Burrata Caprese Salad

There’s something truly magical about the simplicity of a Caprese salad, and when you add creamy burrata to the mix, it takes this classic Italian dish to a whole new level. Imagine juicy, ripe tomatoes paired with the luscious, buttery texture of burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of rich olive oil and sweet balsamic glaze. This salad is not only visually stunning but bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors that celebrate the best of summer produce. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish for your next dinner party, Burrata Caprese Salad is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Burrata Caprese Salad is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. What makes it stand out is the addition of burrata cheese — a creamy, decadent alternative to the traditional mozzarella, offering a rich, indulgent texture that melts in your mouth. The salad is incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to whip up something elegant without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus, this recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences, and it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes and basil. The balance of flavors — sweet, tangy, creamy, and herbaceous — will keep you coming back for more. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly approachable, making it a staple for any food lover’s recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe medium tomatoes – Choose the freshest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. Heirloom tomatoes add beautiful color and flavor variations.
• 1 large burrata cheese ball or 4 small burrata balls – Burrata is the star of this dish, offering a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the firm tomatoes.
• 12 fresh basil leaves – Fresh basil provides an aromatic, peppery note that elevates the entire salad.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze – Adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the creaminess of the burrata.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick to round out the dish.

How To Make Burrata Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into about ½-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on a large serving platter or individual plates in a slightly overlapping pattern to create a beautiful base for the salad.

Step 2: Add the Burrata

Gently tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces or slice the large burrata ball into chunks. Place the cheese evenly over the tomato slices, making sure each slice has some creamy burrata on top.

Step 3: Garnish with Basil

Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces or leave them whole if you prefer. Scatter the basil evenly over the tomatoes and burrata. The fresh basil aroma will instantly brighten the dish.

Step 4: Season the Salad

Sprinkle the salt and ground black pepper evenly over the salad. This simple seasoning step is crucial to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the burrata.

Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze

Finish your salad with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. The olive oil adds a luscious mouthfeel, while the balsamic glaze contributes a sweet, tangy contrast that balances the richness of the cheese.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Burrata Caprese Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately for the best texture and flavor. This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats and seafood.

Expert Tips

• Choose the freshest ingredients: The success of this salad depends on the quality of your tomatoes and burrata, so opt for the freshest, ripest produce you can find.
• Room temperature tomatoes: Let your tomatoes sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before slicing to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Handle burrata gently: Burrata is delicate, so be careful when tearing or slicing it to keep its creamy center intact.
• Make your own balsamic glaze: If you want to avoid store-bought glazes with added sugars or preservatives, simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
• Serve immediately: Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so assemble the salad just before serving to keep the cheese creamy and the tomatoes juicy.
• Use a sharp knife: For clean tomato slices, use a serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife to avoid crushing the tomatoes.
• Experiment with tomato varieties: Heirloom, cherry, or grape tomatoes can add different textures and colors to your salad.

Variations and Customizations

• Add fresh fruit: Try adding slices of ripe peaches, strawberries, or figs for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with burrata.
• Incorporate greens: Add arugula or baby spinach for a peppery, leafy addition that boosts the salad’s nutritional value.
• Use different herbs: Swap basil for fresh mint, oregano, or thyme to give your salad a unique flavor profile.
• Include nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle a little chili oil for a subtle heat kick.
• Make it a full meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
• Try flavored olive oil: Use basil-infused or garlic-infused olive oil to elevate the flavor complexity.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Burrata Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, keep the salad components separate for optimal freshness. Store sliced tomatoes and basil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Burrata should be kept in its original packaging or submerged in fresh water in a sealed container and consumed within 24 hours for best texture and flavor.

If you’ve already dressed the salad, store it in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours. The tomatoes may release water, and the burrata can become soggy over time. When ready to serve leftovers, bring the burrata to room temperature for 20 minutes to restore creaminess and drizzle with a little fresh olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving.

FAQ

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?

Yes, you can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella if needed. While mozzarella won’t have the same creamy center as burrata, it still pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and basil for a classic Caprese salad experience.

What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella?

Burrata is a type of mozzarella cheese that has a solid mozzarella shell filled with creamy stracciatella and cream, giving it a rich, soft interior. Mozzarella is firmer and doesn’t have the creamy center, making burrata richer and more indulgent.

Is balsamic glaze necessary for the salad?

While balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the salad beautifully, you can omit it if you prefer. Alternatively, you can drizzle a little aged balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.

Can this salad be made ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the salad shortly before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the tomatoes and burrata. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them refrigerated separately, then assemble just before serving.

Conclusion

Burrata Caprese Salad is a stunning dish that combines simple, fresh ingredients into a harmonious and elegant plate. Its creamy, juicy, and herbaceous flavors make it a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion. By using quality tomatoes, fresh basil, and luscious burrata, this salad captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the variations and customizations, this salad will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful taste of Italy right at your table!