If you’re craving something that’s both incredibly fresh and decadently creamy, Burrata Caprese Salad is the dish you need in your life. It’s a vibrant, Italian-inspired salad that brings together juicy ripe tomatoes, silky burrata cheese, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Each bite is a celebration of summer, and the effortless elegance of this salad makes it just as perfect for a casual lunch as it is for showing off at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is all about quality ingredients shining through, so choose the ripest tomatoes and the freshest burrata you can find. Every element is essential—each one adds either a burst of color, a layer of flavor, or that irresistible creamy texture.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The star of the show, burrata’s creamy center oozes out and blends beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Large ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened): Look for tomatoes that are firm yet yield slightly to the touch—these bring juicy sweetness and bold color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy pop and vibrant hues add both visual appeal and a touch of tanginess.
- Fresh basil leaves: Essential for that classic Caprese aroma, basil’s peppery freshness lifts every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a good quality oil—it ties everything together with fruity richness.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a sweet, tangy finish and a glossy touch that makes the salad irresistible.
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: A final sprinkle sharpens all the flavors and adds a hint of crunch.
How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad
Step 1: Arrange the Tomatoes
Start by slicing your large ripe tomatoes into generous rounds and halve your cherry tomatoes. Arrange them artfully on a large serving platter, mixing the sizes and colors to create a gorgeous, inviting base for your Burrata Caprese Salad.
Step 2: Add the Burrata
Place the burrata right on top of the tomatoes. You can gently tear each ball into halves, letting the creamy centers spill out a bit, or leave them whole for dramatic effect. Either way, the burrata’s lusciousness is what elevates this salad to something truly special.
Step 3: Tuck in Fresh Basil
Take your fresh basil leaves and tuck them between the tomatoes and around the burrata. This way, every forkful gets a pop of herbal brightness, and your platter gets a splash of eye-catching green.
Step 4: Drizzle and Season
Now comes the finishing touch: drizzle everything generously with extra virgin olive oil and a lacy pattern of balsamic glaze. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top, letting the seasonings settle onto the cheese and tomatoes alike.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the Burrata Caprese Salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately and watch it disappear—creamy, juicy, and intensely flavorful, this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve Burrata Caprese Salad
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, scatter a handful of microgreens or edible flowers over the top before serving. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few shaved parmesan curls can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the Burrata Caprese Salad.
Side Dishes
This salad is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the juices, or a simple bowl of chilled gazpacho. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a delicate pasta dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the Burrata Caprese Salad over a bed of peppery arugula or mixed greens for a twist. Use a variety of colorful heirloom tomatoes for a rainbow effect, or serve individual portions in shallow bowls for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the Burrata Caprese Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. While the burrata may lose a bit of its creaminess, the flavors deepen and meld overnight, making for a still-delicious snack or light lunch the next day.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad isn’t suitable for freezing. The fresh tomatoes and burrata cheese both suffer in texture and flavor after being frozen and thawed, so it’s best to enjoy Burrata Caprese Salad fresh.
Reheating
Since Burrata Caprese Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply let any refrigerated leftovers sit out for a few minutes before enjoying to bring out the best flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata is creamier and richer, fresh mozzarella is a classic Caprese ingredient and works beautifully if burrata isn’t available. Just know the salad won’t have quite the same luscious center.
What kind of tomatoes are best for Burrata Caprese Salad?
Heirloom tomatoes are wonderful for their color and flavor, but any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work. Mixing in cherry tomatoes adds sweetness and a pop of color, making the salad both beautiful and delicious.
Is Burrata Caprese Salad gluten-free?
Yes! The salad itself is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check any bread you serve on the side if you need to keep the whole meal gluten-free.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
It’s best assembled just before serving, but you can slice the tomatoes and prep the basil a few hours ahead. Wait to add the burrata, oil, and glaze until right before you serve for the freshest presentation.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Certainly! Try adding sliced avocado, olives, or a handful of toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture. The beauty of Burrata Caprese Salad is how versatile it is—feel free to get creative.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is stunning to serve, Burrata Caprese Salad is truly the answer. It’s a celebration of summer’s best flavors, and it’s sure to win over everyone at your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
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Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Burrata Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant Italian no-cook dish that combines creamy burrata cheese with ripe heirloom and cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. This easy-to-prepare salad is perfect for summer and offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese
Tomatoes
- 3 large ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened, sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the large ripe tomatoes and halve the cherry tomatoes, arranging them evenly on a large serving platter to create a colorful base.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Tear the burrata cheese into halves or leave whole, then gently place it on top of the arranged tomatoes, letting the creamy interior slightly ooze out for richness.
- Incorporate Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves throughout the salad, distributing the herbaceous flavor evenly across the dish.
- Drizzle Dressings: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entirety of the salad to enhance the flavors with a silky, tangy finish.
- Season: Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to taste, adding a perfect seasoning balance.
- Serve: Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and providing the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a heartier version, serve with crusty bread or over a bed of fresh arugula.
- Use different colored tomatoes, such as yellow and purple varieties, for a more vibrant and visually appealing presentation.
- Burrata is best served fresh; consume within a day of purchase for optimal texture and flavor.
- Balsamic glaze can be substituted with aged balsamic vinegar if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
