Seriously, what’s a summer barbecue without a salad that actually excites people? We’re talking about ditching the boring green lettuce and delivering a dish that is visually stunning, bursting with flavor, and ridiculously easy to assemble. I’m here to introduce you to the glorious Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad with Basil. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer sweetness, creamy decadence, and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
I first got obsessed with grilling fruit when I realized how the high heat concentrates the sugars, turning a firm peach into a smoky, caramelized dessert-like treat. Pairing that warm, grilled sweetness with the cool, milky interior of burrata is a genius move. Add a swirl of bright balsamic glaze and fresh basil? Game over. This recipe is simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Trust me, you’ll want to eat this all summer long. IMO, it’s peak season perfection. 🎯
Peach, Burrata, and Balsamic 👑
The success of this salad lies in the perfect opposition of its three core components. You are balancing sweet, salty/acidic, and creamy, ensuring every bite is complex and exciting.
The Magic of the Grilled Peach 🍑
A raw, ripe peach is great, but grilling it is a game-changer. The direct heat transforms the fruit completely.
- Caramelization: The heat causes the fruit’s natural sugars to caramelize, creating beautiful grill marks and an intense, smoky sweetness.
- Texture: Grilling softens the peach slightly, making it tender and juicy, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Ever wondered why grilling fruits works so well? It delivers flavor depth you can’t get otherwise! You must use firm, slightly under-ripe peaches so they hold their shape on the grill and don’t turn to mush.
Burrata: Beyond Mozzarella 🥛
If you’re using plain mozzarella in this salad, stop! You’re missing out. Burrata is mozzarella’s luxurious cousin. It’s a fresh Italian cheese made from an outer shell of solid mozzarella and a soft, creamy interior of stracciatella (shreds of mozzarella mixed with cream).
- The Cream Factor: When you slice or tear the ball, the rich, milky cream oozes out, coating the peaches and basil. This provides the cool, creamy element the warm peaches demand.
I remember once trying this with ricotta, and it was too heavy. Burrata’s interior is lighter and milkier, giving you the perfect cooling contrast without the density.
Gathering the Goods: Ingredients for Instant Elegance 🌿
We keep the ingredient list tight, relying on the high quality of the fresh components. You need fresh basil and a good quality balsamic for the best result.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad Ingredients (Serves 4) 🔪
This is the standard portion size. You can easily double the recipe for a larger gathering.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Peaches | 3 medium | Firm, slightly under-ripe peaches, halved and pitted. |
| Burrata Cheese | 1 (8-oz) ball | Use the freshest ball you can find. |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 1/2 cup, packed | Use fresh, whole leaves; tear large leaves by hand. |
| High-Quality Balsamic Glaze | 2 tablespoons | Thick balsamic glaze is better than thin vinegar. |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon | For brushing the peaches. |
| Flaky Sea Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Essential for finishing; use flaky salt for crunch. |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground pepper is best. |
You need high-quality balsamic glaze (or reduction). Thin balsamic vinegar will just run off the salad. A thick glaze clings to the cheese and fruit, delivering flavor in every bite.
The Prep Phase: Grilling the Peaches to Perfection 🔥
Grilling the peaches is the only active cooking step, and it takes just a few minutes. You want beautiful char marks and slightly soft fruit.
Step 1: Peach Prep and Grill Setup
You halve and pit the firm peaches. You brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil. The oil prevents sticking and aids in caramelization.
You preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat. The grates should be clean and lightly oiled.
You place the peach halves cut-side down on the hot grill grates. You grill for 3–4 minutes without moving them.
Step 2: The Perfect Char
You lift the peaches with tongs. They should have beautiful, dark char marks. You flip the peaches and grill for another 2–3 minutes.
You remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. They should be warm, not piping hot. You cut the warm peach halves into thick wedges (about 4 per half).
I tried grilling overly ripe peaches once, and they stuck instantly, turning into a caramelized, pulpy mess. Firm peaches are key for grilling!
Assembly: Layering Cream, Crunch, and Zest 🧀
This salad is best served immediately and arranged artistically. You build the salad right on the serving platter.
Step 1: The Basil Bed
You arrange the fresh basil leaves randomly over the serving platter. The basil forms the aromatic base for the entire salad.
You scatter the warm peach wedges over the basil leaves. The warmth of the peaches will instantly release the aromatic oils of the basil.
Step 2: The Burrata Centerpiece
You place the ball of cold burrata prominently in the center of the platter. You gently tear the burrata open with your hands or a knife to expose the creamy, oozing stracciatella interior. This ensures the milky cream can coat the peaches.
Step 3: The Final Drizzle
You drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the peaches and around the burrata. You finish the entire salad with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
You serve the salad immediately so your guests can enjoy the contrast between the warm peaches and the cold burrata. The aroma of the fresh basil, warm peaches, and balsamic is intoxicating!
Troubleshooting & Elevation: Pro-Tips for Perfection 💡
A few simple additions can customize this salad to be the absolute best version of itself.
Adding Savory Depth (The Prosciutto Hack) 🥓
If you want a salty, savory layer (and who doesn’t?), you add crispy prosciutto or ham!
- Crispy Prosciutto: You bake thin slices of prosciutto on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes at 400°F until crispy. You crumble the crispy ham/prosciutto over the finished salad before serving. The salty crunch is phenomenal.
Make-Ahead Prep
You can prep parts of this salad ahead of time, but do not assemble it until right before serving.
- Prep Ahead: You wash and dry the basil. You grill and slice the peaches and let them cool completely. Store them separately in the fridge.
- Assembly: You bring the burrata out 15 minutes before serving (it tastes better slightly warmer than fridge cold). You assemble everything immediately before the guests arrive.
The Nectarine Swap
If you can’t find good firm peaches, you can absolutely swap them for firm nectarines. Nectarines hold their shape perfectly and provide the same wonderful sweetness.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside 🍷
The rich, sweet, and tangy flavors of the Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad pair wonderfully with simple summer fare.
- Wine: A crisp, dry Rosé or a lightly chilled Pinot Grigio is the perfect complement to the sweetness and acidity.
- Main Course: Serve it alongside simple grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or any lightly seasoned seafood. You want the main course to be subtle so the salad can truly shine.
Nutritional Snapshot (A Healthy Indulgence) 💪
This salad is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats from the cheese and olive oil, and it’s naturally high in vitamins from the fruit and basil.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1/4 of Salad) 🔥
This estimate is based on the ingredients above, using half an 8oz burrata ball.
| Metric | Amount |
| Calories | $\approx 350$ Calories 🔥 |
| Total Fat | $\approx 25$ grams |
| Saturated Fat | $\approx 14$ grams |
| Sodium | $\approx 350$ mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | $\approx 20$ grams |
| Fiber | $\approx 3$ grams |
| Protein | $\approx 15$ grams |
Key Takeaway: You get a solid dose of protein and healthy fats. The moderate carb count comes mostly from the natural sugars in the peaches. This is a very satisfying and balanced side dish.
Conclusion: Time to Grill! 🎉
You successfully learned how to create the stunning, decadent, and refreshing Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad with Basil. You mastered the art of grilling peaches for concentrated sweetness, understood the necessity of cool, creamy burrata, and perfected the simple, zesty balsamic drizzle.
Stop making bland salads! Go buy those firm peaches, grab that burrata, and prepare for a burst of summer flavor that will make your next gathering unforgettable. What is your favorite fruit to grill for a savory dish? I’m always looking for new ideas!