Grilled Nectarines With Burrata Herbs

Grilled nectarines and cherries meet creamy burrata, fresh herbs and lemon in a colourful summer salad. The fruit needs only a brief turn on the grill, making this a quick centrepiece or starter when the produce is ripe and juicy.
Ingredients
- 5 largeripe but still very firm nectarines
- 454 g (1 lb; about 35)cherries, halved
- 8 largebasil leaves
- to tastemicrogreens
- 454 g (1 lb; 4 large balls)burrata
- zest from 1lemon
- 10 ml (2 tsp)fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml (1 tbsp)olive oil
- to tastesalt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cut the nectarines
Halve each nectarine, then cut each half in half again to make quarters.
- 2
Dress the fruit
Mix the 10 ml lemon juice with the 15 ml olive oil. Rub the mixture over the nectarine quarters.
- 3
Grill the nectarines
Grill the nectarine quarters cut-side down for about 30 seconds. Turn them over and grill the other side, then transfer them to a platter.
- 4
Add the greens
Scatter microgreens over the serving platter, then arrange the grilled nectarines on top.
- 5
Arrange the burrata
Carefully tear each burrata ball into about four pieces and arrange them around the nectarines. Scatter the pitted cherries over the top.
- 6
Finish the salad
Cut the basil leaves into thin strips and scatter them over the salad. Add the grated lemon zest, coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 7
Add the dressing
Whisk together the honey lemon dressing ingredients and drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. The dressing ingredients and quantities are not specified in the supplied recipe.
What is grilled nectarine and burrata salad?
This is a fresh fruit-and-cheese salad built around briefly grilled nectarines, cherries and soft burrata. Burrata originated in Puglia in southern Italy; this combination is a modern way to pair its creamy centre with sweet summer fruit.
Firm-ripe nectarines hold their shape on the grill, while lemon, basil and pepper add brightness. The recipe also calls for a honey-lemon dressing, though its ingredient list is not included.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 543 calories, 14g protein, 40g carbs, 37g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less burrata | 380 kcal | 10g | 28g | 26g |
| This serving | As written | 543 kcal | 14g | 40g | 37g |
| Hungry | Add crusty bread | 815 kcal | 21g | 60g | 56g |
The nectarines and cherries provide most of the carbohydrates, while burrata contributes most of the protein and fat; olive oil adds further fat. Serve a portion with leafy greens and bread if you want a more substantial plate, or alongside a lean protein for a broader meal.
Choose fruit that holds its shape
Nectarines: Use fruit that smells ripe but still feels firm when gently pressed. Very soft fruit can collapse as it grills.
Cherries: Halve and pit them before adding them to the platter so they are easy to eat alongside the burrata.
Keep the grilling brief
Hot grill: The recipe gives about 30 seconds per side. This is a short cook, so have the platter ready and watch the fruit closely.
Light coating: Rub the lemon juice and olive oil over the cut quarters before grilling. It seasons the fruit and helps it meet the heat evenly.
Look for light grill marks
Nectarine quarters: Turn them when the cut side has begun to colour and the fruit is warmed but still holds together. Avoid leaving them on the grill until very soft.
Burrata: Tear the balls gently into roughly four pieces each. Its creamy centre can spill, so arrange the pieces carefully around the fruit.
Build the platter just before serving
Greens first: The microgreens make a base beneath the grilled fruit. Distribute them across the platter so each portion can include some.
Fresh finish: Add basil, lemon zest, salt and pepper after arranging the fruit and cheese. The method says to chill the assembled salad until serving, then add the dressing just before it goes to the table.
Serve it as a starter or light meal
This platter works as a shared starter or as part of a summer lunch. For a fuller meal, serve it with crusty bread and a simple green salad; keep the bread separate until serving so it stays crisp.
Recipe notes & tips
- Bring the burrata out of the fridge shortly before serving so it is easier to tear and arrange.
- Pit the cherries before halving them to make the platter easier to eat.
- Keep the nectarine quarters together when turning them so they do not break on the grill.
- Use a wide platter to give the fruit, cheese and greens room to show.
- Add the dressing only just before serving, as directed.
Variations
- Use peaches: Swap in firm ripe peaches and grill them in the same way.
- Try another herb: Replace the basil with fresh mint for a different aromatic note.
- Add toasted nuts: Scatter toasted almonds over the platter for crunch.
- Use rocket: Replace the microgreens with rocket for a peppery base.
- Serve with bread: Add slices of crusty bread on the side to make the salad more filling.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using very soft nectarines: They can fall apart on the grill; choose fruit that is ripe but still firm.
- Grilling for too long: The quarters may turn mushy; start checking at about 30 seconds per side.
- Forgetting to pit the cherries: Remove the stones before adding the fruit to the platter.
- Tearing the burrata roughly: Its creamy centre can spill; pull each ball apart gently.
- Dressing too early: The greens can lose their fresh texture; drizzle the dressing on just before serving.
How to store
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat within 1 day, though the greens and grilled fruit are best soon after assembly. The supplied method says to refrigerate the platter until serving; no reheating instructions are given, and reheating is not recommended for the burrata.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grill the nectarines ahead of time?
Yes. Grill them ahead and refrigerate them, then arrange the platter closer to serving. Let them lose their chill briefly before assembling if you prefer.
How long should I grill each nectarine quarter?
The recipe specifies about 30 seconds per side. Check for light colouring while making sure the quarters still hold their shape.
Do I need to pit the cherries?
Yes. The method calls for deseeded cherries, so remove the stones before halving and scattering them over the salad.
What is burrata, and can I tear it apart?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with a delicate outer layer and a soft, creamy centre. Tear it gently into pieces, as the recipe directs.
What goes into the honey-lemon dressing?
The method mentions a honey-lemon dressing but does not provide its ingredients or quantities. Those details would need to come from the original recipe.
Can I make the whole platter in advance?
It is best to assemble it close to serving so the greens stay fresh and the burrata remains appealing. The recipe says to refrigerate the assembled platter until serving and add the dressing just beforehand.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from fooooods.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on fooooods.com