What to look for when shopping for fresh ingredients
When making something fresh, you want to make sure you find the right ingredients. You are what you eat.
Making this salad I wanted to make sure it not only looks good for my guests, but taste good too.
This salad is light, fresh, and healthy—perfect for a simple lunch. Sweet peaches, creamy burrata, bright herbs, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette. Serve as a starter or with a crusty roll. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
Here are some tips:
How to Select fresh Peaches and Nectarines
When shopping for peaches or nectarines at the grocery store or farmers market, focus on three key signs of quality: color, texture, and aroma. Start by looking for fruit with vibrant, warm coloring rather than green undertones, which can signal that it was picked too early. Then, gently press the fruit—it should feel firm but give slightly, a sign that it is ripe without being overly soft. Finally, trust your sense of smell. A ripe peach or nectarine will have a sweet, fragrant aroma that hints at juicy flavor and freshness.
When selecting the other fresh ingredients for your salad, pay attention to quality there as well. Baby spinach should look crisp and vibrant, while fresh basil should have bright leaves and a sweet, fragrant aroma. Basil pairs beautifully with peaches, strawberries, and tomatoes, making it a versatile addition to summer dishes. As a member of the mint family, it is also a signature herb in both Italian and Thai cooking.
Tomatoes come in many varieties and colors, giving you plenty of options for a fresh summer salad. When shopping, look for tomatoes with vibrant color, a fresh scent, and a medium-firm texture. Yellow tomatoes are a great choice because their lower acidity can balance the sweetness of the peaches. Heirloom tomatoes also work beautifully, adding both flavor and visual appeal. If you prefer smaller bites, baby tomatoes are another excellent option, especially when they are fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Burrata
Fresh burrata adds a creamy, delicate texture that pair beautifully with sweet peaches and vibrant tomatoes. Its rich center and mild flavor help balance a tangy vinaigrette and fragrant basil, creating a delicious mix of flavors and textures. When choosing burrata, look for cheese that appears fresh, with a soft, moist exterior and no discoloration. If it is packaged in a container, check both the appearance and the expiration date. Freshness makes a big difference in the flavor, presentation, and overall enjoyment of the dish. You can often find burrata at local grocery stores, farmers markets, or specialty Italian markets.
Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham made from the hind leg of the pig and aged for months, sometimes even years. When choosing prosciutto, you can have it freshly sliced at the deli or buy it prepackaged. If you have the option, try a more aged variety for deeper flavor. You can usually find prosciutto at butcher shops, grocery stores, or specialty markets. It adds a savory, salty note that complements the sweetness of peaches and the creaminess of burrata.
Peach Burrata Salad for Two