Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe

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If you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors, you’ll love this Burrata Caprese Salad. Made with ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad, a light lunch option, or something beautiful for the dinner table, this recipe is sure to impress.

A Burrata Caprese Salad garnished with basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Why We Love This Recipe!

Easy to make: This salad is quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients and minimal preparation required. You can have a delicious, healthy, and visually stunning salad ready in just a few minutes, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Versatile: Burrata Caprese salad is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light main course. You can customize the salad by using different types of tomatoes, cheese, herbs, and dressings to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. It also pairs well with a variety of other dishes, making it a great addition to any meal.
Bursting with flavor: Burrata Caprese salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the fresh, natural flavors of the ingredients. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.

What is Burrata cheese?

Burrata cheese is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream made from cow’s milk. It has a soft, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible! When you cut into the cheese, you’ll see a milky, creamy center that spills out like liquid gold.

Key Ingredients Notes

On-the-vine tomatoes: These are medium to large-sized tomatoes that are sold still attached to the vine. They are usually quite ripe and flavorful.
Campari tomatoes: These are a type of tomato that is smaller than a regular tomato but larger than a cherry tomato. They are usually sold in small packages or containers.
Heirloom cherry tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes are older, non-hybrid varieties that have been passed down over generations. They come in many colors and sizes. Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and perfect for salads. Heirloom cherry tomatoes will add both flavor and visual interest to your salad.
Burrata cheese: Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that is made from mozzarella and cream. It has a creamy, buttery texture and a mild flavor. Burrata cheese is found in the deli area of grocery stores by the other specialty cheeses. It usually comes in 3-4 small balls (about 2 ounces each) or one large ball of burrata packed together in water.
Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. It will add flavor and richness to the salad.
Balsamic glaze: Balsamic glaze is a thick, syrupy sauce made from balsamic vinegar. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes and cheese perfectly. You can make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar on the stove until it reduces and thickens, or you can buy it pre-made at the store.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to the salad. Chiffonade refers to a slicing technique where you stack the leaves. Then roll them up tightly, and slice them thinly. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute it with another herb like parsley or mint.
Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: These seasonings will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and bring everything together. Use good quality sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best results. You can also use kosher salt if that is what you have on hand.

A labeled image of ingredients needed to make burrata caprese salad.

Variations and Substitutions

There are endless variations and substitutions you can make to this burrata Caprese salad recipe to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:

Use different types of tomatoes: While this recipe calls for a mix of vine tomatoes, Campari tomatoes, and heirloom cherry tomatoes, you can use any variety of ripe, flavorful tomatoes you prefer. Try using beefsteak tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even yellow or orange tomatoes for a colorful twist. Find these fresh at your local farmer’s market or grocery store, or if you have garden tomatoes use those up.
Swap out the fresh burrata cheese: If you’re not a fan of burrata cheese or can’t find it at your local grocery store, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella cheese, mozzarella balls, feta cheese, or goat cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Add some protein: To make this salad more filling, you can add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, salami, pepperoni, or tofu. This will add some extra flavor and texture to the salad.
Make it vegan: To make this salad vegan, you can substitute the burrata cheese with vegan cheese, such as cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella. You can also omit the balsamic glaze and use a vegan-friendly dressing instead.
Add some crunch: To add some extra crunch to the salad, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or croutons on top. This will add some texture and depth to the dish.
Use different herbs: While fresh basil is a classic herb to use in Caprese salads, you can experiment with other herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or mint. This will add some variety to the flavor profile of the salad.

How To Make Barrata Caprese Salad

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Slice and Prep the Tomatoes

Go ahead and remove your creamy burrata cheese from the refrigerator now so it can come to room temperature.

Slice the larger tomatoes and Campari tomatoes into thick slices, ¼-⅓ inches.

Then, slice the heirloom cherry tomatoes in half.

Sliced tomatoes on a wooden cutting board.

Step 2 | Arrange the Serving Platter

Next, arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter.

Place the burrata cheese in the center.

Collage images showing sliced tomatoes added to the serving bowl and then burrata cheese added.

Step 3 | Drizzle with Olive Oil, Balsamic Glaze & Garnish

Lastly, drizzle with olive oil, and balsamic reduction, then finish with some sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and fresh basil.

Enjoy this fresh tomato burrata salad right away for the best results!

A white serving platter filled with sliced tomatoes, burrata cheese, balsamic glaze, and basil.

Tips

Use ripe tomatoes: The key to a good Caprese salad is using ripe, juicy tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are bright in color, firm to the touch, and have a sweet aroma. If your tomatoes are not fully ripe, leave them out at room temperature for a day or two until they are ready to use.
Serve the burrata cheese at room temperature: Burrata cheese is best served at room temperature to get that creamy, smooth texture. Take the burrata cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
Chiffonade the basil: To chiffonade the basil (ribbons of basil), stack the leaves on top of each other. Then roll them up tightly, and slice them into thin strips. This technique will release the aroma of the basil and add a nice texture to the salad.
Don’t add the balsamic glaze until serving: Wait until just before serving to add the balsamic glaze to avoid making the salad soggy. Drizzle the glaze lightly over the top of the salad or serve it on the side.

Recipe FAQ’s

What does Burrata cheese taste like?

Burrata cheese has a mild flavor that’s slightly tangy from the mozzarella. It’s buttery and indulgent and the perfect complement to fresh tomatoes and basil in this Caprese salad.

What type of tomatoes should I use for a burrata caprese salad?

Ripe and juicy tomatoes are best. Look for vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft to the touch. Cherry or grape tomatoes can also be used for a more bite-sized version of the salad.

What other ingredients can I add to a burrata caprese salad?

Other additions that pair well include prosciutto, olives, roasted red peppers, or a drizzle of pesto. Get creative and make it your own!

A white plate filled with a portion of burrata caprese salade.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

Insalata Caprese is best served fresh, but you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Tomatoes: You can slice the tomatoes and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Basil: You can chiffonade the basil and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Balsamic glaze: You can purchase store-bought or make the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring it to room temperature before serving and stir well before drizzling it over the salad.
Assemble the salad just before serving: To ensure the freshest and best-tasting salad, assemble it just before serving.

You can store any leftover burrata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day before it becomes overly watery.

What to Serve with Burrata & Tomatoes

Burrata Caprese salad is a light and refreshing dish that makes a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with it:

Grilled meat or fish: Since Caprese salad is a light dish, it pairs well with grilled meat or fish for a more filling meal. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp.
Pasta dishes: Caprese salad is a great complement to pasta dishes, such as spaghetti with tomato sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, or pesto pasta.
Crusty bread: Serve the Caprese salad with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to make it a more substantial meal.
Antipasto platter: Caprese salad is a classic component of an antipasto platter. Serve it alongside other Italian appetizers like olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables.
Soup: Serve the Caprese salad as a side dish to a warm bowl of soup. Tomato soup or minestrone soup would be a great complement to the fresh flavors of the salad. As would Pasta Fagioli or Zuppa Toscana Soup.
Grilled vegetables: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, serve the Caprese salad with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. This Grilled Summer Veggie Pasta Salad would also be delicious with it.

Other Tomato Files Recipes

A table with plates of burrata caprese salad on serving plates and bread for serving.

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5 Comments

Amanda Wren-Grimwood says:

April 14, 2023 at 5:17 am

Love this recipe. It’s so simple, but is so delicious. The burrata really makes it.

Saif says:

April 14, 2023 at 2:03 am

This Caprese Salad looks good. I haven’t tried the burrata cheese but I can tell this will make salad delicious. I should definitely gonna give it a try.

Gina says:

April 13, 2023 at 11:09 pm

This is 100% a favorite of mine. Everything just goes together so perfectly. I will be enjoying this recipe often!

Dina & Bruce says:

April 13, 2023 at 8:57 pm

This is perfect for holiday Summer entertainment!

Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says:

April 13, 2023 at 5:44 pm

Love the idea of burrata with a caprese salad! Such a pretty and colorful dish!