches and the cheese. Toasted nuts always provide a deeper, more pronounced flavor and aroma. If pistachios aren’t your preference, feel free to swap them with toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- Balsamic Vinegar Glaze: A small drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a beautiful visual contrast and a concentrated sweet-tart flavor that enhances the entire salad. A little goes a long way in adding a touch of sophistication and depth.
- Fresh Basil: Optional but highly recommended! Fresh basil leaves offer a fragrant, herbaceous pop that brightens the entire dish and ties all the summer flavors together. Tearing the leaves rather than cutting them helps release their essential oils and prevents bruising.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
While this recipe is incredibly simple and requires no complex gadgets, having a few essential kitchen tools will make your preparation smooth and enjoyable:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A good quality, sharp chef’s knife is your best friend for efficiently and safely slicing the peaches and finely mincing the shallot. A sharp knife makes all the difference in achieving clean cuts and speeding up prep time.
- Favorite Cutting Board: A sturdy and stable cutting board is essential for safe and comfortable prep work. Choose one that you find comfortable to use for slicing fruits and dicing aromatics.
- Small Bowl for Vinaigrette: You’ll need a small bowl to whisk together all the components of your hot honey vinaigrette. Its size is perfect for concentrating the ingredients and making emulsification easier.
- French Wire Whisk: A small whisk is ideal for thoroughly combining the vinaigrette ingredients and achieving that perfect emulsified consistency. This ensures every drop of dressing is smooth and flavorful.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is needed to gently toss the peach slices with the vinaigrette, ensuring they are evenly coated without bruising the delicate fruit.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision matters in vinaigrettes! Have your measuring spoons and cups handy to ensure accurate quantities for the perfect flavor balance in your dressing.
How to Prepare the Perfect Peach Burrata Salad
Creating this stunning peach burrata salad is remarkably straightforward, broken down into three simple steps. You’ll be enjoying its delightful flavors in no time!
Craft the Hot Honey Vinaigrette
The dressing is the heart of this salad, bringing together sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. In a small bowl, combine the hot honey, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, finely minced shallot, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until well combined. Then, while continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This gradual addition and constant whisking are crucial for emulsifying the dressing, creating a smooth, cohesive, and creamy texture that won’t separate. Once emulsified, taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed to achieve your perfect balance.
Perfectly Dress the Peaches
Preparation is key to infusing every slice of peach with flavor. After pitting and slicing your ripe peaches into elegant wedges, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared hot honey vinaigrette over the peach slices. Gently toss the peaches with the dressing until each slice is beautifully coated. This step allows the sweet and spicy notes of the vinaigrette to truly meld with the natural juiciness of the peaches, creating a harmonious base for your salad.
Assemble Your Stunning Salad
Now for the artistic part: assembly! Arrange the dressed peach slices attractively on your chosen serving plate, creating a vibrant base. Next, gently tear the room-temperature burrata into rustic pieces, allowing its creamy interior to peek out, and artfully scatter them over the peaches. Season the burrata and peaches lightly with a final sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper – this extra seasoning brings out the best in both. Finish by scattering the crunchy toasted pistachios over the top, then add a final flourish with a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze. Finally, tuck fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, among the other ingredients for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Serve immediately with slices of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible vinaigrette!
Pro Tip: For a unique and slightly smoky twist that adds another dimension of flavor, consider grilling your peaches! Simply brush halved peaches with a little olive oil and place them cut-side down on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop beautiful char marks and soften slightly. Let them cool slightly, then gently slice the grilled peaches and dress them with the vinaigrette as instructed. This subtle char adds a fantastic depth that pairs wonderfully with the creamy burrata and spicy honey.
Tips for a Flawless Peach Burrata Salad
To ensure your peach burrata salad is nothing short of perfect every time, keep these key tips in mind:
- Consider Grilling Your Peaches: While delicious raw, grilling peaches adds an incredible dimension. The caramelization from the grill brings out their sweetness even more and introduces a subtle smoky char that pairs wonderfully with the creamy burrata and spicy vinaigrette. Simply halve your peaches, brush the cut sides with a little olive oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and they are slightly tender. This small extra step yields a surprisingly gourmet result.
- Room Temperature Burrata is a Must: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for enjoying burrata. When burrata is cold, its delicate, creamy interior remains firm and doesn’t offer that signature luxurious, gooey texture. To achieve the best possible melt-in-your-mouth experience, remove the burrata from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes (or even an hour) before you plan to serve the salad. This allows the cheese to soften and release its exquisite, milky center, making it truly irresistible.
- Do Not Skip the Crusty Bread: Trust us on this one – you absolutely do not want to let any of that incredible hot honey vinaigrette go to waste! A good, crusty loaf of bread (think baguette or ciabatta) is essential for soaking up the flavorful dressing that pools at the bottom of the serving plate. It turns every last drop into a delicious, savory treat and makes the salad a more complete and satisfying experience.
- Choose Ripe, Firm Peaches: The quality of your peaches will define this salad. Look for peaches that smell fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. However, avoid peaches that are too soft, as they can become mushy when sliced. A slight firmness ensures they hold their shape beautifully and offer a pleasant texture.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Salad
This peach burrata salad is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add Protein for a Heartier Meal: Transform this side dish into a more substantial meal by adding a protein. Thin slices of salty prosciutto, especially crispy prosciutto, offer a delightful savory contrast. Grilled shrimp or thinly sliced grilled chicken breast also make excellent additions, perfect for a light summer dinner.
- Experiment with Herb Swaps: While fresh basil is a classic pairing, other herbs can introduce intriguing new flavor profiles. Try fresh mint for a brighter, more cooling sensation, or a touch of tarragon for a subtle anise-like note.
- Go Nut-Free or Try Different Nuts: If you have nut allergies or simply prefer another crunch, skip the pistachios and opt for toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. For those who enjoy nuts, toasted pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds would be delicious substitutes, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Layer in Leafy Greens: To create a more traditional salad experience or to add extra volume, serve your peaches and burrata on a bed of fresh, peppery arugula. The slight bitterness of the arugula provides a fantastic balance to the sweet peaches and rich cheese. Delicate spinach or a spring mix would also work well.
- Explore Different Stone Fruits: Don’t limit yourself to just peaches! This recipe shines with other stone fruits. In late summer, try ripe plums or apricots for a similar juicy sweetness. Figs, when in season, offer a luxurious, jammy texture that pairs exquisitely with burrata. Even cherries, pitted and halved, could create a beautiful and flavorful alternative.
More peach recipes to try: If you’re loving the taste of fresh peaches, be sure to explore more of our favorite peach-centric recipes. They’re perfect for celebrating summer’s sweetest fruit! Check out our Grilled Peach Cobbler, the charming Peach Blueberry Galette, a comforting Peach Plum Cobbler, or the savory Tomato Peach Bruschetta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Burrata Salad
Yes, absolutely! Fresh mozzarella makes a wonderful substitute if you’re unable to find burrata. While it won’t offer the same signature creamy, gooey center that burrata is famous for, it still provides a delicious milky flavor and soft texture that pairs exceptionally well with the sweet peaches and tangy vinaigrette. Opt for fresh mozzarella balls packed in water for the best results, and tear them into pieces just like you would burrata.
The ideal peaches for this salad are ripe but still slightly firm. You want them fragrant and sweet, but not so soft that they become mushy when you slice them. Peaches with a little give when gently squeezed are perfect. This firmness ensures they maintain their beautiful shape on the plate and offer a pleasant textural contrast. If fresh peaches aren’t in season or readily available, ripe nectarines are an excellent, equally delicious alternative.
Burrata, with its luscious creamy center, can release some liquid as it sits, especially once it’s cut. To ensure your salad remains pristine and the burrata retains its beautiful texture, we recommend serving the cheese immediately after opening and tearing it. Do not pre-slice the burrata; instead, tear it right before plating your salad. Also, make sure to let the burrata come to room temperature before serving for the best creamy consistency, which helps it meld with the other ingredients rather than releasing excess moisture.
For the freshest and most appealing salad, it’s best to assemble it just before serving. However, you can certainly prepare some components in advance to save time. The hot honey vinaigrette can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just give it a good shake before tossing with the peaches. You can also slice the peaches a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge, but they are best if dressed and served promptly. Burrata is at its prime right after opening and tearing, so avoid adding it or the dressing until you’re ready to plate and enjoy your delicious salad.
Need more inspiration for salads? Check out my salad recipes page! From hearty main dishes to light sides, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your summer cooking fresh and exciting.
What to Serve Alongside This Burrata Peach Salad
This peach burrata salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its fresh, sweet, and tangy profile makes it an ideal complement to many summer meals.
We absolutely love serving this salad as a sophisticated starter for a late summer party or an elegant al fresco dinner. It’s particularly delightful when served with plenty of toasted slices of crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious hot honey vinaigrette and creamy burrata.
For a complete and satisfying meal, pair this vibrant salad with grilled proteins. It makes a fantastic accompaniment to a whole grilled chicken, where the salad’s freshness cuts through the richness of the poultry. Alternatively, serve it alongside a perfectly cooked grilled New York strip steak for a truly memorable dinner. It also complements grilled fish, pork chops, or even a simple grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option. The salad’s bright flavors also stand up well to a light, crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé, or a sparkling wine for a festive touch.
Storage Tips for Your Salad
To ensure the best flavor and texture, this peach burrata salad is truly best enjoyed fresh immediately after assembly. However, you can prepare certain components in advance for convenience.
- Vinaigrette: The hot honey vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, simply give it a good shake to re-emulsify any separated ingredients.
- Peaches: You can slice your peaches a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, for peak freshness and to prevent browning, it’s ideal to slice them closer to serving time.
- Assembled Salad: We strongly recommend against making the full salad ahead of time. Burrata does not hold up well once it has been cut and exposed to air and dressing. Its creamy center will release liquid, and the cheese can become less appealing in texture. The peaches may also soften too much and release their juices, making the salad watery. For an optimal experience, always assemble the burrata peach salad just before you plan to serve it.
More Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes to Try
If you’re captivated by the fresh, vibrant flavors of this peach burrata salad, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic summer salad recipes:
- Our Burrata Caprese Salad offers another delightful way to enjoy creamy burrata, this time paired with the classic, beloved combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a timeless Italian classic elevated by burrata’s luxurious texture.
- For a truly refreshing and unexpected treat, try our Watermelon Feta Salad. This vibrant salad is fresh, bright, and creamy, featuring a zippy citrus dressing that perfectly complements the sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese. It’s a sensational choice for hot days.
- If you’re craving something with a Mediterranean flair, our Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side. It’s light, crisp, and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or any of your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Finally, if you make this burrata peach salad recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we genuinely love to hear when you all make our recipes. We make it a point to take the time to respond to every single comment and question.
Feel free to drop any questions below too, if you have them – we’re always happy to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly our favorite thing, and we love looking through your beautiful photos. It really means the world to us!
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Peach Burrata Salad
Equipment
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Shun Chef’s Knife
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Utility Cutting Board
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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French Wire Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Tbsp champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp finely minced shallot
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (use good quality)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for final adjustment)
- 3 ripe peaches (pitted and sliced; or nectarines)
- 8 oz burrata (2 large balls or 4 small, at room temperature)
- Flaky salt & freshly cracked black pepper (for finishing)
- 1/4 cup toasted pistachios (chopped)
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped, for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the hot honey, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Place the sliced peaches in a large bowl. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the peaches and gently toss until all slices are evenly coated.
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Arrange the dressed peaches beautifully on your desired serving platter, forming the base of the salad.
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Tear the room-temperature burrata into rustic pieces and artfully scatter them over the peaches.
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Season the burrata and peaches lightly with flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
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Sprinkle the chopped toasted pistachios evenly over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor.
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Garnish the salad with a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze and scatter fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped) for an aromatic finish. These garnishes are optional but highly recommended for both flavor and presentation.
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Serve your exquisite peach burrata salad immediately with slices of crusty bread, perfect for scooping up the creamy cheese and flavorful dressing.
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