Peach, Tomato & Burrata Salad with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Summer cooking doesn't have to be complicated.

When tomatoes are at their sweetest and peaches are perfectly ripe, the best thing you can do is keep things simple. This colourful salad comes together in just five minutes, yet tastes like something you'd order in a little seaside restaurant somewhere on the Mediterranean coast.

The secret? Let the ingredients do the work. A generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil brings everything together, while a splash of aged balsamic adds just enough sweetness and acidity to make every bite irresistible.

You'll need

• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 ball of burrata (or fresh mozzarella)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• A handful of toasted pistachios or walnuts (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Direct Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil Direct Aged Apple Balsamic Vinegar
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Arrange the peaches and tomatoes on a serving plate.

Place the burrata in the centre and gently tear it open.

Scatter over the basil leaves and nuts if using.

Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Finish with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar.

Serve immediately with warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Why it works

This is Mediterranean cooking at its best: seasonal fruit and vegetables, simple ingredients and plenty of extra virgin olive oil.

The healthy fats in extra virgin olive oil also help your body absorb important nutrients found in tomatoes, including lycopene, as well as fat-soluble vitamins from the fresh produce.

Make it your own

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

• Add slices of prosciutto for a more substantial lunch.
• Swap burrata for feta or creamy goat's cheese.
• Add rocket for a peppery bite.
• Sprinkle over pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for an effortless summer dinner.

The finishing touch

When a recipe only contains a handful of ingredients, every one of them matters.

Choose the ripest tomatoes you can find, peaches that are fragrant and juicy, and finish with a generous pour of fresh extra virgin olive oil. You'll taste the difference immediately.

Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones you'll come back to all summer long.