Easy Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe With Tomatoes
This Burrata Caprese Salad recipe is a simple twist on a classic caprese salad. With simple ingredients from your local grocery store like fresh tomatoes, good olive oil, and fresh burrata cheese, this recipe is the best way to enjoy juicy tomatoes this summer! My recipe is the perfect summer salad to serve at your next party or get-together – everyone will love the slight twist to an otherwise traditional Italian salad. Plus, this is an easy recipe with minimal steps that can be pulled together in minutes.
This easy and flavorful tomato salad highlights the colorful tomatoes of summer. It’s the ultimate summer salad to be enjoyed outside and will cool you down throughout the warmer weather. I love using burrata for this salad because of its creamy texture. You’ll love this burrata caprese recipe – I promise!
If you’re a fan of burrata, try my Burrata Bruschetta or my Peach and Burrata Salad! Both pair perfectly with an Aperol Spritz Pitcher, Aperol Margarita, John Daly Cocktail, or Limoncello Spritz!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation – With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, this Burrata Caprese Salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Creamy and Decadent – The addition of creamy burrata cheese elevates the classic Caprese salad, adding a luxurious texture and rich flavor that will impress your friends and family.
- Fresh and Flavorful – Made with ripe heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and high-quality olive oil, this salad bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors that celebrate the best of summer produce!
Ingredients
- Heirloom Tomatoes – Choose ripe, colorful heirloom tomatoes for their fresh flavor and vibrant color. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly yielding to the touch, indicating ripeness. Using a variety of colors adds some excitement to the burrata caprese salad.
- Burrata Cheese – Burrata cheese adds a creamy element to the salad, giving a modern twist to a traditional caprese salad. Opt for the freshest burrata you can find, ideally from a local cheese shop or specialty market. Pull apart the burrata into smaller pieces to evenly distribute its rich, creamy goodness throughout the salad.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Fragrant basil leaves bring a burst of freshness to the salad. Choose bright green basil leaves with no signs of wilting or discoloration. Tear the basil leaves just before serving to release their essential oils for the best results.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and burrata. Look for the best quality and flavor of cold-pressed olive oil from reputable producers. Drizzle generously over the salad!
- Flaky Sea Salt – Flaky sea salt adds a crunch and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and creaminess of the burrata. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the salad just before serving. Avoid using iodized table salt, as it may overpower the delicate flavors of the dish.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick to the salad. Grind black pepper directly over the tomatoes and burrata to add a hint of warmth and spice. Opt for whole peppercorns and grind them using a pepper mill for the freshest flavor.
Substitutions and Addition
- Cherry Tomatoes – Substitute large heirloom tomatoes with colorful cherry tomatoes for a different presentation and texture, slicing them in half before adding to the salad. You could also use roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes.
- Homemade Pesto – Add dollops of homemade pesto to the salad for extra flavor. Try my Genovese Pesto, Walnut Pesto, or Nut-Free Pesto recipes!
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar – Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy finish!
- Balsamic Glaze – Use sweet balsamic glaze as a convenient alternative, adding a concentrated balsamic flavor to the salad.
- Prosciutto – Add thin slices of prosciutto for a savory complement to the creamy burrata and sweet tomatoes.
Buffalo Mozzarella vs Burrata
Buffalo mozzarella has a soft, smooth texture akin to regular mozzarella cheese, while burrata offers a creamy, luxurious interior filled with stracciatella and cream. In taste, buffalo mozzarella is delicately milky with a slight tang, while burrata boasts a rich, buttery flavor.
Buffalo mozzarella is versatile in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes, while burrata shines as a standalone appetizer or in salads and antipasti, complemented by fresh tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, and crusty bread.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Tear the burrata cheese into smaller pieces and scatter them over the dressed tomatoes.
Step 3: Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the tomatoes and burrata. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the salad.
Step 4: Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy burrata, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
Tips and 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
- Wine Pairing – This Burrata Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. The bright acidity and citrus notes of these wines complement the creamy burrata and fresh tomatoes wonderfully. Or, enjoy a nice cold glass of Rosรฉ!
- Crispy Chicken Cutlets – Serve the Burrata Caprese Salad with crispy chicken cutlets for a satisfying and balanced meal. The crunchy texture of the chicken contrasts with the creamy burrata!
- Appetizer for Pasta – Use the Burrata Caprese Salad as a refreshing appetizer before serving a hearty pasta dish. The light and fresh flavors of the salad cleanse the palate and prepare diners for the main course. Try
- With Crusty Bread – Accompany the salad with slices of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices and olive oil. The bread adds a crunch and makes the salad feel more substantial as a light meal or appetizer.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ review below!
Easy Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe With Tomatoes
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.
Yummy way to use burrata. Thanks for the recipe!