Treat yourself to this mouthwatering Burrata Caprese Salad! This gorgeous salad is a total crowd-pleaser that's super simple to make and bursting with fresh summer flavors you won't be able to resist!
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Calling all Caprese lovers ... the next time you make this traditional Italian salad you have to try this yummy twist on the classic recipe!
Instead of fresh mozzarella, you'll make this Caprese Salad with Burrata Cheese, and it is oh so tasty! The rich, creamy cheese adds a decadent element that pairs so well with the salad's ripe, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil.
You are going to love this Burrata Caprese, and so will everyone else at your table! The recipe is ready minutes, and it uses just a few simple ingredients. Best of all, it couldn't be easier to make, and the flavor is out of this world delicious!
This beautiful, show-stopping salad is perfect for parties, but easy enough to throw together on busy weeknights. Which is good, because you're going to want to make it all summer long!
Ready to dig in ASAP? Then keep reading for all the details!
Ingredients
This easy Tomato and Burrata Salad recipe uses simple, healthy ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Burrata - This soft, creamy cheese is the star of this classic salad! You'll need a eight ounces of burrata cheese for this recipe (the package I purchased has two-four ounce balls in it).
- Tomatoes - Make sure to use the freshest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for this recipe ... heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes picked fresh from your garden, or tomatoes purchased at the farmers market are best. You can use any variety for this salad. I used a combination of regular tomatoes, paired with a mix of cherry and grape tomatoes.
- Basil - Fresh basil is a must, and the more the better!
- Olive Oil - Because the ingredients are so minimal here, make sure to use a high quality extra virgin olive oil. If you have a fancy bottle of olive oil, this is the perfect time to break it out!
- Salt + Pepper - The only seasoning in this salad is fresh cracked pepper and salt. I recommend using kosher salt, or if you have it, Maldon Sea Salt Flakes are super delicious!
- Balsamic Glaze (Optional) - If you'd like, you can finish the salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, which is a great way to add a tart-sweet counterpoint to all the fresh flavors. Regular balsamic vinegar may also be used, if you prefer.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten free!
You'll Also Need
You'll need a knife to prep the tomatoes, as well as a large serving tray to assemble the salad.
How to Make a Burrata Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Arrange tomatoes + burrata. Start by slicing your tomatoes (or halving smaller cherry / grape tomatoes). Place the burrata in the center of your tray, then surround by the tomatoes. My tray was a little crowded, but the tomatoes should mostly be in a single layer (some overlapping is fine). Tip: For the best flavor, remove the cheese from your refrigerator about half an hour before assembling the salad.
- Drizzle with olive oil + balsamic glaze. Once the tomatoes have been arranged, drizzle them with olive oil, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Top with balsamic glaze, if using.
- Scatter with basil. Finish the salad by scattering torn basil over the salad. Tip: If you're using larger, sliced tomatoes, you can layer the tomatoes with the basil leaves before adding the oil and vinegar.
And that's all there is to it ... your gorgeous Burrata Caprese is ready to eat! Doesn't it look so delicious?
Variations
This scrumptious Burrata Caprese Salad is perfect exactly as-is! If you feel like experimenting though, try one of these easy ideas:
- Pesto - Instead of using fresh basil, drizzle the finished salad with homemade Pesto Sauce.
- Spicy - Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top for a little heat
- Peach - For a wonderful sweet-savory variation, substitute fresh peaches for some of the tomatoes. Sliced melon (such as cantaloupe) would also be delish.
- Balsamic - Though tasty, the balsamic glaze here is totally optional (I typically make Caprese Salad without it). You could also use balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze if you prefer.
- Lemon - If you'd like to add some acidity, but don't want to use balsamic vinegar, add a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice instead.
Serving Suggestions
This crowd-pleasing Tomato Burrata Salad is as perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends, as it is for parties! You can enjoy it as side dish, or pair it with crusty bread a light main course. Serve it alongside all your summer favorites, like savory Grilled Vegetables, summery Pesto Pasta, refreshing Watermelon Quinoa Salad, tasty Grilled Pizza, homemade Pasta Salad, and more.
Storage
Burrata Salad tastes best when eaten shortly after making it, so I'd suggest preparing just enough so that you don't have leftovers. Feel free to cut the recipe in half, if needed!
If you do have a little extra, store the salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Let the leftovers warm up to room temperature before serving it, and make sure to drain off an excess liquid and re-season the tomatoes eating it (if needed).
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you'll love my Tomato Onion Salad and Caprese Salad Skewers, too! Looking for more fresh tomato ideas? Try one of these delicious recipe ideas next:
- Caprese Pizza
- Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella Freekeh Salad
- Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Tomato Ricotta Toast
- Tomato Feta Pie
- Tomato Basil Pasta
- Tomato Ricotta Bruschetta
- Avocado Tomato Sandwich
- Pan con Tomate
- Tomato Galette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Burrata is a soft Italian cheese. It has a fresh mozzarella exterior that forms a pouch and surrounds a loose creamy interior that's made from soft cheese curds mixed with cream.
A Caprese Salad is a classic Italian salad that's typically made with sliced tomatoes, layered with basil and fresh mozzarella, then drizzled with olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Many Americanized versions also include balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze, although traditional recipes do not include it.
Burrata is a type of Italian cheese. It's similar to fresh mozzarella, but it's filled with soft cheese curds mixed with cream. Caprese is a type of salad that's made with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and olive oil. Sometimes burrata is substituted for the fresh mozzarella in a Caprese Salad.
Yes, you can use burrata instead of mozzarella for Caprese Salad, and it's delicious! Serve the burrata surrounded by the tomatoes or dollop it over the top just before serving.
There are many different ways to eat burrata! Serve it with toasted bread and roasted tomatoes, dollop it over pizza, break it into pieces and scatter over a salad, add it to a veggie bowl, toss with pasta, and more. For the tastiest results, eat it as soon as possible after buying, and let the burrata come to room temperature before eating. You can also drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out it's rich, creamy flavor.
Burrata Caprese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226 grams) burrata cheese (at room temperature)
- 3 ½ pounds (1588 grams) tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Maldon sea salt flakes (or kosher salt)
- pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze (optional)
- large handful of basil leaves
Equipment
- Large Serving Tray
Instructions
- Place burrata in center of large serving tray. Arrange tomatoes around cheese, overlapping slightly to fit.
- Drizzle tomatoes and cheese with olive oil.
- Sprinkle tomatoes generously with salt and lightly with pepper (to taste).
- Drizzle salad with balsamic glaze, if using.
- Tear basil leaves and scatter over tomatoes.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
