Salads & sides
Tomato, peach, and burrata salad with basil oil and sea salt for bright summertime hors d'oeuvres.
A refreshing, elegant starter that balances juicy tomatoes, ripe peaches, and creamy burrata, finished with aromatic basil oil and a whisper of sea salt for bright, sunny gatherings.
August 12, 2025 - 3 min Read
Juicy summer produce shines in this simple salad that feels both luxurious and approachable. Ripe tomatoes, sliced thin, provide a tangy backbone that contrasts with the soft sweetness of summer peaches. Burrata adds a luxurious mouthfeel, its delicate creaminess spilling slightly with the first bite. The dish relies on a light hand with salt and acidity, letting each ingredient speak for itself while the basil oil drapes the plate like a fragrant veil. Start by selecting fruit and cheese at the peak of ripeness, then assemble quickly to preserve color and texture. A drizzle of olive oil brings everything together without overpowering nuance.
The basil oil is the key aromatic element, and its preparation is surprisingly forgiving. Blanch a handful of fresh basil leaves briefly, then blitz with neutral oil, a touch of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until glossy. Strain to remove any solids for a clean pour, or keep the tiny green flecks for a rustic look. When plating, spoon a few generous drops of basil oil around the burrata, letting the vibrant green pool mingle with the red tomatoes and pale peaches. The final salt pinch should be coarse and flaky, not overwhelming, to highlight brightness rather than brine.
Crisp, bright contrasts keep the palate engaged and refreshed.
Begin with fruit selection that nods to both varieties’ sweetness and acidity. Choose tomatoes with a bright hue and a gentle tang, and pair them with peaches that offer a honeyed, floral perfume. Slice according to texture preferences—thin rounds or small wedges—so each bite delivers a balanced contrast. Burrata should be cool but not chilly, its interior softly yielding when pierced. Arrange artful piles of fruit first, then nestle the burrata gently in the center. The dish becomes an edible canvas, inviting diners to explore varying bite sensations while keeping the eye delighted by color contrasts.
A simple dressing complements without overpowering. Instead of a heavy vinaigrette, use a whisper of extra-virgin olive oil, a light squeeze of lemon, and a few pinches of kosher salt. The lemon note brightens the cheese’s richness and lifts the tomatoes’ acidity, while the oil adds a satin coating that makes the burrata gleam. Finish with cracked pepper for a mild kick and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt flakes to echo the dish’s mineral finish. Serve promptly on a clean platter with space between components to preserve textures.
Elegant simplicity that invites savoring, not rushing.
Texture is central to enjoyment here. The crispness of tomato skins, the yielding creaminess of burrata, and the gentle bite of peach skin create a multi-layered mouthfeel. If you prefer a more cohesive bite, stagger the components so each forkful contains a bit of all three. The oil’s viscosity helps unify flavors, allowing the cheese to mingle with fruit without becoming muddy. A light peppering of flaky sea salt provides a final punctuation that accentuates sweetness, acidity, and dairy creaminess in equal measure. Remember that less is more; restraint prevents any one element from dominating.
Presentation elevates a rustic salad into an occasion starter. Use a shallow white plate to reflect the colors and keep the oil’s sheen visible. Alternate slices of tomato and peach with dollops of burrata for a symmetrical pattern, then spoon the basil oil in a circular motion around the arrangement. Garnish sparingly with basil ribbons or microgreens for a fresh, herbal finish that echoes the oil’s aroma. This approach ensures the salad remains photogenic for table snapshots while remaining a delightful first course in a warm-weather menu.
A refined amuse-bouche with seasonal brightness.
A careful sourcing approach makes this dish shine season after season. Seek heirloom tomatoes for their varied hues and flavors, peaches grown in warm climates for backend sweetness, and burrata from producers who handle fresh curds gently. Fresh basil should smell like a garden after rain, and the oil must be high quality for depth. If basil is scarce, substitute a quick turn of cilantro or arugula for a peppery lift. Keep ingredients chilled until service so contrasts stay lively and the overall impression remains bright rather than heavy.
This salad pairs well with light, sparkling beverages or crisp whites that mirror its flavor profile. Consider a dry sparkling rosé, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, or a mineral-rich white such as Albariño. The effervescence of the drink helps cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the fruit’s sweetness and the cheese’s creaminess. For a non-alcoholic option, serve chilled sparkling water with a splash of lemon and a few cucumber ribbons to echo the dish’s fresh notes. The combination creates a refreshing, party-ready starter without complexity.
A timeless starter that celebrates summer’s generosity.
An adaptable dish beyond the classics, this recipe welcomes variations while preserving its heart. Try adding a few cucumber coins for extra crunch, or a light drizzle of aged balsamic to introduce a mellow sweetness and depth. If you prefer stronger cheese flavor, opt for burrata with a slightly firmer texture or even switch to fresh mozzarella on lighter days. For herbaceous intensity, incorporate a tiny amount of chive oil or mint leaf to complement basil without competing with its aroma. Each modification should remain subtle to keep the profile balanced.
When assembling for a party, consider making individual bites that showcase each component. Use small spoons or toasted crostini as vessels to hold a bite-sized combination, ensuring each guest experiences the contrasting textures in a single mouthful. The basil oil can be placed on the spoon for easy control, while a toothpick allows for effortless tasting. As guests sample, the interaction between tomato, peach, and burrata will reveal how summer flavors harmonize through simplicity and technique. This format also facilitates a relaxed, elegant service style.
To store leftovers, keep the components separate and reconstruct just before serving. Tomato slices and peach wedges hold better when refrigerated loosely in a single layer, while burrata is best kept sealed and cooled to maintain its delicate interior. Reassemble on a fresh platter to preserve color and texture. If basil oil has been prepared in advance, rewarm it briefly to release its aroma and pour in a thin film over the plate for shine. Avoid over-mixing, which can compromise the cheese’s lush mouthfeel and the fruit’s delicate juices.
In essence, this salad is a study in summer simplicity with worldly sensibilities. The bright acidity of tomatoes, the honeyed sweetness of peaches, and the creamy burrata create a three-dimensional palate experience. Basil oil anchors the dish with fragrance and color, while a careful application of sea salt completes the flavor profile. Serve as an hors d’oeuvre with light servings, or as a refined starter that preludes a larger meal. Its elegance lies in texture, balance, and a reverence for fresh ingredients that speak for themselves.
