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Nectarine and Burrata Salad

Name: Nectarine and Burrata Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 ripe nectarines, sliced; 8 oz burrata cheese; 2 cups arugula; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Author: Emma

Published: July 31, 2025

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Nothing says summer quite like biting into a juicy, sun-ripened nectarine—except maybe pairing it with creamy, dreamy burrata cheese. I remember the first time I tried this nectarine burrata salad at a little Italian café on a sweltering afternoon. One bite and I was hooked! The way the sweet nectarines play off the rich, buttery cheese is pure magic. It’s become my go-to dish for lazy lunches, impromptu picnics, and even fancy dinners when I want something effortless but impressive. Trust me, this salad is the taste of sunshine on a plate. And the best part? It comes together in minutes, letting those vibrant flavors shine without any fuss.

Why You'll Love This Nectarine Burrata Salad

It's ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
The combination of sweet nectarines and creamy burrata is refreshing and indulgent.
It's light yet satisfying, making it ideal for hot summer days.
You only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients.
It's versatile—serve it as a starter, side, or even a light main dish.

Nectarine Burrata Salad - detail 1

Ingredients for Nectarine Burrata Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this summer stunner. Trust me, it’s all about keeping it fresh and simple—no fancy stuff here!

2 ripe nectarines, sliced – Look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. That’s where the sweetness is hiding!
8 oz burrata cheese, whole or torn – Burrata is like mozzarella’s creamier, more indulgent cousin. If you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella works too, but burrata is worth the hunt.
2 cups arugula, washed and dried – The peppery bite of arugula balances the sweetness of the nectarines so perfectly.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – Tear these by hand for the best flavor. It’s like summer in a leaf!
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Go for the good stuff here. It makes all the difference.
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – A little tang to tie everything together. You’ll love the pop of flavor it adds.
1/4 tsp salt – Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground, if you’ve got it. It adds a nice little kick.

That’s it! Just eight ingredients, and you’re on your way to salad heaven. Easy, right?

How to Make Nectarine Burrata Salad

This salad is so simple to put together—just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy dish in no time. The key is letting those beautiful ingredients shine without overcomplicating things!

Preparing the Ingredients

First things first: wash those nectarines! Give them a good rinse under cool water, then pat them dry. Slice them into thin wedges—about 1/4 inch thick works best. You want them thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to melt in your mouth. Pro tip: if the nectarines are super ripe (as they should be!), the pits might cling stubbornly. Just work your knife around them carefully.

For the basil, gently tear the leaves by hand. Tearing instead of chopping keeps them from bruising too much and releases those incredible aromatic oils. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Assembling the Salad

Now for the fun part! Spread your arugula out on a large serving platter—something pretty enough to show off all those gorgeous colors. Make a little nest in the center for the star of the show: the burrata. You can either place the whole ball right in the middle (so dramatic when you cut into it!) or tear it into rustic chunks if you’re feeling casual.

Arrange those beautiful nectarine slices around the cheese in a sunburst pattern. The bright orange against the white burrata and green arugula? Absolute edible artwork.

Nectarine Burrata Salad - detail 2

Adding the Finishing Touches

Time to make it shine—literally! Drizzle that good olive oil all over, followed by a zigzag of balsamic vinegar. Don’t be shy—the vinegar’s tang plays so nicely with the sweet fruit and rich cheese. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper wakes up all the flavors.

Finally, scatter those torn basil leaves over the top like confetti. This salad doesn’t wait—serve it immediately while everything’s fresh and vibrant. The moment that creamy burrata meets the juicy nectarines? Pure summer magic.

Tips for the Perfect Nectarine Burrata Salad

Want to take this salad from great to unforgettable? Here are my tried-and-true secrets: First, go for the freshest burrata you can find—when you break into that creamy center, you’ll thank yourself. For extra crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts (just 2 minutes in a dry pan until golden). And don’t skip chilling your plate beforehand—that first bite of cool, creamy cheese with juicy nectarines is next-level refreshing. Oh, and if your nectarines aren’t perfectly ripe yet? Let them sit on the counter in a paper bag for a day—it makes all the difference!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Don’t stress if you can’t find burrata—fresh mozzarella works beautifully too (just tear it into chunks for that same creamy texture). For a salty kick, drape a few slices of prosciutto over the top before serving—it’s a game-changer! Not an arugula fan? Swap in baby spinach or butter lettuce instead. And if nectarines aren’t in season, ripe peaches or figs make fabulous stand-ins. Vegan? Skip the cheese and add avocado for creaminess. The beauty of this salad is how easily it adapts—play around and make it yours!

Serving Suggestions for Nectarine Burrata Salad

This salad shines all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, try serving it with warm, crusty bread to soak up that glorious olive oil and burrata cream. For something heartier, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp—the simplicity lets those summer flavors sing. And if you’re feeling fancy? A chilled glass of rosé never hurts!

Storing and Reheating

Let’s be honest—this salad is at its absolute best when served fresh, right after assembling. But if you must store it (we’ve all been there!), keep the components separate: stash the arugula and nectarines in one container, the burrata in another, and combine them just before serving. Everything stays good in the fridge for about a day—though that creamy burrata loses some magic overnight. And reheating? Don’t even think about it! This is one dish that’s meant to be enjoyed cool and crisp.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up—these numbers are estimates since your exact ingredients might vary slightly. But here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in one satisfying serving of this nectarine burrata salad: about 350 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated), and 12g protein. With 3g fiber and 12g natural sugar from those juicy nectarines, it’s indulgence you can feel good about!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peaches instead of nectarines?
Absolutely! Ripe peaches work wonderfully in this salad—they have that same juicy sweetness. Just make sure they’re fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. White peaches would be especially lovely here.

How do I pick perfectly ripe nectarines?
Give them a gentle squeeze near the stem—they should yield slightly but not feel mushy. The skin should be vibrant with no green tinges, and they should smell sweet at the stem end. Pro tip: if they’re rock-hard, leave them on the counter in a paper bag for a day or two.

What if I can’t find burrata?
Fresh mozzarella is your best backup—it won’t have that luscious creamy center, but it still pairs beautifully. For extra richness, drizzle the mozzarella with a little heavy cream right before serving. Trust me, it helps!

Can I make this ahead for a party?
You can prep components separately (wash greens, slice fruit, keep cheese chilled), but assemble no more than 15 minutes before serving. Otherwise, the arugula wilts and the nectarines can make the cheese watery. Nobody wants a soggy salad!