# Summer Peach & Burrata Salad > Ripe summer peaches, creamy burrata and peppery arugula are brightened with a honey‑balsamic dressing, fresh basil and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required—an elegant, refreshing salad for warm-weather gatherings. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/summer-peach-burrata-salad ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 12, 2026 Last Updated: September 28, 2026 ## About This Recipe This Summer Peach & Burrata Salad is built on a simple, irresistible contrast: the pillowy cream of burrata against the sun-warmed sweetness of ripe peaches, with peppery arugula and crunchy toasted pine nuts to keep each bite lively. A honey‑balsamic dressing — with a squeeze of lemon to lift the flavors — ties everything together without masking the delicate fruit or the cheese. Tearing the burrata into pockets rather than slicing it lets creamy islands scatter through the greens, so every forkful gets a little richness rather than one big, messy center. What makes this version work is attention to balance and texture: dressing the peaches lightly helps them shine without becoming soggy, while toasting the pine nuts adds a toasty depth that echoes the balsamic. It’s a no-cook showstopper that’s perfect for warm evenings, lazy lunches, or as a striking starter for dinner parties. If you love seasonal produce and minimal fuss, this salad rewards small, deliberate choices — ripe fruit, fresh basil, and a light hand with salt — with maximum flavor. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Total Time: 15 minutes - Servings: 2 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Salads ## Ingredients - 4 medium Ripe peaches - 8 oz Burrata - 4 cups Arugula - 2 tbsp Honey - 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar - 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil - 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice - 8 leaves Fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup Toasted pine nuts - 1 tsp Flaky sea salt - 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper ## Instructions ### 1. Make the dressing Whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth; season with a pinch of flaky salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust sweet/tart balance. ### 2. Slice the peaches Halve and pit the peaches, then slice into wedges or thin slices. If peaches are very firm, slice thinner for tenderness. Place slices in a bowl and gently toss with 1–2 tablespoons of the dressing to lightly coat. ### 3. Toss the greens Place arugula in a large bowl or on a serving platter. Add a tablespoon or two of the dressing and toss just until lightly dressed—you want the peppery flavor to come through. ### 4. Assemble with burrata Arrange the dressed peaches over the arugula. Tear the burrata into pieces and distribute over the salad so each portion gets creamy pockets of cheese. ### 5. Finish and serve Drizzle any remaining dressing over the assembled salad. Scatter toasted pine nuts and torn basil leaves on top, then finish with flaky sea salt and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving): - Calories: 718 kcal - Protein: 22.6 g - Carbohydrates: 57.7 g - Fat: 48.9 g - Saturated Fat: 18.6 g - Fiber: 6.3 g - Sugar: 50.9 g - Added Sugars: 17.2 g - Cholesterol: 80.6 mg - Sodium: 1477.4 mg - Calcium: 700 mg - Iron: 3 mg ## Tips ### Choose ripe peaches Look for fruit that gives slightly to gentle pressure and smells sweet at the stem; underripe peaches will be starchy and lack perfume. ### Slice to suit ripeness If the peaches are very firm, slice thinner to avoid chewiness; very soft peaches are best cut into wedges and handled gently to prevent crushing. ### Handle burrata gently Tear the burrata by hand into irregular pieces right before serving so the creamy center spills naturally over the salad instead of releasing too much moisture. ### Toast pine nuts carefully Do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly — pine nuts go from fragrant to burnt in a few seconds, so remove them as soon as they smell nutty. ### Dress in stages Lightly coat peaches and greens separately with small amounts of dressing to control moisture and ensure each component keeps its texture. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Grilled Peach Twist Halve and grill peaches cut-side down for 2–3 minutes to add caramelized char and deeper sweetness; proceed with the recipe as written. ### Prosciutto & Arugula Add thin ribbons of prosciutto for a salty, savory counterpoint that complements the creaminess of the burrata and the sweetness of the peaches. ### Nut-Free Crunch Replace pine nuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or lightly toasted sliced almonds if you need a nut-free or different-flavored crunch. ### Vegan Burrata Swap Use a high-quality store-bought vegan mozzarella or a cashew-based ricotta for a dairy-free version; finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness. ## Notes ### Storage and Make-Ahead This salad is best enjoyed immediately; burrata and dressed peaches become watery if left too long. If you must store, keep components separate: refrigerated peaches (lightly dressed) and arugula in an airtight container for up to one day, and burrata in its original liquid up to 24 hours. Reassemble just before serving — do not reheat, as this is a chilled, fresh salad. ### Serving Suggestions Serve with crusty country bread or grilled sourdough to sop up the creamy juices, or alongside a simply grilled chicken breast for a heartier meal. For drinks, a chilled rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or a bright Italian Vermentino complements the fruit and cheese without overwhelming them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How can I tell if a peach is ripe enough? Gently press near the stem — ripe peaches yield slightly and have a sweet, aromatic aroma; avoid fruit that is rock hard or has no scent, as it won’t be flavorful. ### Can I use other stone fruit instead of peaches? Yes — nectarines, apricots, or even sliced plums work well; adjust slicing thickness based on firmness and taste the fruit to balance the dressing. ### What if my burrata is watery? Drain excess liquid before tearing the burrata, and use paper towel to blot the outer surface if needed; reserve a few spoonfuls of the creamy center to spoon on each portion for the best texture. ### Will the salad brown if I slice peaches early? Peaches will oxidize slowly; tossing sliced peaches in a bit of the dressing (acid from lemon) helps slow browning, but for best color and texture slice them no more than a few hours ahead. ### How do I scale this for a crowd? Scale ingredients linearly and assemble on a large platter, tearing multiple balls of burrata across the top so the cream disperses; keep extra dressing on the side so guests can add more as needed. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Korean Gochujang Coleslaw with Sesame and Quick Pickled Scallions](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/korean-gochujang-coleslaw-sesame-pickled-scallions) - [Strawberry Spinach Salad](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/strawberry-spinach-salad-with-homemade-poppy-seed-dressing) - [Campfire‑Smoked Potato Salad with Mustard‑Bacon Vinaigrette — A Labor Day Grilling Side for Steak](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/campfire-smoked-potato-salad-mustard-bacon-vinaigrette) - [Honey Garlic Chicken Thigh Meal-Prep Bowls with Farro, Greens, and Tahini Drizzle](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/honey-garlic-chicken-thigh-farro-bowls-tahini-drizzle) - [Mango Avocado Tilapia Salad Bowl with Lime Vinaigrette](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/mango-avocado-tilapia-salad-bowl-lime-vinaigrette) - [Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/miso-glazed-salmon-bowl) - [Fresh Peach Recipes and Techniques](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/fresh-peach-recipes-techniques) - [Labour Day Cocktail Countdown](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/labour-day-cocktail-countdown) - [Late Summer Labour Day Grill Menu](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/late-summer-labour-day-grill-menu)