Nectarine Tomato Burrata Salad with Homemade Hot Honey Dressing just sings of sunshine and simplicity! Juicy cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes and sweet peaches combine their sweet and tangy flavors with fresh basil leaves So grab your fork and dive into the plate of pure summer bliss!
If you love fresh salads as much as I do, try Avocado, Tomato & Cucumber Salad and Arugula and Tomato Salad next.
Nectarine Tomato Burrata Salad looks fancy enough for a dinner party, but it's really just my "great salad" formula dressed up for summer: salty cheese, sweet fruit, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of texture on a big bed of greens. So what's the secret to a great salad? My answer is well‑seasoned greens, a balanced homemade dressing, something crunchy, something creamy, and a little bit of sweetness to tie it all together.
Homemade hot honey dressing is my not‑so‑secret way to make this salad taste like something you'd order at a restaurant. Let's review This fresh salad starts out with 2 types of tomatoes: cherry tomatoes and heirloom tomatoes, gets loaded with nectarines and from there I add Burrata cheese and arugula. The result is a sweet‑spicy salad that looks like a centerpiece of the entire table.
It's also one of those versatile salads that you can use to customize (add protein or more fats=cheese) that I talk about in my guide on how to make any salad more filling.
- Easy, healthy and vibrant: It's very easy to whip up, with "brightly colored vegetables". These colorful nutrients are the antioxidants that can protect us in fighting diseases and infections.
- Low in calories: It will help maintain or even lose weight!
- High in fiber: The salad can definitely improve digestion. Fiber, or a prebiotic, is essential to good digestive health and feeds our good gut bacteria (probiotics).
- Great appetizer and beyond: This burrata salad makes a great appetizer or side dish to any summer dinner. You could even enjoy this as its own meal if you add protein!
Serve it with
Toasted bread: I love eating crusty toasted bread on the side of my salad. And I can do it all week!
With minimal effort, you will get an absolutely beautiful and delicious end result!
Key Ingredients
- Arugula: A peppery, crisp bed for the salad. Lifts up flavors and adds fiber for digestive health.
- Heirloom tomatoes & cherry tomatoes: Use a variety of colorful heirloom tomatoes for visual appeal.
- Nectarines: Sweet, slightly tangy, and firm. Their summer flavor melds with tomato and creamy cheese.
- Burrata cheese: The star. This ultra-creamy, delicate cheese brings protein and an indulgent, milky taste.
- Hot honey dressing: Olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and pepper flakes create sweet, spicy depth and keep everything vibrant.
- Pistachios: Provide crunch, richness, and nutty complexity. Can easily swap for other nuts or seeds.
- Fresh basil & thyme: Bright herb notes highlight all the ripe produce and balance sweetness.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances flavors and helps balance the salad's sweet and savory notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Hot Honey Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness.
2. Layer the Salad
Scatter sliced heirloom tomatoes and nectarines over arugula. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and acidity.
3. Add Burrata & Nuts
Tear burrata cheese into chunks and arrange across the salad. Sprinkle with roughly chopped pistachios or desired alternative.
How to make THE BEST hot honey salad dressing
Honey, red pepper flakes, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard! In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the chopped basil and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nectarine Tomato Burrata Salad
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Ingredients
Honey Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon basil fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 heirloom tomatoes large
- 2 nectarines firm and ripe
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 oz Burrata cheese drained
- ¼ cup pistachios shelled and roughly chopped
- basil and thyme for garnish
Instructions
Hot Honey Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes and Dijon mustard. Stir in the chopped basil and thyme.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Salad Arrangement
- Arrange arugula on a large platter. Scatter the sliced heirloom tomatoes over the arugula. Arrange the nectarine slices. Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Top with torn burrata cheese and chopped pistachios.
Final Assembly
- Drizzle the hot honey dressing generously over the salad.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and thyme leaves.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe but firm nectarines: Overripe fruit can get mushy; firm nectarines hold up and slice attractively.
- Try a mix of tomato varieties: Using yellow, orange, or even green heirlooms makes the salad a visual feast.
- Garnish just before serving: If prepping ahead, keep salad and dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Season burrata: A pinch of flaky salt elevates the cheese and makes each bite memorable.
What can I use instead of Burrata cheese?
Burrata is a fresh mozzarella cheese, is characterized by a soft and creamy texture. I love using goat cheese in salads and this one is no exception (even though Burrata is much richer in protein than goat cheese).
You can also add Mozzarrella pearls or chopped Mozzarella if you can't find Burrata.
FAQ
How long does burrata last once opened? Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor and texture; store in brine in an airtight container.
Can I use peaches instead of nectarines? Absolutely! Both add sweet-tart juiciness-choose based on ripeness and preference.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy? Dress right before serving, and store leftovers without dressing for best crunch.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, as written. Always check cheese and condiment labels.
Why is my burrata watery? Drain well before using and pat gently with a paper towel.
Variations and Substitutions
- Change the dressing: Try a Balsamic glaze, lemon vinaigrette, or white wine vinegar for different profiles.
- Switch the nuts: Use almonds, walnuts, or pecans; for nut-free, try roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Mix up the greens: Substitute arugula with spinach, spring mix, or baby kale.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your preferred level of spice and sweetness. You can also make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes.
- Nuts: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be substituted for pistachios.
- Add Protein: Top this avocado salad with chia seed sprouts, or add pan-seared shrimp, pan seared chicken, or steak for more protein!
- Make dressing in advance: The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Attraction: Centerpiece platter for alfresco entertaining, perfect for showing off summer produce.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats, veggie kebabs, or crusty bread.
- Light lunch: Eat with whole wheat toast or a grain bowl for extra heartiness.
Storage and Leftovers
- Storage: Keep salad (without dressing) and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge up to two days. Burrata stays best stored in its original brine or separately.
- Leftovers: Reassemble with leftover veggies and cheese. Bread, nuts, and greens are best added fresh.
- Do not freeze: Burrata and tomatoes lose quality and texture when frozen.
Janice says
Wow! So vibrant!