Summer's best flavors come together in my Peach Burrata Arugula Salad. This dish is fresh and bright, perfect for any gathering. You’ll love the creamy burrata, sweet peaches, and peppery arugula. Plus, I’ll share tips on toasting almonds and balancing flavors. Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this easy recipe and discover how simple it is to create a salad bursting with taste and color!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This salad combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the creamy texture of burrata, creating a delightful contrast that’s perfect for summer.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is incredibly simple to whip up, making it a great choice for last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh arugula, nuts, and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add other ingredients like berries or different nuts, making this salad adaptable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese or mozzarella
To make this salad shine, start with juicy peaches. Choose ripe ones; they should feel soft but not mushy. Their sweetness adds a lovely flavor. Fresh burrata cheese is a must. If you can’t find it, mozzarella works too. Burrata has a creamy center, which is delightful in this salad.
Salad Base
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Next, grab fresh arugula. It brings a peppery taste and vibrant color. Wash it well and dry it thoroughly. Use a salad spinner or a clean towel. The toasted sliced almonds add crunch. Toast them in a skillet until golden for the best flavor.
Dressings and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Now, for the dressings. Balsamic glaze gives a sweet-tart kick. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Don’t forget salt and black pepper; they enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish. They add a nice aroma and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Arugula
Start by rinsing the arugula under cold running water. This step removes dirt and any tiny bugs. To dry it, I recommend using a salad spinner. Spin it well to get rid of all the water. If you don't have one, gently pat the arugula dry with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the leaves crisp and fresh.
Mixing the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry arugula with the thinly sliced peaches. Gently toss them together. Be careful not to bruise the peaches. You want them to stay whole for the best look and taste. Next, take the burrata cheese and tear it into large, rustic pieces. Add these to the bowl. If you use mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized cubes instead.
Toasting Almonds
To toast the sliced almonds, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and stir them often. This step takes about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and smell nice. Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn. Once they are ready, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a moment.
Seasoning the Salad
Drizzle both the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad mixture. I like to sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper too. These add great flavor to the dish. Now, use salad tongs to gently toss the salad. Be sure to keep the burrata intact while mixing.
Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, transfer the salad to a nice serving platter or individual plates. This makes it look special. Finish by sprinkling the toasted almonds on top. I also like to garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. For added elegance, clear glass bowls work well to show off the vibrant colors of the salad.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Best Peaches
To pick ripe peaches, look for a sweet smell. The skin should be smooth and slightly soft. If they feel too mushy, they are overripe. Overripe peaches can taste mealy and not fresh. If they feel firm but smell sweet, they are ready to eat soon.
Perfectly Toasted Almonds
To avoid burnt almonds, watch them closely. Toast them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir them often so they heat evenly. They should turn golden brown and smell nutty. If you leave them too long, they can burn quickly. Remove them from the heat right when they look done.
Creating a Balanced Flavor
Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. A pinch of salt can bring out the sweetness of the peaches. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if needed. For more texture, consider adding other crunchy elements. Try adding seeds or crispy chickpeas for a fun twist.
Pro Tips
- Choose Perfect Peaches: Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. This indicates ripeness and sweetness for your salad.
- Fresh Burrata Handling: To maintain the creamy texture, avoid cutting burrata with a knife; instead, tear it apart with your hands just before serving.
- Enhancing Flavors: Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing it to allow the flavors to meld together for a more delicious experience.
- Toasting Almonds: Keep an eye on the almonds while toasting; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Stir frequently for even toasting.
Variations
Alternative Cheeses
You can switch burrata for other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Feta cheese brings a salty touch. Both options are delightful and create a different taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite.
Adding More Fruits
Want to add more fruits? Try fresh strawberries or juicy blueberries. They add sweetness and color. Sliced nectarines or even ripe figs can work too. These fruits complement the peaches well and make the salad even more exciting.
Incorporating Proteins
If you want a heartier salad, add protein. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It pairs nicely with the sweet peaches. Shrimp also adds a nice twist. Cooked shrimp can bring a fresh ocean taste to your dish. Choose what you love for a satisfying meal.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your Peach Burrata Arugula Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use a container that fits the salad snugly. This reduces air exposure and keeps everything crisp. If you have leftovers, avoid mixing in all the dressing. Store the dressing separately. This way, the arugula stays crunchy.
Refrigeration Tips
You can store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. However, the best taste and texture happen within the first day. After that, the arugula can wilt, and the peaches may get mushy. Always check for freshness before eating leftovers. If anything looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it.
Prepping Ahead of Time
You can prep some components in advance. Wash and dry the arugula the day before. Slice the peaches just before serving to keep them fresh. You can also toast the almonds ahead of time. Just let them cool before storing. This makes assembly quick when you’re ready to enjoy your salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep some parts in advance. Wash and dry the arugula ahead of time. You can also slice the peaches a few hours before serving. Just keep them in a bowl with lemon juice to keep them fresh. However, I recommend adding the burrata and dressing right before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty.
What if I can't find burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella works great. You can also use goat cheese or feta for a different taste. Both cheeses add creamy texture and flavor. Just cube or crumble them as you would with burrata.
How do I ensure the salad stays crisp?
To keep the salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container if you have leftovers. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This helps the arugula and peaches stay crunchy. Use a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. It keeps everything crisp for longer.
This blog post covered a delightful peach and burrata salad, focusing on fresh ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I emphasized how to pick ripe peaches and achieve perfectly toasted almonds. You can add other fruits or proteins for variety as well.
Remember, your salad's success lies in using fresh ingredients and proper seasoning. Keep experimenting and enjoy crafting this refreshing dish!
