Summer on a plate, the Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors that will brighten any occasion. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying a light dinner at home. With juicy tomatoes, sweet peaches, and creamy burrata cheese, it’s a dish that balances taste and aesthetics beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: Using seasonal produce ensures vibrant flavors in every bite.
Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Versatile Dish: Great as a starter or a side for your favorite grilled meats or fish.
Colorful Presentation: The mix of colors from the fruits and herbs makes it visually appealing.
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from fruits and herbs, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Glass jar for vinaigrette
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Glass jar for vinaigrette: Perfect for mixing ingredients easily and allows you to store leftover dressing.
Mixing bowl: A must-have for tossing all your ingredients without making a mess.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your fruits and vegetables.
Cutting board: Provides a safe space to chop your ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

Summer on a plate…simple to throw together, but so fresh and flavorful!

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic or chicken champagne vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 shallot, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, grated
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– red pepper flakes
– kosher salt and black pepper
– 1 1/2 -2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved if large
– 2-3 peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1 cup pitted fresh cherries
– 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (or other nut/seed)

How to Make Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a glass jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, finely chopped shallot, grated garlic, lemon zest, chopped basil, oregano, dill, thyme, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until all ingredients are well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 2: Toss the Fruits

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, peach wedges, and pitted cherries with one-third of the vinaigrette.
Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to four hours to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once ready to serve, break apart the burrata cheese over the salad mixture.
Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and additional fresh herbs.
Serve with grilled or toasted bread for a complete meal experience.

How to Serve Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

This Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad is perfect for any summer gathering. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a delightful centerpiece. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

Grilled chicken or turkey can complement the salad’s freshness while adding a hearty element.
Lamb chops seasoned with herbs offer a rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the salad.

Serve with Crusty Bread

Freshly toasted bread or baguette slices allow guests to scoop up the salad easily.
Consider pairing with a flavored oil for dipping to elevate the taste.

Add Extra Herbs

Garnish with additional fresh basil or dill for an aromatic touch.
Chopped mint can also add a refreshing twist that brightens the dish.

Create a Buffet Style Meal

Set up a self-serve station where guests can build their own plates.
Include various toppings like nuts or seeds for an interactive dining experience.

How to Perfect Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

To elevate your Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad, keep these tips in mind for the best results.

Choose ripe ingredients: Select the freshest tomatoes and peaches to ensure maximum flavor. Seasonal produce makes all the difference.
Balance flavors: Adjust the sweetness of honey in your vinaigrette according to your taste preferences. A perfect balance will enhance every bite.
Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Use quality cheese: Opt for high-quality burrata cheese; its creamy texture adds richness that pairs wonderfully with the fruits.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix and match different herbs based on what you have available or prefer. Thyme and oregano also work well in this dish.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

This delightful salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Vegetable Platter
A colorful assortment of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection enhances the meal’s freshness.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and herbs adds a nutritious touch while maintaining a summery vibe.
Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide a satisfying texture contrast alongside the salad.
Herbed Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest offers a subtle flavor that pairs well without overpowering.
Caprese Skewers
Mini skewers of cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella add an appealing touch while echoing similar themes from the main dish.
Zucchini Noodles
Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles drizzled with olive oil create a low-carb option that complements the salad’s flavor profile nicely.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains and veggies create a hearty side that adds color to your table setting.
Crispy Polenta Fries
Golden-brown polenta fries bring a fun twist to your meal while offering a crunchy element to enjoy alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad is easy, but some common pitfalls can ruin your dish. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

Using stale ingredients: Always choose fresh tomatoes, peaches, and burrata. Stale or overripe ingredients can lead to a bland salad.
Not letting the salad rest: After tossing the salad with vinaigrette, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors. Skipping this step may result in a less flavorful dish.
Overdressing the salad: Use only enough dressing to lightly coat the salad. Too much dressing can overpower the natural flavors of the fruits and cheese.
Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way in bringing out flavors. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad.
Ignoring texture: Including toasted pumpkin seeds adds a delightful crunch. Omitting them could make your salad feel one-dimensional.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
Ingredients like burrata do not freeze well.

Reheating Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method retains texture.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds increments until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad:

Can I use other fruits in my Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with fruits like nectarines or plums for variation.

How do I select ripe peaches for my Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad?

Look for peaches that yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma. Avoid hard or overly soft ones.

What can I substitute for burrata in this salad?

You can use fresh mozzarella or feta as alternatives if burrata is unavailable.

How long can I store leftovers of the Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best quality.

Can I add protein to my Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would complement the salad beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines fresh flavors with textures you will love. It’s perfect as a side or light meal on its own. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or proteins!