This Peach Caprese Salad Recipe takes the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and adds ripe summer peaches for a sweet twist. It comes together in about fifteen minutes with no cooking required. The juicy peaches play off the creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic in a way that feels fresh and a little unexpected, but still familiar enough to please just about anyone at the table.
8ouncesfresh burrata cheeseor fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces, about 227g
1cupcherry tomatoeshalved, about 150g
1cupfresh basil leaveswhole or torn, about 20g
2cupsbaby arugulaoptional, for the base, about 60g
3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil45ml
2tablespoonsbalsamic glaze30ml
1tablespoonhoney15ml
0.5teaspoonflaky sea saltplus more for finishing, about 3g
0.25teaspoonblack pepperabout 1g
2tablespoonspine nutstoasted, optional, about 30g
Instructions
Wash and pat dry the peaches. Slice each peach in half, remove the pit, and cut each half into 6-8 thin wedges. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Drain the burrata well. Tear into large irregular pieces with your hands, or slice fresh mozzarella into rounds. Let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, flaky salt, and black pepper until the honey dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Spread the baby arugula in a thin layer over your serving platter, if using. Arrange the peach wedges over the arugula, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Tuck the torn burrata or mozzarella pieces between the peaches and tomatoes. Scatter the fresh basil leaves evenly over the top.
Drizzle the honey olive oil dressing evenly over the salad, followed by the balsamic glaze in thin lines. Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts (if using) and an extra pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced. Freestone peaches work best as the pit separates easily.
Let cold mozzarella or burrata sit out for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor and texture.
Salt the peaches very lightly before assembling to help draw out their natural sweetness.
Assemble the salad close to serving time, since the peaches release juice as they sit.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking frequently, until golden and fragrant.
Choose a good quality balsamic glaze; a thin, watery one will slide right off the peaches instead of clinging to them.
If your peaches taste a little underripe, leave them at room temperature for a day or two before making the salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.
For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto on top. Add sliced avocado for extra richness.
You can swap the peaches for nectarines or ripe plums, or use fresh mozzarella balls instead of burrata.