Salad · Dinner · Appetizer · Italian-American

Grilled Peach and Burrata Panzanella

Celebrate peak summer with this Grilled Peach and Burrata Panzanella, featuring smoky charred peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and crisp sourdough croutons.

4.6(451 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Grilled Peach and Burrata Panzanella — Italian-American Salad served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Before you start

  1. 1

    Prep ahead

    Soak sliced red onions in ice water for 10 minutes to remove their bite.

  2. 2

    Prep ahead

    Ensure the burrata is at room temperature for maximum creaminess.

How to Make Grilled Peach and Burrata Panzanella

Total time: 25 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Toast the Sourdough

    Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to medium-high. Relative to the bread chunks, toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes, turning frequently until the edges are golden and charred but the centers remain slightly chewy.

  2. 2

    Char the Peaches

    Brush the peach wedges lightly with olive oil. Place them directly on the clean grill grates over medium-high heat. Grill for about 2 minutes per side until distinct grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly without falling apart.

  3. 3

    Emulsify the Dressing

    In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper. The honey helps bind the acid and fat for a smooth texture.

  4. 4

    Combine the Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled bread, cherry tomatoes, drained red onions, and half of the basil. Pour over most of the dressing and toss gently to ensure the bread begins to soak up the flavors.

  5. 5

    Plate with Burrata

    Transfer the bread mixture to a wide serving platter. Nestled between the bread, place the grilled peach wedges. Gently tear the burrata balls by hand and place the pieces on top, allowing the creamy stracciatella center to spill out over the fruit.

  6. 6

    Final Garnish

    Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the cheese and peaches. Scatter the toasted pine nuts and the rest of the fresh basil over the entire dish. Finish with a final pinch of flaky sea salt.

Chef's Tips

  • Choose peaches that give slightly to pressure. If they are too soft, they will turn into jam on the grill.
  • Use white balsamic vinegar instead of dark to keep the colors of the peaches and burrata vibrant.
  • Don't over-mix once the burrata is added, as the cheese is delicate and will break apart too much.

What to Serve with Grilled Peach and Burrata Panzanella

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve as a light lunch with a crisp glass of Vermentino.
  • Excellent as a starter for a summer steak dinner.
  • Pair with grilled chicken skewers for extra protein.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Swap peaches for nectarines or plums for a different stone fruit profile.

Variation

Add baby arugula or watercress for a peppery bite.

Variation

Substitute pine nuts with slivered toasted almonds or walnuts.

Storage & Reheating

Panzanella is best enjoyed within an hour of assembly to maintain the texture of the bread. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Note that the bread will soften significantly. This dish is not suitable for freezing.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply replace the sourdough bread with your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread chunks. Toast them well to ensure they hold up to the dressing.

What if I don't have a grill?

A cast-iron grill pan or even a regular heavy skillet on the stovetop works perfectly. Aim for high heat to get those dark sear marks quickly.

Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?

You can use fresh buffalo mozzarella or bocconcini. However, you will miss the creamy flow of the burrata center which acts as a secondary dressing.

Should I peel the peaches?

No, the skin helps the peach wedges hold their shape on the grill and provides great color and fiber to the salad.

How long can the bread sit in the dressing?

Sourdough is hardy, so it can sit for about 20 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften just enough while retaining a crunch.

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