Burrata Caprese Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burrata Caprese Salad takes the traditional Caprese salad to a new level with the addition of burrata. The cheese is luxuriously creamy on the inside, creating a delightful contrast with the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that ties the flavors together beautifully. This salad is quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and showcases the beauty of fresh, high-quality produce, making it an irresistible option for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese

  • 2 cups cherry or heirloom tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or whole

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)

  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and halve the tomatoes, arranging them on a serving platter. If using heirloom tomatoes, slice them into thick rounds.

  2. Add the Burrata: Place the burrata balls in the center of the tomatoes. Use a knife to gently cut into the burrata, allowing the creamy interior to spill out slightly for an added visual appeal.

  3. Garnish with Basil: Scatter the fresh basil leaves (torn or whole) over the tomatoes and burrata. You can also add more basil to taste.

  4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. If you prefer a sharper taste, you can use balsamic vinegar instead of the glaze.

  5. Season: Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. The salt helps bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and enhances the creamy texture of the burrata.

  6. Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping into the burrata.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Total time: 10 minutes

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 0 minutes

Variations

  • Add a protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto for a more substantial meal.

  • Use a different cheese: If burrata isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella, though the creamy texture of burrata is what makes this dish special.

  • Add more veggies: Incorporate cucumber slices, avocado, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.

  • Add nuts: Top the salad with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Burrata Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the burrata can lose its creamy texture once it’s stored. However, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 1 day, but the texture of the cheese may change.

  • Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold, and reheating is not recommended, as it will affect the quality of the ingredients, particularly the burrata.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the tomatoes and basil ahead of time, but it’s best to add the burrata and dressing just before serving to preserve the freshness and texture of the cheese.

Can I substitute burrata with something else?

If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative, though it lacks the creamy interior of burrata. Alternatively, you could use ricotta or goat cheese for a different texture.

How do I pick the best tomatoes for this salad?

Look for ripe, in-season tomatoes that are sweet and firm. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices for their flavor, but cherry tomatoes also work wonderfully for a bite-sized option.

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze?

Yes, you can use balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze. The glaze is thicker and sweeter, but regular balsamic vinegar will add a more tangy flavor. If using vinegar, you can reduce it slightly over heat to thicken it.

Can I add other herbs to this salad?

Yes, fresh mint, oregano, or thyme would complement the flavors nicely, but basil is the traditional herb used in a Caprese salad. You can experiment with other herbs based on your preferences.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled meats, or a simple pasta dish. It’s also great as a refreshing side to heavier mains like steak or chicken.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The burrata’s texture will change slightly, but the salad will still taste delicious.

Conclusion

Burrata Caprese Salad is a fresh, light, and indulgent dish that combines the creamy richness of burrata with the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s an easy-to-make salad that feels gourmet and is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to elegant gatherings. This dish highlights the beauty of simple, quality ingredients and will quickly become a go-to favorite for its balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Print

Burrata Caprese Salad

Burrata Caprese Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Burrata Caprese Salad is a modern twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring creamy burrata cheese paired with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a rich balsamic glaze. Simple yet elegant, this dish is perfect for a light appetizer, side dish, or refreshing main course.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients


  1. 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese

    2 cups cherry or heirloom tomatoes, halved

    1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or whole

    1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

    1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)

    Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and halve the tomatoes, arranging them on a serving platter. If using heirloom tomatoes, slice them into thick rounds.

  1. Add the Burrata: Place the burrata balls in the center of the tomatoes. Use a knife to gently cut into the burrata, allowing the creamy interior to spill out slightly for an added visual appeal.
  2. Garnish with Basil: Scatter the fresh basil leaves (torn or whole) over the tomatoes and burrata. You can also add more basil to taste.
  3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. If you prefer a sharper taste, you can use balsamic vinegar instead of the glaze.
  4. Season: Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. The salt helps bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and enhances the creamy texture of the burrata.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping into the burrata.

Notes

  • For added texture, top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
  • If burrata isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella.
  • Add veggies like cucumber, avocado, or roasted red peppers for more flavor and variety.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day, but the burrata’s texture may change.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments