Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

While grilled peaches are a summer staple, you've probably never paired them with burrata in a salad. This unexpected combination creates a harmonious blend of smoky sweetness and creamy indulgence. You'll find the contrast between the warm, charred fruit and the cool, rich cheese to be irresistible. As you explore this modern fusion dish, you'll discover how simple ingredients can transform into a sophisticated meal. But there's more to this salad than meets the eye – its versatility and depth of flavor hold secrets that only those who try it can truly appreciate.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad combines charred peaches with creamy burrata cheese for a perfect summer dish.
The recipe typically includes fresh basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil for added flavor and aroma.
Peaches are grilled on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to achieve caramelization and grill marks.
The salad is assembled on a platter with burrata surrounded by grilled peach halves and garnished with basil.
This versatile dish pairs well with crisp white wine or light rosé and can be customized with different fruits or cheeses.

History

The origins of Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad can be traced to modern fusion cuisine, blending Italian and American culinary traditions.

You'll find that this dish emerged as chefs began experimenting with combining fresh, seasonal ingredients in innovative ways. Burrata, a creamy Italian cheese, gained popularity in the United States during the early 2000s, while grilled fruits have long been a staple of American summer cooking.

As the farm-to-table movement gained momentum, chefs and home cooks alike started to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of dishes that showcased high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

The combination of grilled peaches and burrata likely arose from this trend, with the sweet, caramelized fruit perfectly complementing the rich, milky cheese.

You'll notice that this salad embodies the principles of Mediterranean cuisine, which emphasizes fresh produce, healthy fats, and minimal processing.

While it's difficult to pinpoint an exact date or creator for this dish, it's clear that Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad has become a beloved summer staple in many parts of the world, celebrated for its simplicity and delightful flavor profile.

Recipe

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad is a perfect summer dish that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the creamy richness of burrata cheese. This simple yet elegant salad is ideal for warm evenings or as a light lunch option, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

The contrast between the charred, caramelized peaches and the cool, milky burrata creates a harmonious taste experience. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements both the fruit and cheese beautifully, resulting in a balanced and refreshing dish.

2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
8 oz (226g) burrata cheese
2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves
Salt to taste

To prepare the salad, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the peach halves with olive oil and grill them cut-side down for about 2-3 minutes, until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Tear the burrata into large pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Place the grilled peach halves around the burrata, then drizzle the entire dish with the remaining olive oil. Tear the basil leaves and scatter them over the salad. Finish with a sprinkle of salt to taste.

For best results, choose peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. If fresh peaches aren't available, you can substitute with nectarines or even grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

Serve the salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the temperature contrast between the warm peaches and cool burrata. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light rosé, making it a perfect addition to any summer meal.

Cooking Steps

To create this delectable salad, you'll start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Next, brush your peach halves with olive oil and grill them cut-side down for 2-3 minutes, until they've developed those beautiful grill marks.

Once your peaches are ready, arrange torn burrata on a platter, add the grilled peaches, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of salt.

Step 1. Preheat Grill or Pan

Preparation begins with preheating your grill or grill pan. Set your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C). If you're using a gas grill, turn on all burners and close the lid to allow the temperature to rise.

For charcoal grills, light the coals and wait until they're covered with white ash before spreading them evenly across the grill bed.

If you're opting for a grill pan, place it on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes, or until you can feel the heat radiating when you hold your hand a few inches above the surface.

It's crucial to preheat thoroughly, as this ensures proper caramelization and those coveted grill marks on your peaches.

While your grill or pan is heating, take this time to prepare your other ingredients. Wash and halve the peaches, removing the pits. Tear the burrata into large pieces and set aside. Gather your olive oil, basil, and salt, keeping them within reach for easy assembly once your peaches are grilled.

Step 2. Brush Peaches With Oil

The next crucial step in preparing your Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad is to brush the peaches with oil. This simple yet essential technique ensures that your peaches won't stick to the grill and helps create those beautiful, caramelized grill marks.

Start by selecting a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, which will impart a subtle flavor to the fruit. Using a pastry brush or your clean hands, coat each peach half evenly with a thin layer of oil. Be sure to cover the entire cut surface, as well as the skin side, to prevent any part of the peach from sticking.

As you brush the peaches, take care not to oversaturate them with oil. You're aiming for a light, even coating that will protect the fruit and enhance its natural sweetness when grilled. If you don't have olive oil on hand, you can substitute with a neutral-flavored oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil.

Step 3. Grill Peaches Until Marked

Once you've brushed the peaches with oil, it's time to grill them to perfection. Place the peach halves cut-side down on the preheated grill or grill pan.

You'll want to maintain a medium-high heat to achieve those desirable grill marks without burning the fruit. As the peaches cook, you'll notice them starting to soften and caramelize, releasing their natural sugars.

Keep a close eye on the peaches, as they'll only need about 2-3 minutes on the grill. You're looking for distinct grill marks and a slight softening of the flesh.

Don't be tempted to move them around too much; letting them sit undisturbed will ensure those beautiful char lines. When you see the edges of the peaches starting to curl up slightly, it's a good indicator that they're ready to be removed from the heat.

Use tongs to carefully lift the peaches off the grill and transfer them to a plate. Let them cool for a few minutes before assembling your salad. This brief cooling period will allow the flavors to settle and make the peaches easier to handle.

Step 4. Arrange Burrata on Platter

Arranging the burrata on the platter is a crucial step that sets the stage for your stunning Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad.

Start by selecting a large, flat serving platter that'll accommodate both the cheese and the grilled peaches. Gently remove the burrata from its container, being careful not to break the delicate outer skin. If you're using a single large burrata, place it in the center of the platter. For smaller burrata balls, arrange them evenly across the surface, leaving space for the peaches.

To create an appealing presentation, you can either leave the burrata whole or tear it into large, rustic pieces. The latter option allows the creamy interior to mix with the other ingredients more easily. If you're feeling creative, try shaping the torn burrata into a loose circle or crescent on the platter.

Step 5. Add Peaches and Garnishes

After arranging the burrata, it's time to add the star of the show – the grilled peaches. Carefully place the cooled peach halves around the burrata on your serving platter, creating a visually appealing arrangement.

You'll want to distribute them evenly, ensuring each portion of the salad has a good balance of cheese and fruit.

Next, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the entire dish. This won't only enhance the flavors but also give the salad a beautiful, glossy appearance.

Don't be shy with the oil; it helps to bring all the elements together.

Now, it's time for the finishing touches. Take your fresh basil leaves and tear them into smaller pieces.

Scatter these torn leaves generously over the peaches and burrata. The vibrant green of the basil will add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic element to your salad.