Tag Archives: Summer peaches

Grilled Peach and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

There are a few short weeks each summer when peaches are at their peak. You know, like when you take a bite and the fragrant flesh yields to sweet juice that dribbles down your chin. If you are in possession of peaches like this, you don’t need me or this recipe to tell you what to do. When peaches are like that, don’t fu@k with perfection. Eat as many as you can, right out of hand and enjoy.

If your peaches are less than optimal, or you’re tired of eating plain peaches, give this salad a whirl. It is eminently customizable. I love the look of it presented on a big wooden board. Dress your greens and spread them out on the board. I used arugula, but you do you.

The dressing is a basil vinaigrette. It takes about 5 minutes to make your own basil oil for this dressing. Totally worth the time and effort. But, feel free to use plain olive oil and just garnish salad with fresh basil leaves if you don’t want to make your own basil oil.

The peach halves are brushed with a little bit of olive oil and placed on the grill cut side down. This softens them slightly and sweetens any less than optimal peaches.

For the cheese component, you can use fresh mozzarella, bocconcini, or Buffalo mozzarella. I have also made it with halloumi cheese and it was fantastic.

Finish with a crunchy element. Toasted hazelnuts or almonds, or even some croutons. This is summer on a plate.

Ricotta Peach and Honey Socca Pizza (Socca-Palooza: Chapter 2)

Ricotta peach pizza on blue plateWith perfect late summer peaches, this socca creation is fool proof! The combination of ripe peaches, creamy ricotta and a drizzle of honey is majestic. Fresh mint and a few flakes of fleur de sel take it to the next level of deliciousness.Ricotta Peach socca toppingsIf you have an extra 10 minutes, please make your own ricotta for this. It’s worth it, and really very simple. I love this recipe from epicurious.com. This socca would be perfect to serve for brunch, a light lunch or a not too sweet dessert.

Click here to print recipe for Ricotta, Peach and Honey Socca Pizzas.

Ricotta peach pizza have a slice