Why Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans Shines
The Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans is a delightful harmony of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements that brighten any table. This salad combines juicy ripe peaches with luxuriously soft burrata cheese and toasted pecans, creating a fresh and balanced dish bursting with textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning appetizer, or a refreshing side, this recipe brings vibrant colors and irresistible tastes to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fresh summer delight: Ripe peaches provide natural sweetness that feels like sunshine on a plate.
- Creamy meets crunchy: Soft burrata cheese perfectly contrasts with toasted pecans, offering a satisfying texture combo.
- Effortless elegance: Simple ingredients come together quickly to create an impressive dish fit for guests or everyday meals.
- Versatile and colorful: The salad’s vibrant appearance makes it as visually stunning as it is delicious.
- Healthy yet indulgent: Packed with fresh fruit, nuts, and creamy cheese, it balances nutrition and flavor beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing unique flavor, texture, and color that elevate the final dish.
- Fresh peaches: Choose ripe but firm peaches for juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Burrata cheese: Use fresh burrata for a creamy, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
- Toasted pecans: Toasted for crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that complements the soft cheese and fruit.
- Fresh basil or mint: Adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the salad’s flavor profile.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzled lightly for richness and to meld the ingredients together.
- Honey or balsamic glaze: A touch of sweetness or tang to finish and balance the salad.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
Variations for Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans
This salad is incredibly flexible, making it easy to tweak according to your preferences, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. Experiment to find your perfect twist!
- Add greens: Incorporate arugula or baby spinach for more volume and peppery notes.
- Swap pecans: Try walnuts or almonds for a different crunchy texture and taste.
- Alternate cheese: Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese for varied creaminess.
- Include citrus: Add orange segments or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors further.
- Make it vegan: Replace burrata with a dairy-free cheese or marinated tofu for a plant-based option.
How to Make Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans
Step 1: Prepare the peaches
Rinse and gently pat dry the peaches before slicing them into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces to evenly distribute their sweetness in the salad.
Step 2: Toast the pecans
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
On a serving plate or bowl, arrange the peach slices and tear the burrata into chunks, scattering them evenly over the fruit.
Step 4: Add the herbs and nuts
Sprinkle fresh basil or mint leaves along with the toasted pecans across the salad for bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Drizzle and season
Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and honey or balsamic glaze on top, then finish with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans
- Choose peaches that are ripe but firm: Overripe peaches can become mushy, which affects the salad’s texture.
- Use fresh burrata on the day you serve: Its creamy texture is best experienced when fresh and chilled.
- Lightly toast pecans just before serving: It maximizes nutty flavor and crunch.
- Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to prevent peaches from releasing excess juice.
- Experiment with dressings: A splash of aged balsamic vinegar adds depth, but a light honey drizzle keeps it naturally sweet.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans
Garnishes
Consider finishing the salad with microgreens, a few edible flowers for a fancy touch, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate each bite and provide a delicate crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, light seafood dishes, or crusty bread, balancing savory with sweet in a summer meal or elegant appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans in individual glass jars or on rustic wooden boards for a casual but sophisticated look. You can also layer the ingredients in clear bowls to showcase the vibrant colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh peaches and creamy burrata, freezing this salad is not recommended as it can compromise the quality and texture.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and can diminish its fresh qualities.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches provide the best texture and flavor, you can use high-quality canned peaches in a pinch, but be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
Is burrata hard to find?
Many grocery stores carry burrata in the cheese or deli section, or you can find it at specialty markets.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, by substituting burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative, you can enjoy a vegan version of this fresh and flavorful salad.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans is best eaten the same day; if storing, keep ingredients separate and consume within 24 hours.
What dressing works best for this salad?
A simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and honey or balsamic glaze highlights the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans is a joyous celebration of seasonal ingredients and effortless elegance. Its blend of sweet peaches, creamy burrata, and crunchy pecans is sure to become a favorite addition to your recipe collection. Give it a try and let this vibrant salad brighten your next meal!
PrintFresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans
Fresh Peach Salad with Burrata and Pecans is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining juicy ripe peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans. Enhanced with fragrant herbs and a touch of honey or balsamic glaze, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors. Ideal as a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or colorful side, it celebrates summer’s bounty with effortless elegance and healthful ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Fruits and Cheese
- 3 ripe but firm fresh peaches, sliced into wedges
- 1 ball (about 4 oz) fresh burrata cheese, torn into chunks
Nuts and Herbs
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- Fresh basil or mint leaves, handful
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or balsamic glaze
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches: Rinse and gently pat dry the peaches, then slice them into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution of sweetness throughout the salad.
- Toast the pecans: Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until fragrant and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad: On a serving plate or bowl, arrange the peach slices. Tear the burrata into chunks and scatter evenly over the fruit.
- Add the herbs and nuts: Sprinkle fresh basil or mint leaves along with the toasted pecans across the salad for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Drizzle and season: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and honey or balsamic glaze on top. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all flavors.
Notes
- Choose peaches that are ripe but firm to avoid mushy texture.
- Use fresh burrata on the day of serving for best creamy texture.
- Lightly toast pecans just before serving to maximize crunch and flavor.
- Serve immediately to prevent peaches from releasing excess juice.
- Experiment with dressings: aged balsamic vinegar adds depth, honey keeps it sweet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: fresh peach salad, burrata, pecans, summer salad, easy appetizer, healthy salad, gluten free, fruity salad