Easy Burrata Caprese Salad with Tomatoes (10 Minutes)
This easy Burrata Caprese Salad is the perfect dish to kick off your summer dining! Creamy burrata, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil come together in a light and vibrant dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party, this salad never disappoints.
Summer is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, and this Easy burrata caprese recipe is the perfect example. It’s just one of many simple recipes that celebrate the best of summer ingredients. If you’re a fan of burrata, don’t miss my Burrata Bruschetta, Peach Burrata Salad, and even a Burrata Board featuring my cherry tomato confit – perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Oh, and for my tomato lovers, don’t miss my heirloom tomato galette!
Recipe Highlights: Burrata Caprese
- Inspiration: This recipe takes inspiration from the traditional Caprese salad recipe, with a creamy twist/variation thanks to fresh burrata cheese. Classic caprese salad flavors like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and good olive oil come together to create a fresh and flavorful dish, perfect for the warmer months.
- Best Served For: This is the ultimate summer salad, ideal for a light lunch or as an appetizer at a dinner party. It’s also great for barbecues, picnics, and gatherings with friends and family. Check the recipe card for some great tips, too!
- What Makes it Special: The creamy center of the burrata elevates this salad to the next level, providing a rich contrast to the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, making it a standout dish.
- Versatility: While this salad is simple, it can easily be turned into an impressive dish by adding a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze or serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s versatile and adaptable, just like the season it celebrates!
Ingredients Notes
- Burrata Cheese: This creamy, soft Italian cheese is the star of the show. Be sure to use the freshest burrata you can find for the ultimate creamy texture. Look for a ball of burrata that has a slightly firm outer shell but a rich, creamy center. You can find this in specialty cheese shops or your local grocery store. Love burrata? Try my burrata board!
- Heirloom Tomatoes: The best tomatoes make this salad shine. For this dish, juicy heirloom tomatoes offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. If heirlooms are unavailable, Roma tomatoes or grape tomatoes are great alternatives.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, aromatic note that ties the entire dish together. If possible, buy basil from a farmer’s market for the freshest flavor. Don’t be afraid to tear the basil leaves, as this helps release more of the herb’s essential oils.
Suggested Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Swap Burrata for Fresh Mozzarella: If you prefer a firmer texture, fresh mozzarella cheese can replace the burrata for a more traditional Caprese salad without the creamy stracciatella.
- Try Cherry Tomatoes Instead of Heirlooms: If you want a pop of color and sweetness, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are a great choice.
- Add Grilled Bread: For a little extra crunch and flavor, serve the salad with a side of grilled bread, brushed with olive oil.
- Drizzle with Regular Balsamic Vinegar: If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, a drizzle of regular balsamic vinegar adds acidity and a rich flavor to balance the creaminess of the burrata.
How to Make Burrata Caprese
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick slices using a sharp knife. Arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the sliced tomatoes.
2. Tear the burrata cheese into smaller pieces and scatter them over the dressed tomatoes.
3. Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the tomatoes and burrata. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the salad.
4. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy burrata, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
Expert Tips From My Kitchen
- Use Room Temperature Burrata: For the best texture and flavor, let the burrata come to room temperature before serving. This helps the creamy center melt into the tomatoes, creating the perfect balance.
- Choose Good Quality Olive Oil: Since the olive oil is a key ingredient, make sure to use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find. It will enhance the flavors of the tomatoes and burrata.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Fresh flaky sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper elevate this salad.
- Serve Immediately: Burrata is at its best when it’s fresh. Serve this salad right after assembling to enjoy the creaminess of the cheese and the juiciness of the tomatoes.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @alliehagerty on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
Easy Burrata Caprese Salad (10 Minute Recipe)
This Easy Burrata Caprese Salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It’s light, fresh, and so simple to prepare!
Equipment
- Large serving platter or plate
- Sharp knife
- cutting board
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing oil and balsamic glaze)
- Spoon (for drizzling oil and balsamic glaze)
Ingredients
- 3-4 large heirloom tomatoes bonus points for some variance in color!, sliced
- 8 basil leaves torn
- 1 ball 4-5 oz of burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 1 teaspoon flakey salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick slices using a sharp knife. Arrange them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the sliced tomatoes.
- Tear the burrata cheese into smaller pieces and scatter them over the dressed tomatoes.
- Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the tomatoes and burrata.
- Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the salad.
- Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the salad with some balsamic glaze. Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy burrata, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
Notes
Ripening Tomatoes – If your tomatoes are not fully ripe, place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple for a day or two to speed up the ripening process. This will ensure sweet and flavorful tomatoes for your salad.
Handling Burrata – Handle the ball of burrata cheese carefully as it is delicate and prone to breaking. Use a sharp knife to cut into the cheese gently, and avoid squeezing or pressing it too firmly.
Serving Suggestions:
Storage Instructions:
Serving Suggestions:
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy burrata and fresh tomatoes. If you’re serving this salad at a dinner party, it will complement a variety of dishes.
- With Grilled Meat: This salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats, particularly light fish or chicken. It’s also perfect as a stand-alone dish for a simple light lunch.
- For a Bigger Meal: Serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping or pair it with a side of roasted vegetables to make it a more substantial meal.
Storage Instructions:
- For Leftover Burrata: Store any leftover burrata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extra, you can also use it in a creamy pasta or on top of pizza.
- Tomato Storage: Store any leftover tomatoes in the fridge, but they’re best when fresh. Tomatoes can lose their flavor when refrigerated, so plan to use them within a day or two.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 6gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1009IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Yummy way to use burrata. Thanks for the recipe!