Wash and slice the heirloom tomatoes about 1/2-inch thick, then cut the slices in half. Lay them out on a wire rack over a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt on both sides. Let the tomatoes sit and “weep” for about 15 minutes. This step draws out excess water and concentrates the tomato flavor. After 15 minutes, you’ll see juices on the tray – tip the rack to drain off the liquid, but do NOT blot the tomatoes dry (we want them juicy, just not watery!)
3 tomatoes, pinch Kosher salt
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the fresh lemon juice (from about half a lemon) and olive oil. Shake or whisk until the oil is emulsified and the lemon juice is well-incorporated (it will look slightly cloudy when fully blended). This zesty lemon-oil mix will enhance the peaches without overpowering them.
lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil
Slice the peaches in half, remove the pits, and then slice each half into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Place the peach slices in a bowl and toss them gently with the lemon-oil dressing. The peaches will soak up that bright vinaigrette, which keeps them from browning and amplifies their flavor. Be careful not to crush the peaches – a gentle toss or even using your clean hands works best.
3 peaches
On a large serving platter, arrange the salad greens. Artfully tuck the salted tomato halves and dressed peach slices in and around the salad greens until you have a big, pillowy pile. Add the balls of Burrata and GENTLY score them with a knife in an 'X' pattern to expose the cream. Don’t worry about perfection; this salad is rustic and meant to look bountiful.
1-2 cups salad greens, 8 ounces (2 (4oz) balls Burrata
Take those gorgeous fresh basil leaves and tuck them in between the peaches and tomatoes. Do the same with whichever fresh herbs you are using. You can leave the leaves whole for a pretty presentation or give them a slight tear to release their aroma. This not only adds flavor but makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.
basil leaves, herbs
Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the entire platter – about a tablespoon or so, just to give everything a glossy finish. Then add a healthy pinch of flaky sea salt over the salad. The flaky salt really makes the flavors pop. Follow with cracked black pepper on top.
2 tablespoons olive oil, sea salt, black pepper
Optional; add briny Kalamata olives to the platter and a drizzle of a quality Balsamic glaze. Serve with country bread slices for mopping up the juices and dressing.
3/4 cup Kalamata olives, Balsamic glaze