This Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad is the perfect summer dish that combines the sweetness of grilled nectarines and cherries with the creamy richness of burrata cheese and the savory flavor of prosciutto. Tossed in a refreshing lemon herb vinaigrette, this salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a light meal for lunch or a side dish for dinner, it’s a recipe that’s bound to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize for a vegetarian option by removing the prosciutto.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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4 nectarines, pitted and quartered
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8 ounces burrata cheese, torn
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8 slices prosciutto
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4 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 heirloom tomatoes, halved and cut into eighths
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½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
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½ cup mixed baby spring greens
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Finishing salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
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Grilled baguette, for serving
For the Vinaigrette:
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon fresh oregano, roughly minced
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1 tablespoon fresh mint, roughly minced
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves
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½ cup extra virgin olive oil
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Pinch of salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Grill the Nectarines:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the nectarine slices lightly with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks form and the nectarines slightly soften. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. -
Make the Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, lemon zest, oregano, mint, lemon thyme, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the greens, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and cherries. Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette. Top with burrata cheese and prosciutto. -
Serve:
Garnish with finishing salt, fresh herbs, and ground black pepper. Serve with toasted baguette on the side.
Nutrients (approximate per serving)
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Calories: 350-400 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Protein: 15g
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Fat: 25g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 500mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 15g
Why This Salad Works
The combination of grilled nectarines and cherries with creamy burrata is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy. The grilling process enhances the nectarines’ natural sweetness and caramelizes the fruit slightly, adding depth and smoky flavors to the dish. The burrata, with its rich and soft center, provides a creamy contrast to the grilled fruit, while the prosciutto adds a salty and savory element that brings everything together. The fresh herbs in the vinaigrette—oregano, mint, and lemon thyme—enhance the overall freshness of the salad and add a herby brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.
The salad’s vibrant colors—from the golden grilled nectarines to the rich reds and greens of the tomatoes and greens—make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. With such diverse textures—crisp greens, creamy burrata, juicy fruit, and crispy prosciutto—this salad offers a delightful eating experience that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Grilling the Nectarines and Cherries
Grilling nectarines and cherries brings out their natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the other ingredients in the salad. The grilling process also softens the fruit slightly, making it easier to incorporate into the salad. To achieve perfect grill marks and caramelization, brush the nectarines and cherries lightly with olive oil, then place them on a preheated grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the nectarines for 2-3 minutes on each side, just enough to create grill marks and soften the fruit. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning, as the fruit can caramelize quickly.
Once grilled, the nectarines and cherries should be set aside to cool slightly, allowing their flavors to settle before adding them to the salad. This grilling technique will create fruit that is tender, flavorful, and perfectly integrated into the dish.
The Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
The vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful dressing that ties everything together. With fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, lemon zest, and a medley of fresh herbs—oregano, mint, and lemon thyme—the vinaigrette adds a zesty, aromatic layer that complements the sweetness of the grilled fruit and the richness of the burrata. The olive oil serves as the base for the vinaigrette, providing a smooth texture that helps the flavors meld together beautifully. The combination of lemon and vinegar provides just the right balance of acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.
The fresh herbs bring brightness and depth to the vinaigrette, and their earthy, citrusy notes infuse every bite of the salad. Whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl before drizzling it over the salad ensures that the flavors are well combined and evenly distributed.
Assembling the Salad
Assembling the salad is simple and quick. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and halved cherries. The mixture of greens provides a fresh, crisp base, while the tomatoes add juiciness and sweetness. The cherries bring an extra burst of fruitiness, further complementing the grilled nectarines and providing a variety of textures.
After tossing the salad in the lemon herb vinaigrette, top it with the torn burrata cheese. The creamy burrata adds richness and decadence to the salad, making each bite more indulgent. Then, layer on the prosciutto, which adds a delightful contrast with its crispy, salty flavor. The prosciutto can be torn or left in whole slices, depending on your preference.
Serving the Salad
To finish, garnish the salad with freshly cracked black pepper, finishing salt, and extra fresh herbs. This step enhances the vibrant colors of the salad and elevates the overall flavor. Serve the salad immediately with grilled baguette on the side to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and any extra juices from the burrata. The toasted baguette adds a crispy texture that complements the tender greens and creamy cheese.
Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad
This salad offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. With about 15 grams of protein per serving from the burrata and prosciutto, it provides a good source of muscle-repairing protein. The olive oil in the vinaigrette provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the fresh herbs and lemon juice add antioxidants and vitamin C to the dish. The fruits—nectarines, cherries, and tomatoes—are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, which help support overall health and wellness. The salad is also low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following low-carb or keto diets.
Why This Salad is a Must-Try
The Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. The balance of sweet, savory, and creamy components makes it a delightful option for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or the main event. The addition of grilled fruit, fresh herbs, and burrata makes this salad both refreshing and indulgent, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re serving it at a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this salad will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad is the perfect summer dish. The combination of grilled nectarines and cherries, creamy burrata, savory prosciutto, and zesty lemon herb vinaigrette creates a salad that is both refreshing and indulgent. Its vibrant colors, variety of textures, and balanced flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the bold flavors, makes it a dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a side, this salad is sure to become a favorite!