The Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad is a delightful blend of juicy nectarines, creamy burrata cheese, and savory prosciutto. This salad shines in the summer, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. Enjoy the unique combination of grilled fruits and fresh herbs, topped with a zesty vinaigrette that elevates every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor: The sweet grilled nectarines paired with creamy burrata create a symphony of tastes that refresh your palate.
Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this salad is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily switch out fruits or greens based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a casual brunch, this salad fits right in.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from fresh produce and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese, it’s guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the necessary equipment makes preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Salad bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks on the nectarines, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently when preparing the vinaigrette and salad base.
Whisk: Perfect for emulsifying the vinaigrette ingredients to create a smooth dressing that coats the salad evenly.

Ingredients

The best way to enjoy juicy summertime nectarines, grilled up with cherries, tomatoes, burrata cheese, sliced prosciutto, drizzled with a lemon herb vinaigrette.

For the Salad

4 nectarines, pitted and quartered
8 ounces burrata cheese, torn
8 slices prosciutto
4 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
2 heirloom tomatoes, halved and cut into eighths
1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup mixed baby spring greens
Finishing salt, fresh ground black pepper

For the Vinaigrette

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, roughly minced
1 tablespoon fresh mint, roughly minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of salt, fresh ground black pepper as desired

How to Make Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat a grill or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Slice the nectarines into eighths and lightly brush them with olive oil.

Step 2: Grill the Nectarines

Place the nectarine slices on the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes until grill marks form and they soften slightly. Flip them over and repeat for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients needed for the vinaigrette. Set aside to let flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed baby spring greens, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomato slices, cherries, and vinaigrette until well combined. Top with torn burrata cheese and slices of prosciutto.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle any remaining fresh herbs over the top along with ground black pepper. Finish by garnishing with finishing salt. Serve alongside toasted baguette as desired.

How to Serve Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

This Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Light Lunch Option

Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying, light meal.
Serve chilled for a refreshing midday pick-me-up.

Picnic Perfect

Pack in mason jars for an easy-to-transport option.
Include extra lemon herb vinaigrette on the side for drizzling.

Appetizer Delight

Slice into smaller portions for an elegant starter.
Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance presentation.

Dinner Party Showcase

Arrange on a large platter to impress your guests.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and aesthetics.

Family-Friendly Meal

Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish to make it more filling.
Encourage everyone to customize their portions with extra toppings.

How to Perfect Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

To achieve the best results with your Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad, follow these simple tips.

Choose ripe nectarines: Select firm yet slightly soft nectarines for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
Grill at the right temperature: Preheat your grill adequately for perfect grill marks and caramelization.
Don’t overcook the fruit: Grill just until softened; overcooking can lead to mushy nectarines.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors that elevate your salad’s taste profile significantly.
Experiment with cheese: Try different types of cheese like goat cheese or feta if you want variety in flavors.
Serve immediately: Enjoy this salad fresh to maintain the texture of grilled fruit and burrata cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

Complementing your Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the fresh salad flavors.
Caprese Skewers: These easy-to-make skewers bring together mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, echoing the salad’s freshness.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds both flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf provides a hearty base that complements the salad beautifully.
Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits enhances the salad’s fruity elements while adding visual appeal.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the tangy burrata cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple errors when preparing Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad. Avoiding these mistakes will enhance your salad experience.

Using unripe nectarines: Choose ripe nectarines for the best flavor. Unripe fruit won’t have the sweetness needed for this dish.
Skipping the grilling step: Grilling adds essential smoky flavors. Don’t skip this; it transforms the nectarines and enhances the overall taste.
Overdressing the salad: Too much vinaigrette can overwhelm the salad. Start with a little and add more if needed, ensuring balance.
Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate your salad’s flavor. Always use freshly minced herbs instead of dried ones for maximum impact.
Not letting the grilled fruit cool: Allowing grilled nectarines to cool slightly enhances their texture when mixed with other ingredients. Don’t rush this step!

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it may affect texture and flavor once thawed.

Reheating Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, avoiding overheating which can melt burrata.
Microwave: Use low power settings and heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds to prevent sogginess.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture without cooking further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute other fruits in the Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad?

You can use peaches or plums instead of nectarines. Each offers a unique flavor but maintains the dish’s essence.

What can I serve with my Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or fish, making it versatile for any meal.

How do I store leftovers of Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days for best quality.

What dressing works best with Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad?

A lemon herb vinaigrette complements this salad nicely, but feel free to experiment with balsamic or citrus dressings.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that captures summer’s essence. Its vibrant ingredients are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for personal customization—try adding nuts or different greens! Enjoy crafting this refreshing dish at your next gathering.