When the temperature climbs, the best recipes are often the simplest. Sweet summer peaches, crisp cucumber, creamy burrata and fragrant basil come together in a salad that’s equal parts refreshing and elegant.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled burgers or enjoying it with a slice of crusty bread for lunch, this no-cook dish lets peak-season produce do all the work.
Ingredients
2 ripe peaches, sliced
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
8 ounces burrata cheese
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
1-2 teaspoons hot honey (optional, but recommended)
Flaky sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Arrange the peach and cucumber slices on a large serving platter.
Tear the burrata into large pieces and place it over the fruit and cucumber.
Scatter the basil leaves and toasted pistachios over the top.
Drizzle with the olive oil, followed by the balsamic glaze and hot honey, if using.
Finish with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up the creamy burrata and dressing.
Noshing Notes
Fresh mozzarella or whipped ricotta can stand in for burrata. Nectarines work just as well if your peaches aren’t quite ripe.Toasting the pistachios for 3 to 5 minutes in a dry skillet brings out their flavor. For an extra burst of freshness, add a handful of peppery arugula or a few mint leaves.
Pairs Well With
Grilled chicken, salmon, burgers or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling lemonade. Add warm crusty bread, and you’ve got a light summer meal.
Waste Not Want Not
Leftovers are best enjoyed the same day, but any extra peaches and cucumbers can be chopped and tossed with mixed greens or cooked pasta for an easy lunch the next day.
Note: In light of the current cyclospora outbreak, it’s a good time to buy local produce from Race’s or one of the farmer’s markets.
Cybele is a writer and editor with more than 16 years in the publishing industry. An avid reader, you can usually find her with the latest new book release from the local library. She currently resides on a farm in Hardwick with her husband and four children. In her spare time, she writes historical fiction specific to New Jersey.






