I may not have a lot of time to cook, nor do I really enjoy it, but I can throw down a mean salad. This one is from my dear friend, amazing chef and author Diala Canelo. It’s one of my absolute faves, as it incorporates fresh local ingredients and is super tasty when served with grilled fish or steak. Enjoy!

Creamy Burrata & Mint Salad

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Summer salads are a staple in my home, especially those that highlight fruit grown in the Niagara region. This simple salad uses fresh nectarines and I love pairing with creamy Burrata and mint. The recipe has been one of the most made from the cookbook and goes well with BBQ fish on the side.

Ingredients 

3 tbsp extra- virgin olive oil, divided 

4 nectarines, cut in thick slices 

1/4 cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves 

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

1 ball fresh Burrata cheese 

Sea salt 

Freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a large grill pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Arrange the nectarine slices in the pan without crowding them and cook, turning once, until grill marks appear on both sides. You can also grill them on a BBQ, brushing the nectarines with olive oil before placing them on the grill.

Transfer the nectarines to a medium bowl, add the mint, balsamic vinegar, remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil. Using a rubber spatula, fold together to mix.

Place the Burrata in the middle of a serving plate. Arrange the nectarines and mint mixture around the Burrata. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Enjoy on its own or serve with slices of roasted baguette on its side.

About Diala:

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Diala Canelo is a cookbook author, recipe creator and food photographer based in Toronto. She is also the voice behind the food and travel blog Diala’s Kitchen. Diala grew up in Dominican Republic and in her teens moved to Montréal to attend university. She also lived in Mexico City, where she obtained a Grand Diplome at Le Cordon Bleu for pastry and bread making. In her Instagram @dialaskitchen, she shares simple vegetarian and pescatarian recipes inspired by home and travel, life at home with her family, and her travels around the world.

She’s the mother of two amazing girls, Isabella and Gabriela.