Orchard Salad

Orchard Salad with Burrata & Herby Honey Vinaigrette

Table of Contents

Sweet, Juicy, Creamy & Perfect for Summer

This Orchard Salad is all about balance. You get juicy peaches, sweet cherries, and fresh tomatoes paired with creamy burrata and a bright, herb-packed honey vinaigrette. It’s light but satisfying, elegant yet easy to make. Perfect for brunch, a side dish, or even a light main with grilled bread on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting seeds/bread)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

8 oz fresh burrata cheese (room temperature)

2–3 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted

1.5–2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved if large)

1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or nuts (pine nuts/walnuts)

Grilled bread or crusty baguette slices (for serving)

Herby Honey Vinaigrette

Base:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic or champagne vinegar

Flavor Boosters:

1 tbsp honey

1/2 shallot, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, grated

1 tsp lemon zest

Fresh Herbs:

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 tbsp fresh oregano

1 tbsp fresh dill

1 tbsp fresh thyme

Seasoning:

Red pepper flakes (to taste)

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Salt & black pepper

Instructions

Make the Vinaigrette

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and honey.

Add shallot, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Let it sit for 10 minutes so flavors develop.

Prepare the Salad Base

Slice peaches and pit cherries.

Halve cherry tomatoes if needed.

Arrange everything on a large serving platter.

Add Burrata

Tear burrata gently and place over the salad.

Add Crunch

Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or nuts on top.

Dress & Serve

Drizzle vinaigrette generously over the salad.

Serve immediately with grilled bread or baguette slices.

Tips

Use ripe but firm peaches for best texture.

Let burrata come to room temperature for maximum creaminess.

Pit cherries carefully to keep them whole and juicy.

Toast seeds lightly to enhance flavor.

Chop herbs fresh, not in advance, for best aroma.

Balance dressing by tasting before adding to salad.

Don’t overdress, add gradually.

Use high-quality olive oil for better flavor.

Serve immediately after assembling to keep freshness.

Add bread at the last moment so it stays crisp.

Variations

Berry Orchard Salad: Add strawberries or blueberries.

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or prosciutto.

Vegan Version: Replace burrata with vegan cheese or avocado.

Citrus Twist: Add orange or grapefruit segments.

Nutty Flavor: Use candied pecans or almonds.

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños.

Greens Base: Serve over arugula or spinach.

Stone Fruit Mix: Add nectarines or plums.

Cheese Swap: Use fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.

Grilled Fruit: Lightly grill peaches for smoky flavor.

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Q&A

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients, but assemble just before serving.

What if I don’t have burrata?
Use fresh mozzarella or ricotta as a substitute.

Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are best, but dried can work in smaller amounts.

How long does vinaigrette last?
Up to 3–4 days in the fridge.

Can I skip honey?
Yes, or replace with maple syrup.

What bread works best?
Crusty baguette or sourdough.

Can I use canned fruit?
Fresh is highly recommended for best taste.

How do I store leftovers?
Store without dressing for best results.

Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in nutrients, healthy fats, and fresh produce.

Can I make it low-carb?
Yes, just skip bread and reduce sweet fruits slightly.

Nutrition

(Approx. per serving)

Calories: 380–450 kcal
Protein: 10–14g
Carbohydrates: 20–28g
Fat: 28–34g
Fiber: 3–5g

Conclusion

This Orchard Salad brings together the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients in one beautiful dish. The creamy burrata, juicy fruits, and herb-packed vinaigrette create a perfect harmony of flavors. It’s simple enough for everyday meals yet elegant enough to impress guests.