🍑 A Summer Salad That Sings
When the heat of summer is in full swing, nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where Summer Tomato Peach Burrata Salad comes in—your no-fuss, no-cook ticket to peak-season flavor. Juicy tomatoes, sun-kissed peaches, creamy burrata, and fragrant basil all join forces in a dish that feels fancy but takes minutes to make.
This isn’t just a salad—it’s a celebration of everything fresh, ripe, and delicious about summer.
🍅 Why Tomatoes, Peaches, and Burrata Are a Dream Trio
It might sound unusual at first, but tomatoes and peaches together? Absolutely. They share a similar sweetness and acidity that complement each other beautifully. Throw burrata into the mix—a rich, creamy Italian cheese with a soft, molten center—and you’ve got contrast, balance, and luxury in every bite.
🔥 What Each Ingredient Brings:
Ingredient | Role in the Dish |
---|---|
Tomatoes | Juicy, acidic, vibrant base |
Peaches | Sweet, floral, seasonal contrast |
Burrata | Creamy richness to bind the flavors |
Basil | Fresh, peppery herbaceous note |
Olive oil | Smooth finish to tie everything together |
Salt & pepper | Simple seasoning to enhance natural flavors |
This isn’t a salad you drown in dressing—it’s one you gently dress with oil and love.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Freshness is key. Because the ingredients are raw, they need to be ripe and flavorful on their own.
🌿 Core Ingredients:
- 2–3 heirloom tomatoes, thickly sliced or wedged
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (white or yellow)
- 1 ball of burrata (or 2 smaller ones)
- Fresh basil leaves, whole or torn
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: a splash of balsamic glaze or red wine vinegar for added tang.
🧑🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This salad doesn’t require a single stove burner. Just a cutting board, a knife, and 10 minutes of your time.
🥗 Instructions:
- Slice your tomatoes and peaches.
Cut them into similarly sized pieces so every bite is balanced. - Arrange on a platter.
Alternate slices of tomato and peach in a circular pattern or overlapping lines. - Tear burrata over the top.
If it’s one big ball, rip it gently and scatter across the salad. - Add basil leaves.
Tuck them between the slices or sprinkle loosely. - Drizzle with olive oil.
Be generous—this is your dressing. - Season well.
Finish with flaky salt and cracked pepper. Optional: a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
And voilà—your summer masterpiece is ready.
🍽️ How to Serve It
This salad is stunning on its own, but it also plays well with others.
🧺 Best Ways to Enjoy It:
Occasion | Pairing Suggestions |
---|---|
Picnic | Crusty baguette, sparkling water or rosé |
Brunch | Frittata or a side of herbed potatoes |
Dinner starter | Grilled fish or lemon chicken as the main dish |
Light lunch | Add arugula or couscous for a fuller bowl |
Serve chilled or at room temp—just avoid direct sun or fridge time right before serving (burrata doesn’t like the cold!).
🧠 FAQs About Tomato Peach Burrata Salad
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Sort of. You can slice the peaches and tomatoes and prep your platter, but don’t add the burrata or oil until just before serving. This keeps it fresh and pretty.
❓ What if I can’t find burrata?
Fresh mozzarella or even whipped ricotta works too. Burrata’s creaminess is unmatched, but any soft cheese can still make it shine.
❓ Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely. They’re great for bite-sized versions. Halve them and toss with sliced peaches in a bowl.
🌿 Ingredient Variations & Substitutions
Feel like mixing it up? Here are some creative ways to riff on the classic:
Swap/Add | Effect on Flavor |
---|---|
Nectarines instead of peaches | Slightly firmer, less floral |
Mint instead of basil | Cooler, more refreshing |
Balsamic reduction | Sweet-tangy kick |
Arugula or watercress | Adds peppery greens and bite |
Toasted pine nuts | Crunch and richness |
Prosciutto slices | Salty-savory contrast (not vegetarian) |
The base combo is forgiving, and you can build around your taste and pantry.
📊 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
This salad is light yet satisfying. Here’s a basic nutritional profile for a generous serving (approximate):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~280 |
Protein | 10g |
Fat | 18g |
Carbs | 18g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 12g |
Sodium | 250mg |
Note: May vary depending on cheese and oil amount.
🧺 Why It’s the Ultimate Summer Dish
Beyond how easy it is to make, this salad captures the vibe of summer. It’s colorful. It’s fresh. It doesn’t need reheating, chilling, or babysitting. Just slice, stack, drizzle, and eat.
Plus, it’s:
- Naturally gluten-free
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Hydrating and refreshing
- Ready in under 15 minutes
Perfect for days when it’s too hot to cook—but you still want something special.
🥄 Add a Touch of Luxury with Serving Ideas
Let’s elevate it a bit further.
🥂 For Entertaining:
Serve it on a large white ceramic platter with microgreens scattered around. Pair it with:
- A chilled glass of rosé or Sauvignon Blanc
- Grilled flatbread or crostini
- A side of lemony lentil salad or tabbouleh
🧺 For Everyday Meals:
Toss it into a shallow bowl with mixed greens, or use leftovers (if any!) in a wrap with a drizzle of pesto.
🧊 Storage Tips
If you do have leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Keep the burrata separate if you can (it tends to break down fast).
- Don’t freeze—this salad is meant to be eaten fresh.
🧑🍳 A Simple Moment of Summer Magic
The beauty of this Summer Tomato Peach Burrata Salad is in its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on heavy dressings or fancy techniques. It’s about letting peak produce shine. It’s about creamy burrata melting into sweet tomatoes. It’s about freshness in every forkful.
Make it for yourself, serve it to friends, or bring it to your next gathering. Either way, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
So go ahead—slice, layer, and drizzle. Let summer do the rest.
📸 [Alt text for image: “Summer salad with sliced peaches, tomatoes, burrata, and basil on a ceramic platter.”]
🔗 [Explore burrata-based recipes: https://www.seriouseats.com/burrata-recipes]