The beauty of this salad is its simplicity. The assembly is an art form, focusing on placement and timing to ensure every bite is perfect.

Step 1: Prepare the Produce

Gently wash and thoroughly pat dry the tomatoes and peaches. Moisture is the enemy of a vibrant salad, as it can dilute the flavors and make the dressing watery. Using a sharp serrated knife for the tomatoes and a paring knife for the peaches will prevent squashing the delicate flesh.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Core the Tomatoes: Remove the tough core from the top of each heirloom tomato.
2. Slice the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into a variety of shapes for visual interest. Cut some into thick ¼-inch to ½-inch rounds, and slice others into wedges. This textural variety enhances the eating experience.
3. Pit and Slice the Peaches: Cut each peach in half around its equator, then gently twist the halves to separate them. Remove the pit. Slice the peach halves into wedges of a similar thickness to your tomato slices.

Step 2: Arrange the Salad Base

Choose a large, preferably flat, platter or shallow bowl to showcase the colors. This isn’t a salad you toss in a deep bowl; it’s one you build.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Create a Mosaic: Begin by arranging the sliced tomatoes and peaches on the platter. Alternate them, overlapping them slightly. Mix the colors and shapes to create a beautiful, rustic mosaic. Don’t aim for perfect symmetry; a natural, slightly haphazard arrangement is more appealing.
2. Leave Space: Ensure you leave a space in the center of the platter for the star of the show: the burrata.

Step 3: Add the Burrata

Carefully remove the burrata from its brine and pat it very gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Place the Crown: Nestle the entire ball of burrata into the center of your tomato and peach arrangement. It should sit like a creamy white crown.
2. The Grand Reveal (Optional, but Recommended): For dramatic effect, especially when serving guests, you can tear the burrata open right at the table. Use two forks or your fingers to gently pull the top apart, allowing the creamy stracciatella to spill out over the surrounding fruit. Alternatively, you can tear it into large, rustic pieces and dot them around the salad before dressing.

Step 4: Dress and Garnish

This step should be done just before serving to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Drizzle the Olive Oil: Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the entire platter, making sure to anoint the tomatoes, peaches, and the burrata.
2. Drizzle the Balsamic Glaze: Follow with the balsamic glaze, zig-zagging it across the salad. The dark, syrupy glaze creates a beautiful contrast against the bright colors.
3. Season Generously: Sprinkle the flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over everything. Don’t be shy with the salt; it’s crucial for bringing out the sweetness of the fruit and the savory notes of the tomato.
4. Scatter the Basil: Take your fresh basil leaves and gently tear them or slice them into a chiffonade (stack leaves, roll them tightly, and slice thinly). Scatter the basil liberally over the top. The aroma will be incredible.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve the salad immediately while the ingredients are at their peak of freshness and texture.