This bright salad features juicy grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata cheese. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory that just tastes like summer!
Every time I make this, I can’t help but eat the peaches straight off the grill! đź‘Ť It’s super simple and makes a lovely side dish for any meal. Enjoy with fresh basil for a pop of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Choose ripe peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines work well too! You can also try using grilled pineapple for a different twist.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach forms the base of this salad. You can swap it out for arugula or mixed greens for a peppery or earthy taste. I often mix greens for extra texture.
Burrata Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness to the salad. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be good alternatives. I’ve used mozzarella when burrata was not available, and it still turned out delicious!
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add a nice crunch, but feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you’re nut-sensitive. I personally love the flavor pistachios lend, but choose whatever you enjoy!
Fresh Dill or Basil: Both herbs bring freshness. If you prefer a different flavor, try mint or parsley instead. Fresh herbs make a big difference, so use what’s available!
How Do I Grill the Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches gives them a fantastic smoky flavor and enhances their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Brush the peach halves with olive oil and then season them with salt and pepper—this helps amp up the flavor.
- Place peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes until you see those beautiful grill marks and the peaches soften slightly.
- Let them cool a bit before serving, as they handle heat differently than other fruit.
Grilled peaches make the salad special, so take your time to perfect this step! Enjoy the grilling process as much as the eating!
How to Make Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or basil)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes for grilling the peaches. In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes to get this delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the peaches get those nice grill marks and a bit of smoky flavor when they hit the grill.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
While the grill is heating up, brush the peach halves with olive oil. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them to enhance their flavor. This simple step makes a big difference!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Carefully place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes. You want to see nice grill marks and for the peaches to soften just a little. Once they’re done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Salad Base:
Grab a large serving platter and layer the fresh spinach as your base. This will give your salad a lovely green look and a fresh crunch!
5. Add Grilled Peaches:
Now, take those beautiful grilled peaches and place them cut side up on top of the spinach. They should be warm and inviting!
6. Top with Veggies and Cheese:
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and torn pieces of burrata cheese all over the salad. The creamy burrata pairs wonderfully with the sweet peaches!
7. Finish with Crunch and Herbs:
Next, sprinkle the chopped pistachios and your choice of fresh dill or basil on top for some extra crunch and flavor. It looks beautiful and tastes amazing too!
8. Drizzle and Serve:
If you like, drizzle some honey and balsamic glaze over the salad for an additional touch of sweetness and flavor. It’s optional but highly recommended! Just give it a moment to soak in.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy your refreshing grilled peach and burrata salad! It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish at a gathering.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season or you prefer a different flavor, try using plums, nectarines, or even apricots. The grilling method will still work perfectly with these fruits, giving a similar sweetness and texture.
How to Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the burrata cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. You can also enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or by adding avocado for creaminess!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to assemble this salad just before serving. However, you can grill the peaches and chop the other ingredients ahead of time. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the spinach may wilt, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. If you’re storing it, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving.
