Grilled Nectarine Burrata & Prosciutto Salad

Introduction

Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the best of summer ingredients. Sweet, juicy grilled nectarines are paired with creamy burrata cheese, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. This salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and peppery notes. It’s an elegant appetizer, a satisfying lunch, or a light dinner, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a sophisticated solo treat.

The first time I created Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad, I wanted to capture the essence of summer on a plate. Grilling the nectarines seemed like the perfect way to enhance their sweetness and add a smoky depth. Pairing them with creamy burrata and salty prosciutto was a natural choice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that was both refreshing and indulgent. As I drizzled the balsamic glaze over the salad, the aromas mingled together, creating a sensory experience that was truly captivating. The first bite confirmed my expectations – it was a symphony of tastes and textures that was simply irresistible.

What I love most about this salad is its simplicity and the way it showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients. It’s an easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for casual entertaining or a quick weeknight meal. You can customize it by adding different types of greens, using other stone fruits like peaches or plums, or experimenting with different dressings. No matter how you choose to serve it, Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for

• Summer gatherings
• Light lunches
• Elegant appetizers
• Casual entertaining
• Quick weeknight meals
• Showcasing seasonal ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad Recipe

Here’s why Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad will become your new favorite dish:

• Exceptional Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet grilled nectarines, creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula creates a complex and delightful flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Simple and Easy to Prepare: This salad requires minimal cooking and preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors and elegant presentation make this salad a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily customized with different greens, fruits, cheeses, or dressings to suit your personal preferences.
• Celebrates Seasonal Ingredients: This salad is a perfect way to showcase the flavors of summer, highlighting fresh and ripe nectarines.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad:

• 4 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cups arugula
• 8 ounces burrata cheese, 2 balls
• 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup balsamic glaze
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ripe Nectarines: Choose ripe, but firm nectarines that are slightly soft to the touch. This ensures they will grill nicely without becoming mushy.
• Burrata Cheese: Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its creamy, rich flavor is the perfect complement to the sweet nectarines and salty prosciutto.
• Prosciutto: This thinly sliced Italian ham adds a salty and savory element to the salad.
• Arugula: Also known as rocket, arugula adds a peppery and slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the nectarines and the richness of the burrata.
• Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic glaze adds a tangy and slightly sweet finish to the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad:

Prepare the Nectarines:

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. You can use a gas grill or a charcoal grill.
2. Brush with Oil: Brush the cut sides of the nectarine halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Grill the Nectarines:

1. Grill Cut-Side Down: Place the nectarine halves cut-side down on the preheated grill.
2. Grill for 3-4 Minutes: Grill for 3-4 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the nectarines are slightly softened.
3. Flip and Grill for 1 Minute: Flip the nectarine halves and grill for 1 minute more.
4. Remove from Grill: Remove the grilled nectarines from the grill and set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Dress the Arugula: In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange the Arugula: Spread the dressed arugula evenly over a serving platter or individual plates.
3. Add Burrata: Place the burrata balls on top of the arugula. You can leave them whole or gently tear them into smaller pieces.
4. Arrange Nectarines: Arrange the grilled nectarine halves around the burrata.
5. Add Prosciutto: Drape the prosciutto slices over the salad, tucking them in between the nectarines and burrata.
6. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the entire salad.

Serve:

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad immediately.

How to Serve Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad

Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve in small portions as an elegant appetizer for a summer dinner party.
• As a Light Lunch: Serve in larger portions as a satisfying and flavorful light lunch.
• As a Side Dish: Serve as a colorful and refreshing side dish to grilled meats or seafood.
• On a Charcuterie Board: Add the salad components to a charcuterie board for a visually appealing and flavorful spread.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the burrata and balsamic glaze.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a complete and harmonious dining experience.

Additional Tips for Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad

Here are some tips to ensure your Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad is perfect every time:

• Use Ripe Nectarines: Choose ripe, but firm nectarines that are slightly soft to the touch. This ensures they will grill nicely without becoming mushy.
• Use High-Quality Burrata: Burrata is the star of this salad, so use the best quality you can find.
• Dress the Arugula Lightly: Dress the arugula lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Overdressing it will make the salad soggy.
• Assemble Just Before Serving: Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting and the burrata from losing its shape.

Recipe Variations for Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad

Here are some variations you can try for Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad:

• Grilled Peach Salad: Substitute the nectarines with grilled peaches for a similar but slightly different flavor profile.
• Grilled Plum Salad: Substitute the nectarines with grilled plums for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Substitute the balsamic glaze with a balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter dressing.
• Honey-Lime Dressing: Use a honey-lime dressing for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Add Nuts: Add toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
• Add Seeds: Add toasted seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrients.
• Use Different Greens: Substitute the arugula with spinach, mixed greens, or romaine lettuce.
• Add Herbs: Add fresh herbs like mint, thyme, or rosemary for added aroma and flavor.
• Different Cheese: Try fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese instead of burrata
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the Prosciutto and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a balsamic reduction

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This salad is best served fresh and is not suitable for freezing. The texture of the grilled nectarines, burrata, and arugula will change upon thawing.
• Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, but the arugula may wilt and the burrata may lose its shape. It’s best to assemble only the amount of salad that you plan to eat immediately.

Special Equipment for Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad easier:

• Grill: A gas grill or charcoal grill is needed for grilling the nectarines.
• Grill Tongs: Grill tongs are helpful for flipping the nectarine halves on the grill.
• Large Bowl: A large bowl is needed for dressing the arugula.
• Serving Platter or Plates: Serving platter or plates are needed for assembling the salad.

FAQ Section for Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad

1. Can I use canned nectarines?
   While fresh nectarines are preferred, you can use canned nectarines in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before grilling.
2. Can I grill the nectarines indoors?
   Yes, you can grill the nectarines indoors using a grill pan or a panini press.
3. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
   Yes, you can use another type of vinegar like red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   It’s best to assemble this salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting and the burrata from losing its shape. You can grill the nectarines ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to use.
5. Is this salad gluten-free?
   Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines sweet, savory, creamy, and peppery flavors in perfect harmony. The grilled nectarines, creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula create a symphony of tastes and textures that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a light lunch, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see your Grilled Nectarine, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your version—I can’t wait to see how you bring this luscious salad to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!