Name: Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove, crushed; Peel from 1 small lemon; 4 fresh thyme sprigs; 4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges; 1 ripe peach, sliced; 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh burrata; ½ cup fresh basil and/or mint leaves; 1 tablespoon toasted pistachios, chopped; Cherries or fresh currants, optional; Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; Toasted bread, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant, and show-stopping dish this warm season, the Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad is a delightful celebration of summer’s best offerings, combining creamy burrata cheese with the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches and the rich acidity of heirloom tomatoes, all brought to life with a bright, fragrant lemon-thyme oil. It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer that tastes like a sunny afternoon on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or serving as a refreshing starter at any gathering.

A white saucepan with a light wooden handle is filled with a clear yellow liquid, floating with light yellow lemon peels and small green herb sprigs. The saucepan rests on a soft blue and white striped cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there are four whole yellow lemons, a small jar of golden honey, some green herb sprigs, and a bright yellow peeler. The scene looks fresh and bright with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe is a beautiful example of how a few simple ingredients, when chosen carefully and combined thoughtfully, can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. Each component plays a special role — from the creamy burrata adding richness, to the fruit and herbs providing freshness and texture.

Extra-virgin olive oil (½ cup): The base for the lemon-thyme oil, bringing fruity depth and a silky texture.
Garlic clove, crushed (1): Adds a gentle pungency to infuse the olive oil with warmth.
Lemon peel from 1 small lemon: Brings bright citrus notes that lift the entire dish.
Fresh thyme sprigs (4): Aromatic herb that pairs beautifully with lemon and olive oil.
Heirloom tomatoes (4), sliced into wedges: Vibrant, colorful, and bursting with natural sweetness and acidity.
Ripe peach (1), sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a soft, tender contrast.
Fresh burrata (8-ounce ball): Creamy, luscious cheese that’s the star of this salad.
Fresh basil and/or mint leaves (½ cup): Herbal freshness to balance the richness and sweetness.
Toasted pistachios (1 tablespoon), chopped: Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Cherries or fresh currants (optional): Extra bursts of sweetness and a beautiful garnish.
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Toasted bread (for serving): Perfect for scooping up the creamy burrata and juices.

How to Make Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Thyme Oil

Begin by gently warming the olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon peel, and fresh thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over low heat. It’s crucial to keep the heat low so the oil infuses beautifully without cooking the garlic or herbs harshly. Once warmed, turn off the heat and allow this fragrant mixture to steep for about 20 minutes. After steeping, strain the oil carefully to remove all solids. This lemon-thyme oil is the magic elixir that ties the whole salad together with its bright, herbaceous flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Burrata Platter

On a large platter, artfully arrange the wedges of heirloom tomatoes and slices of ripe peach. Their colors and textures should look inviting and fresh. Place the beautiful ball of fresh burrata right in the center, letting its creamy texture be the salad’s focal point. Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tomatoes, peaches, and burrata to enhance their natural flavors.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Drizzle some of the prepared lemon-thyme oil generously over the entire platter to add a zesty punch. Scatter fresh basil and/or mint leaves to introduce herbal freshness that balances the richness. Sprinkle toasted pistachios for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone. If you like, add vibrant cherries or fresh currants to bring extra pops of color and sweetness. Finish the salad with a final flourish of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

How to Serve Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe

A white plate holds a colorful fresh salad with one main layer of mixed sliced tomatoes in red, green, and yellow shades arranged around the plate. On top of the tomatoes, a large dollop of soft, white creamy cheese sits in the center, sprinkled lightly with black pepper and drizzled with golden olive oil. Around the cheese and on the tomatoes, there are bright green basil leaves scattered evenly, small yellow cherry tomatoes, red cherries with stems, and slices of orange-yellow peach adding more color and texture. Small pieces of chopped nuts are sprinkled lightly throughout the salad. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishing, think beyond just herbs and nuts. Microgreens, edible flowers, or a light scattering of crumbled crispy prosciutto can beautifully elevate the salad’s presentation and flavor. These garnishes complement the natural beauty and rich flavors of the salad, making every bite as lovely as it looks.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty toasted bread or a baguette that can scoop up all the creamy burrata and luscious juices. For a more hearty meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced summer lunch or dinner that never feels too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation matters, especially with a salad this vibrant. Try layering the ingredients in a large glass bowl for a more rustic family-style feel, or serve individual portions on chilled plates for a formal touch. Using colorful heirloom tomato varieties and alternating peach slices artistically adds eye-catching charm, making it just as perfect for impressing guests as it is for simple home enjoyment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the lemon-thyme oil separately to drizzle just before serving again, as this ensures freshness and prevents the salad from becoming soggy. The burrata is at its best eaten the day it’s opened, but leftover cheese can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to 2 days.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Burrata, peaches, and tomatoes all lose their wonderful textures when frozen, so freezing this dish is not recommended. To keep enjoying your salad at peak quality, make just enough to serve immediately or within a short timeframe.

Reheating

Because this is a fresh, vibrant salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, enjoy any leftover salad chilled or at room temperature with a fresh drizzle of lemon-thyme oil and some extra basil or mint for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?

While regular mozzarella can work in a pinch, burrata’s creamy, almost buttery center is what sets this salad apart. If you want the authentic experience of this Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe, I recommend using fresh burrata for that luxurious texture.

What if I can't find heirloom tomatoes?

If heirloom tomatoes aren’t available, ripe vine tomatoes or other colorful tomatoes can be used. The key is their freshness and ripeness to provide the balance of acidity and sweetness that heirloom tomatoes naturally bring.

Can I make the lemon-thyme oil in advance?

Absolutely! Making the lemon-thyme oil ahead of time actually helps deepen its flavor. Simply warm and infuse the oil as directed, strain it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before drizzling on your salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of the bread you serve on the side if you need to avoid gluten. Gluten-free bread or crackers can be delicious alternatives here.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled shrimp, chicken breast, or even a handful of toasted chickpeas can turn this refreshing summer salad into a light main course without overpowering the fresh, delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe that feels both effortless and elegant. It’s a dish that brings the best of summer harvest right to your table with creamy cheese, juicy fruits, and a bright, herb-infused oil that makes every bite sing. I can’t encourage you enough to gather these simple ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this vibrant, unforgettable salad. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your summer favorites!

Summer Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches, and Lemon-Thyme Oil Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need