Grilled Peach Summer Salad Board

THIS. I can’t get over how simple, summery and delicious this salad is. As peaches are hitting peak seasonality (mid-July), grocery stores and Farmers Markets are in full stock of these fresh delicious fruits. With minimal cooking required and just a few ingredients needed, this salad can be prepared in advance and wow your guests at dinner parties. Throw together in a bowl or on a board and pair with toasted baguette slices so guests can make mini crostinis with the delicious ingredients.

WHAT YOU NEED
Prosciutto di parma (rolled into “roses”)
Basil leaves
Purple lettuce - red mizuna
Avocado (rolled into “flowers”)
Burrata
White balsamic vinegar reduction
Peaches (yellow peaches, white peaches, nectarines, donut peaches)
Olive oil
Salt & Pepper
Baguette, toasted (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Wash, dry and remove the purple lettuce and basil leaves from the stems.
Take each piece of prosciutto and fold in half horizontally. Start with one end and roll until you have a small “rose” shape. Add more prosciutto pieces (still folding in half) until you reach the desired rose size.

Cut avocado in half, remove seed and then peel off outer layer. Thinly slice avocado and use your fingers to fan into a flower shape. Video tutorial can be found here.
Wash and slice the peaches, removing the inner pit. I find it easiest to cut the peach into quarters while it is still attached to the pit, and then use my fingers to remove each quarter. Then slice each quarter into halves. Grill the peaches with olive oil - approx. 4 minutes on each side until grill marks are visible. Let cool, and toss with 1 tsp of white balsamic vinegar reduction per peach used.
Assemble salad in a bowl (or on a board) starting with the basil and purple lettuce, followed by peaches and prosciutto. Leave the avocado flowers until the end (so they don’t brown) and finish off with spoonfuls of creamy burrata + salt and pepper!

TIPS
When picking your peaches, you have to find the perfect balance between soft and firm. If they are too soft, the slices will not remain intact when you are removing them from the pit. If they are too firm, you will have to use so much force to remove from the pit that you may end up breaking the slice. It is very important to pick perfectly ripe peaches.

RESOURCES FOR SHOPPING
White balsamic vinegar reduction: Alessi brand is fantastic. The bottle totes the statement “use on everything,” which I find to be very accurate. The bottle can be found at Whole Foods, and is less than $7. It is not as strong as a regular balsamic reduction, and is perfect to use on other veggies and meats.
Burrata: The process of making Burrata is completely hand made, which is why it is more expensive than mozzarella or other cheeses. It is VERY worth the extra few dollars to get the creamy rich center of a burrata ball, versus a firm mozzarella. Lioni Burrata Con Panna is amongst the most sophisticated and flavorful brands I have tried.

OTHER IDEAS
Other ingredients to consider adding next time. Comment or DM me if there are any other ingredients you would recommend for this salad!
-Sugar snap peas
-Red onions, grilled or pickled
-Blackberries
-Migrogreens
-Substitute feta cheese for burrata