A light summer appetizer not to be missed during peach season! This Peach Caprese is simple to make and a stunning addition to any meal. Layers of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and freshly picked basil are the perfect compliment to sweet, juicy peaches. This is the perfect combo of the best flavors of summer.
Contents
Basil, Peaches, and Heirlooms!
Summer on a platter! This Peach Caprese recipe is a must-make for summer gatherings.
A traditional caprese salad is an Italian dish made with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil. This version is very similar to the classic but with a fun twist – ripe juicy peaches.
A friend of mine brought this a party at my house a few years ago, and every time I see ripe summer peaches, I think about making it again.
It’s everything a summer recipe should be: simple, no cook, and bursting with fresh flavors.
While this can be made with peaches instead of tomatoes, the two together really are a treat. Make it whichever way you prefer, or add tomatoes only when you can get beautiful local ones to add.
I grow basil on my back patio in the summer and throw it in salad dressings, in salads, and make pesto all season. It’s such an easy way to elevate the flavor of simple summer meals.
The next time you’re at the farmer’s market, seek out the most beautiful peaches you can find and try this caprese!
I serve this simply as it is. To turn it into a main course on a hot night, add a grilled protein of choice and a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the dressing!
What You’ll Need
- Ripe Peaches (try to find fresh peaches that will detach from the pit. Larger peaches tend to work better.)
- Heirloom Tomatoes
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (or even use burrata!)
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Olive Oil (use a good olive oil – the dressing is simple so the quality shines!)
- Balsamic Vinegar (a thicker balsamic works best! I don’t use a balsamic glaze but I buy an organic balsamic vinegar that is similar. A white balsamic vinegar is also a good pairing with the sweet peaches.)
- Fresh Black Pepper
- Flaky Sea Salt
How to Make Peach Caprese
Step 1: Slice the tomatoes, peaches, and mozzarella. Layer them on a plate. Tuck basil leaves between each row of peaches, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
Step 2: Drizzle the platter with a high quality extra virgin olive oil, a thick balsamic vinegar, and season generously with a flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper.
Variations on Peach Caprese
This easy summer salad is my favorite way to use peaches. Make it as written, or use one of these variations to mix things up!
Make a Peach Caprese Salad
Use a bed of greens, such as baby kale, arugula, or a spring mix. Add the ingredients for peach caprese over the top. If desired, use cherry tomatoes instead of heirlooms and small mozzarella balls instead of the larger slices. Drizzle with a good balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper when ready to serve.
Peach and Burrata Caprese
Burrata is made with a layer of mozzarella around a center of mozzarella cheese and cream. It’s a wonderful addition to this dish! Instead of fresh mozzarella, use creamy burrata for a Peach Burrata Salad. For this variation, I would cut the tomato slices in quarters and mix together the ingredients like a salad, with the burrata left in whole pieces to cut open when serving.
Caprese with No Tomatoes
This peach caprese is incredible made with or without tomatoes! Simply omit the tomatoes, or add pitted and halved cherries to the dish if desired.
Peach Caprese Skewers
Looking to make this dish more party friendly? Cut the tomato slices in quarters, the peach slices in half, and the mozzarella in half or quarters. Use 6 inch skewers, and layer on tomatoes, mozzarella, peaches, and basil leaves. Add skewers to a serving platter and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Other Additions
- Salty Prosciutto
- Hot Honey (a drizzle adds a wonderful spicy kick!)
- Grape Tomatoes (chop the peaches and mozzarella in smaller pieces too for a more serveable salad).
- Walnuts or Pine Nuts
- Drizzle of Basil Walnut Pesto
Other Summer Peach Recipes
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Peach Caprese
Ingredients
- 2 peaches large, cut into thin slices
- 2 heirloom tomatoes large, cut into slices
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
- balsamic vinegar to drizzle
- flakey sea salt to taste
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes, peaches, and mozzarella. Layer them on a plate. Tuck basil leaves between each row of peaches, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle the platter with a high quality extra virgin olive oil, a thick balsamic vinegar, and season generously with a flakey sea salt and black pepper.
So fresh and vibrant! It was so easy to make and everyone loved it.