Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata is a vibrant twist on a classic Italian favorite—perfect for summer. Juicy, ripe peaches pair beautifully with creamy burrata cheese, crisp cucumber, and fresh herbs like basil and thyme. Tossed in a light honey-citrus dressing made with lemon and malt vinegar, this no-cook dish is refreshing, elegant, and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a great side for grilled meats, pasta, or served solo for a luxurious light meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2–3 ripe peaches, sliced

• 1 ball fresh burrata cheese

• ½ cucumber, sliced (any variety you prefer)

• Fresh basil leaves

• Fresh thyme leaves

For the Dressing:

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (or orange as a substitute)

• 1 tbsp malt vinegar (or balsamic vinegar as an alternative)

• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice peaches and cucumber. Tear the burrata slightly to expose the creamy center.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, malt vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad: On a large serving plate, arrange peach slices, cucumber, and torn burrata.

4. Dress and Garnish: Drizzle dressing over the top and scatter fresh basil and thyme leaves.

5. Serve: Serve immediately while fresh, or chill briefly before serving for best results.

Nutrients (Per serving – serves 4)

• Calories: 163.9 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 17.2g

  • Sugars: 13.1g

  • Fiber: 2.4g

• Protein: 1.8g

• Fat: 11g

  • Saturated Fat: ~4g

• Sodium: 162.2mg

• Vitamin A: 14% DV

• Vitamin C: 15% DV

• Calcium: 29.5mg

• Iron: 0.8mg

• Magnesium: 22.7mg

A Seasonal Salad That Celebrates Summer Produce

The genius of this salad lies in its seasonality. Peaches are at their peak in the summer, delivering juicy sweetness and a fragrant aroma that works surprisingly well in savory dishes. Their natural sugar content caramelizes slightly under the citrusy dressing, enhancing every bite. Using produce at its best means minimal preparation and maximum flavor, and this salad is a prime example. The peaches not only taste incredible but also add a pop of golden-orange color, making the dish as visually enticing as it is delicious.

Burrata: The Creamy Star of the Plate

Burrata, the luxurious cousin of mozzarella, takes this salad to another level of indulgence. While mozzarella has a mild, firm texture, burrata has a soft, stracciatella-filled center that oozes cream when cut open. It brings richness and depth to the salad, balancing the acidity of the citrus and vinegar with its buttery smoothness. The cool, milky flavor of burrata complements the peaches without overpowering them, adding an indulgent contrast to the salad’s fresh components. Just one ball of burrata torn into pieces can elevate the entire dish into something truly special.

Crisp Cucumber for Freshness and Crunch

Adding cucumber to a Caprese-style salad introduces a cool, crisp bite that enhances the dish’s refreshing qualities. It offers contrast in both texture and flavor—light, clean, and hydrating. Depending on the variety used (English, Persian, or garden cucumber), you get a slightly different balance of sweetness and crunch. This additional layer makes the salad more substantial and keeps it from being overly soft or sweet. It’s especially appreciated on warm days when hydration and freshness are top priorities.

Fresh Herbs That Make It Shine

Herbs are the soul of any Caprese salad, and this version is no exception. Traditional basil adds its unmistakable sweet-spicy aroma, while fresh thyme contributes a floral, slightly earthy depth that complements both peaches and burrata. These herbs do more than garnish—they infuse each bite with summery brightness. If desired, you can experiment with other herbs like mint, tarragon, or lemon balm for different flavor profiles. The key is using fresh herbs rather than dried, as their natural oils and aromas bring vibrancy that dried versions simply can’t match.

Honey-Citrus Dressing: Light and Balanced

Instead of the classic balsamic reduction often used in Caprese salads, this variation uses a citrus-forward vinaigrette made with lemon juice, zest, malt vinegar, honey, and olive oil. This dressing is lighter and more refreshing, ideal for the fruit-forward nature of the salad. The lemon zest brings a floral brightness, while the malt vinegar offers gentle tang and depth without overpowering the peaches. Honey or maple syrup rounds out the acidity, creating a well-balanced emulsion that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients without stealing the spotlight.

A Dish That’s Effortless Yet Elegant

One of the most appealing aspects of this salad is how easy it is to prepare. With no cooking required and only a handful of ingredients, it’s the ultimate example of minimal effort for maximum reward. It’s ready in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining or a quick weeknight side dish. Despite its simplicity, the finished dish looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant. It’s the kind of recipe that lets the quality of your ingredients shine, making it ideal for showcasing farmers market finds or peak-season produce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a refreshing starter before grilled meats or seafood, or enjoy it as a light lunch with a crusty baguette or sourdough on the side. It pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or even a simple grilled chicken breast for a more complete meal. For beverages, opt for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a chilled rosé, or sparkling water with citrus. The lightness of the salad balances heavier dishes and enhances summery flavors, making it a natural choice for outdoor dining or warm-weather picnics.

Customizations and Variations

This salad invites customization based on what’s available or your personal preferences. Nectarines, plums, or even grilled apricots can be used in place of peaches. If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta work well as creamy alternatives. For extra crunch, try adding toasted pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. You can also sprinkle the salad with a pinch of chili flakes for heat or a few drops of aged balsamic for richer acidity. Swapping the lemon for orange in the dressing will give the salad a softer citrus profile that leans into the sweetness of the peaches.

A Nutritionally Mindful Option

Despite its luxurious taste and presentation, this salad is light and nourishing. Each serving comes in at just under 170 calories, with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a small amount of protein from the cheese. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for vegetarian or even vegan diets (by substituting a plant-based cheese and using maple syrup). The peaches provide fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while the herbs and citrus add immune-boosting vitamin C and minerals. It’s a salad that’s as good for your body as it is pleasing to the palate.

Ideal for Entertaining and Weeknight Simplicity

Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata is equally suited to relaxed dinners and more formal entertaining. It plates beautifully and holds up well if prepared slightly in advance, making it a stress-free addition to your menu. Because it’s so versatile and appealing, it’s sure to be a conversation starter and crowd favorite, no matter the occasion. Its short prep time means you can easily double or triple the recipe for gatherings without added hassle.

Conclusion

Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata is the ultimate summer salad—vibrant, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. With juicy peaches, cool cucumbers, creamy burrata, and fragrant herbs all tied together by a tangy-sweet citrus dressing, this dish captures the best of the season in every bite. Whether served as a light meal, a showstopping side, or the first course of an alfresco dinner, it brings a touch of luxury without complexity. It’s a reminder that with the right ingredients and a simple approach, everyday meals can feel extraordinary. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a warm-weather staple in your kitchen repertoire.