Peach season is here in North Carolina, where growers produce as many as 70 different varieties. The Sandhills region is known for peach production, and local consumers can find North Carolina peaches at area farmers markets from now through August. That’s plenty of time to eat your fill of sweet, juicy peaches.
Cobblers, pies and other desserts are the prime way to consume the luscious fruit, but if you’d like a more savory turn, this salad features ripe peaches, peppery arugula and creamy burrata cheese.
Feeling Peachy Caprese Salad
From Whisk
Yield: 2-4 servings
Salad ingredients:
4 ripe peaches
4 ounces arugula
1 4-ounce ball of burrata (or fresh mozzarella) torn into bite-sized pieces
Dressing ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried mint
Garnish ingredients:
1 cup balsamic vinegar
6 fresh mint leaves, julienned
1. Blanch and peel the peaches: Score the peaches with an “X” on the bottom. Place in boiling water for 2 minutes, and immediately plunge the peaches into an ice water bath. Peel the peaches by pulling away the skin with a serrated paring knife. Cut peaches in half, remove the pit and slice.
2. Whisk all of the salad dressing ingredients together until emulsified. In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the dressing.
3. Prepare the balsamic vinegar reduction: Place 1 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and cook gently over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the amount of liquid is reduced by half and the consistency is thicker and syrupy. Remove the balsamic reduction from heat and set aside in a small bowl or ramekin.
4. Layer the salad together. Place the dressed arugula on a large platter, then arrange the sliced peaches and burrata on top. Garnish with mint and drizzle with the balsamic reduction.
About Whisk
Owners Dan and Diana Saklad believe the kitchen is always the center of action in a home, and Whisk is stocked with thousands of unique, high-quality kitchenware and entertaining items. A variety of cooking classes are held every month, suitable for all levels of culinary expertise.
316 Colonades Way, Cary
(919) 322-2458
whiskcarolina.com
