Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

Dish Overview:

Name: Grilled Nectarine Burrata Prosciutto Salad

Features: A summery salad that combines the sweetness of grilled nectarines, the creaminess of burrata cheese, the savory flavor of Parma ham, and the freshness of herbs.

Suitable Occasions: Picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to entertain guests with a colorful and unique dish.

Highlights:

Unique Flavor: The combination of grilled nectarines, burrata cheese, and Parma ham creates an irresistible taste experience.

Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy or impromptu gatherings.

Flexible Ingredients: Fruits or leafy greens can be substituted depending on what you have on hand or the season.

Appealing Appearance: The vibrant colors make this salad perfect for sharing.

Healthy Choice: Rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious and nutritious.

Tools and Equipment Needed:

Grill or baking sheet: For toasting the nectarines and adding flavor.

Large mixing bowl: For easy mixing of all ingredients.

Small bowl: For preparing the lemon-herb dressing.

Ingredients List:

Salad Section:

4 nectarines, pitted and quartered

8 oz burrata cheese, torn into small pieces

8 slices Parma ham

4 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

2 heirloom tomatoes, halved and then cut into eight pieces

1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup mixed baby spring leafy greens

Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Dressing Section:

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped

1 tbsp fresh lemon thyme leaves

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Other:

Toast slices (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat Grill: Preheat the grill or baking sheet to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the sliced ​​nectarines with olive oil.

Toasted Nectarines: Place nectarine slices on a grill and toast for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and they soften slightly. Remove and let cool.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and stir well.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomato slices, cherries, and dressing, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated.

Add Toppings: Top the salad with shredded burrita cheese and Parma ham slices. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs, black pepper, and salt. Serve with toasted bread, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

**With Toasted Bread:** Toast the bread until golden brown and crisp, serving as a crunchy topping for the salad.

**With White Wine:** Pair with chilled white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris; the acidity will balance the sweetness of the nectarines and the saltiness of the ham.

**Additional Herb Garnish:** Garnish the salad with fresh herbs such as basil or mint for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving with Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Cheese Platter: Prepare a small platter of various cheeses to offer guests a diverse range of flavor options.

Fruit Salad: Served with a refreshing fruit salsa made with diced mango or pineapple for an unexpected sweetness.

Perfect Preparation Tips:

Choose Ripe Nectarines: Select slightly softened nectarines for better flavor and juiciness after roasting.

Use High-Quality Burrata Cheese: Choose fresh, high-quality Burrata cheese; its creamy texture is key to this salad.

Roast over Medium Heat: Ensure the grill is at a moderate temperature so the nectarines caramelize properly without burning.

Adjust the Dressing to Personal Taste: Adjust the amount of herbs or acidity to your liking.

Let Ingredients Cool Slightly Before Mixing: Let the roasted fruit cool slightly before mixing with leafy greens and cheese to prevent the vegetables from wilting.

Serve Immediately: This salad tastes best when fresh and is recommended to be enjoyed immediately after preparation.

Recommended Pairings:

Capresé Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic vinegar make a refreshing appetizer.

Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned roasted potato wedges offer a rich contrast and are served with a salad.

Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber and feta cheese provides protein and texture.

Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus strips add elegance and complement the main salad perfectly.

Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is always a welcome addition and pairs wonderfully with any salad.

Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs offers a fragrant garnish option.

Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles are a low-carb option and pair perfectly with a fruit salad.

Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter serves as a perfect dessert, bringing the meal to a satisfying close.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid:

Unpreheated Grill: An unpreheated grill will result in unevenly roasted nectarines. Preheat the grill before baking.

Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many nectarine slices at once will lower the temperature. Grill in batches to ensure perfect grill marks.

Using stale ingredients: Stale ingredients will affect the overall flavor. Choose fresh burrita cheese, ripe nectarines, and bright green leafy vegetables.

Insufficient seasoning: Neglecting seasoning will result in a bland salad. Don't skimp on salt and pepper.

Preparing the dressing in advance: Preparing the dressing too early may cause flavor loss. It is recommended to prepare it just before serving.

Storage and heating instructions:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days to maintain optimal quality.

Freezing: Freezing this salad is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the burrita cheese and fresh leafy greens.

Heating: If you need to reheat leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes stirring occasionally, or heat on low and stir occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Brata cheese substitutes: If brata cheese is unavailable, fresh mozzarella or goat cheese can be used as a substitute.

Prepare in advance: While best enjoyed fresh, the dressing and roasted nectarines can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving.

Gluten-free: Yes, as long as it's not served with bread or uses gluten-free bread.

Other suitable fruits: Other summer fruits such as peaches or plums also suit this salad.

Final review: Roasted Nectarine, Britta, and Ham Salad is a flavorful and satisfying summer dish. Its flexibility allows for ingredient substitutions to suit personal tastes or seasonal changes, making it perfect for various occasions. Give it a try and enjoy this refreshing culinary experience!