There’s something magical about summer produce — the sweet scent of ripe peaches, the earthy vibrance of heirloom tomatoes, and the luscious creaminess of burrata cheese. Growing up, I spent my summers in my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen on the outskirts of Bologna, where meals were simple but unforgettable. She used to make a rustic Caprese salad with tomatoes still warm from the garden. Today, I’m sharing my modern twist on that memory with this Peach Tomato Burrata Salad — a dish that’s just as soul-soothing, yet perfect for a contemporary summer table.
This recipe is an ode to Italian summers, where meals are shared alfresco, laughter flows as freely as wine, and every bite feels like sunshine. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a casual lunch, or a refreshing side for grilled meats, this salad is your go-to summer staple.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Tomato Burrata Salad
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Seasonal Goodness: Combines peak-summer ingredients that shine on their own and even more together.
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Effortlessly Elegant: Looks restaurant-worthy but takes just minutes to prepare.
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Versatile: Serve it as a starter, side, or light main course.
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Gluten-Free & Vegetarian: Naturally satisfying and inclusive.
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Nutrient-Dense: Peaches are rich in antioxidants, tomatoes in lycopene, and burrata provides calcium and healthy fats.
The Star Ingredients: Origins and Flavor Notes
Peaches: The Queen of Summer Fruit
Native to Northwest China, peaches symbolize longevity and are beloved in Mediterranean cuisine for their juicy sweetness. Opt for yellow-flesh varieties for their deeper, honeyed notes, which balance beautifully with tomatoes’ acidity.
Heirloom Tomatoes: A Heritage Treasure
Unlike uniform supermarket varieties, heirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds passed down through generations. Their unique shapes, colors, and complex flavors — ranging from tangy to almost smoky — bring visual and gustatory excitement.
Burrata: Italy’s Creamiest Cheese
From Puglia, burrata is a treasure trove of flavor and texture. It’s essentially fresh mozzarella with a heart of stracciatella — soft curds and cream that burst lusciously when cut.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad:
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3 large ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
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2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2-3 medium heirloom tomatoes, chopped)
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2 balls of burrata cheese (approx. 4 oz each)
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A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed
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1 tbsp balsamic glaze, or aged balsamic vinegar
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Flaky sea salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
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Crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts
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Arugula or baby spinach leaves
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Thinly sliced red onion or shallots
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Crusty grilled ciabatta or sourdough bread
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Gently wash and dry your peaches and tomatoes. Slice peaches into crescent-like wedges. Halve cherry tomatoes or chop larger heirlooms into rustic chunks.
Tip: Use a serrated knife for tomatoes to avoid squishing them. Keep peach skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Step 2: Build the Base
Spread the peaches and tomatoes across a large platter or shallow bowl. Alternate colors and textures for a vibrant, appealing layout.
Step 3: Add the Burrata
Tear burrata into generous pieces and tuck it between the fruit. Don’t be shy — the more ooze, the better.
Flavor Boost: Chill the burrata for 15 minutes before serving to enhance contrast with the room-temp fruit.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil, letting the leaves fall naturally like edible confetti.
Expert Tips for the Best Peach Tomato Burrata Salad
Use High-Quality Olive Oil
The oil should be fruity and peppery, ideally DOP-certified from Italy. It acts like a dressing, so quality matters.
Balsamic: Glaze or Vinegar?
Glaze is sweet and syrupy — perfect for visual and flavor appeal. Aged balsamic vinegar offers tangy complexity if you prefer less sweetness.
Salting at the Right Time
Add salt just before serving to prevent the tomatoes and peaches from releasing too much juice.
Make it Fancy: Add Microgreens or Edible Flowers
Perfect for entertaining, microgreens add a peppery bite, while edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies enhance beauty.
Variations to Try
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With Prosciutto: Drape thin slices of prosciutto for a salty-savory contrast.
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Grilled Peaches: Lightly grill peaches for a caramelized depth.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or slivered almonds.
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Zesty Twist: A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes can add a kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 15g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and cheese)
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Carbs: 16g (mostly natural sugars from fruit)
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Fiber: 3g
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Calcium: ~15% RDI
This salad offers a good dose of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants — making it as nourishing as it is indulgent.
Pairing Ideas: Make It a Meal
With Mains:
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Grilled chicken with rosemary and lemon
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Seared scallops with garlic butter
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A light seafood pasta
With Drinks:
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Chilled Prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc
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Iced basil lemonade
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Sparkling peach iced tea
With Desserts:
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Honey-drizzled ricotta with almonds
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Lemon sorbet
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Peach galette with almond crust
Storage Tips & Make-Ahead Suggestions
This salad is best served fresh, but here’s how to prep in advance:
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Cut peaches and tomatoes: Store in separate airtight containers for up to 6 hours.
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Keep burrata sealed and chilled: Add only at serving time.
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Prepare glaze and garnishes: Set aside in small bowls for a quick drizzle and sprinkle.
Avoid freezing — this salad’s delicate textures don’t hold up well once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute mozzarella for burrata?
Yes, though burrata’s creamy center is unique, fresh mozzarella or mozzarella di bufala is a good alternative.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes! The natural sweetness of the peaches and creaminess of burrata are appealing even to picky eaters.
What’s a good vegan alternative?
Try plant-based burrata made from cashew or almond milk, or marinate tofu in lemon and herbs for a savory twist.
Can I use canned peaches?
Fresh is best, but if using canned, go for unsweetened peaches packed in juice — and drain well.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Tomato Burrata Salad is a celebration of everything summer has to offer — vibrant, juicy, and effortlessly beautiful. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious but is simple enough to enjoy on any warm afternoon. Inspired by Italy, made for the modern table, and packed with fresh, seasonal goodness, this salad will soon become your go-to summer recipe.
Whether served at a weekend brunch, a lazy lunch, or a romantic dinner for two, its bold colors and contrasting textures make it both a conversation starter and a showstopper. So grab those ripe peaches and creamy burrata, and let the flavors of summer shine.