- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total time
- 40 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 580 kcal
Quick summary
“This cold summer salad harmonizes the sweetness of grilled peach wedges with the silky creaminess of fresh burrata. Balsamic vinaigrette and basil bring the classic Mediterranean balance.”
What you need to know
- Al dente point of the pasta: cooking whole wheat fusilli for the exact time on the package ensures structural firmness in the salad.
- Searing the peaches: grilling the slices over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes caramelizes the sugars without falling apart.
- Aromatic emulsion: whisking balsamic vinegar with olive oil and honey produces a viscous sauce that coats the pasta.
Ingredients
Main
- g Whole wheat fusilli
- units (large) Ripe but firm peaches
- g Fresh burrata
- cup (chopped leaves) Fresh basil
- cup (halved) Tomates cereja
- tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- tablespoons Good quality balsamic vinegar
- teaspoon Honey or agave syrup
- clove (small, finely minced) Garlic
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- tablespoons (optional, for crunch) Toasted and chopped pistachios
Instructions
Principal
- Cook the fusilli in salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve one cup of the cooking water. Transfer the dough to a large bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil so it doesn't stick.
- Wash and cut the peaches in half, removing the pit, then slice into wedges about 1.5 cm thick. The professional technique is: grill the peaches until they show grill marks and become slightly caramelized. This intensifies its natural sweetness.
- In a skillet or grill, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Grill the peach wedges for 2-3 minutes per side, until soft and charred. Remove and let cool slightly.
- For the dressing, combine in a small bowl the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or agave), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix vigorously until emulsified. The secret to this recipe is the quality of the balsamic vinegar, which makes all the difference.
- Add the grilled peach, cut cherry tomatoes, and most of the chopped basil to the batter bowl. Pour the dressing over all the ingredients and mix gently to coat everything.
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Tear the burrata into pieces and scatter it over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining basil and chopped pistachios, if using. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Chef's tips
- Choose ripe peaches with firm flesh to the touch so they withstand the heat of the grill without releasing excess liquid.
- Tear the burrata delicately with your hands only at the final moment of assembly to spread the creamy center.
- Toast the pistachios in a dry skillet for 2 minutes to bring out their crunch before sprinkling over the dish.
Variations
- Crunchy touch with nuts: swap the pistachios for toasted and chopped pecans for more striking nutty notes.
- Addition of raw ham: distribute thin slices of Parma ham over the dough right before serving the salad.
- Version with arugula: add whole fresh baby arugula leaves to balance the sweetness of the grilled fruit.
Substitutions
- Whole wheat fusilli: can be substituted with penne, traditional farfalle, or pasta made from chickpea flour.
- Pêssegos frescos: use firm sliced nectarines or fresh grilled figs, keeping the same skillet time.
- Fresh burrata: replace with fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese torn into medium pieces with excellent results.
How to store
Store the seasoned dough with the vegetables in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the fresh burrata and basil leaves only at the time of serving to maintain the texture.
Can it be frozen?
Não congele este prato. The burrata loses its creamy structure and curdles under freezing, and the peach grilled together with the cooked pasta becomes mushy and excessively moist after thawing.
What to serve with
Serve with thick slices of ciabatta toasted on the grill with olive oil, raw zucchini carpaccio seasoned, or a dark leafy salad with thin shavings of aged parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
The preparation is designed to be served at room temperature or slightly chilled, allowing the contrast of warm peach and cold burrata to shine.
Can I use canned peaches in syrup?
Not recommended, as the fruit in syrup is excessively sweet and soft, falling apart in the pan and unbalancing the balsamic vinaigrette.
Doesn't the raw garlic in the sauce get pungent?
The use of only one small clove well minced in emulsion with honey and balsamic vinegar attenuates the spiciness, leaving only a soft perfume in the sauce.
How to prevent fusilli from getting sticky after draining?
Drain the pasta, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and toss well while warm, without rinsing under cold water to keep the surface starch.
