This Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe is a simple twist on a classic caprese salad. Made with fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese and a basil vinaigrette dressing, this recipe will be a crowd pleaser for anyone who tries it. Have it ready in less than 5 minutes.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Quick. This burrata caprese salad takes under 5 minutes to make, making it a simple appetizer or snack you can make on the go. Prepare it for a date night, picnic or pair it with your favorite bottle of wine. You can eat it on its own or serve it with crusty bread.
Fresh Ingredients. Like a traditional caprese recipe, this burrata version uses fresh burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves and fresh summer tomatoes, resulting in it bursting with flavor in every single bite. This is the ultimate summer salad full of summer flavor. Pair it with my 10 minute lemon garlic pasta.
Simple Ingredients. This fresh salad recipe uses 9 simple ingredients, with most of them already likely to be in your pantry and refrigerators.
Transport Friendly. Stumped on what to bring to a picnic, potluck or holiday? Prepare the base of this burrata salad and pop it into the container to take it with you then pop on the fresh ball of burrata when you are ready to serve it.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Fresh Burrata Cheese. Burrata is an Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is made from cream and mozzarella. The outer casing is solid cheese, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it a creamy texture. You can find burrata in the cheese section of your local grocery store. Burrata takes the place of fresh mozzarella cheese that is in a traditional caprese salad. Use any extra burrata in this vegetable burrata sandwich.
Fresh Tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes serve as the base of the salad. I used smaller tomatoes, such as grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes, but any tomato will work. Sliced juicy heirloom tomatoes or roma tomatoes also work well for this caprese burrata salad.
Fresh Basil. Fresh basil leaves are used in the dressing of this recipe, as well as a garnish. The fragrant basil provides a delicious, herby aromatic smell and taste to the salad, making it irresistible. Use any extra basil in my balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Use a high quality, good olive oil for this recipe. The olive oil serves as the base of the dressing, and will bring the dish together. I tend to use an olive oil that was made in Italy for this recipe, but any will work.
Balsamic Vinegar. Aged balsamic vinegar is used in the dressing. Do not substitute it with sweet balsamic glaze, that is commonly drizzled over a traditional caprese salad.
Fresh Garlic. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Garlic powder will not provide as much flavor. If you are garlic intolerant, you can omit.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1. Prep the veggies. Prepare by slicing the cherry tomatoes in half. If you are using a larger tomato, such as an heirloom, slice the tomato into semi-thick slices based on your preference. Chop the basil leaves, mince the garlic and dice the shallot.
Step 2. Make the dressing. Begin making the dressing by combining the olive oil, balsamic, garlic, shallot, basil and salt + pepper in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
Step 3. Mix in the tomatoes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes into the dressing and mix until they are coated in the dressing then pour onto a plate. If you are using regular sized tomatoes, add the slices to a plate and pour the dressing on top of them.
Step 4. Add the burrata cheese. Add the burrata cheese balls directly on top of the dressed tomatoes. Pull apart the burrata to expose the creamy center. Option to add a generous drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Serve with crusty bread.
STORAGE
As with most salads, this burrata caprese salad is best consumed right away. If you do need to store it, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to twelve hours. When ready to eat, remove the cheese, re-mix the tomatoes in the dressing, then place the ball of burrata back on top.
TIME SAVING HACKS
If you are short on time, pre-cut the tomatoes and store them an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, mix together the ingredients for the olive oil balsamic dressing and also store those in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, allow the dressing to come to room temperature. Then, mix it into the tomatoes and add the burrata on top.
You can also mix together the dressing and tomatoes and store the dressed tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 hours before any event. When ready to serve, add the burrata on top.
RECIPE FAQ
Yes. You can make a vegan burrata or pair it with your favorite vegan mozzarella and can create a delicious vegan version of the salad.
Yes! You can use a variety of different tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or vine-ripened tomatoes, to add different flavors and colors to your salad.
Burrata has a creamy and soft interior, while regular mozzarella has a firmer texture throughout. Both can be found in the dairy section of your grocery store.
EXPERT TIPS
- Open the burrata, don't slice it. Because burrata has a creamy texture, it tends to fall apart when it is sliced. Pull the burrata apart from the top, allowing the creamy texture of the inside to spill out onto the tomatoes.
- Use fresh tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes will be juicy + plum, making them more flavorful and the perfect base to this salad.
MORE SALAD RECIPES
The Best Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe with Tomato
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 balls burrata
- 1 lb cherry or plum tomatoes sliced in half *
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp basil, diced approx 9 leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp shallot, diced ½ small shallot
- Salt + Pepper for taste
- Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the plum or cherry tomatoes in half. Roll the basil up (like a cigar) and dice it into long pieces. Dice the shallot and mince the garlic.
- Add olive oil, balsamic, garlic, basil, shallot and salt + pepper into a bowl and whisk.
- Add in the halved tomatoes and mix until well coated.
- Pour into a serving plate then add the burrata balls directly on top of the dressed tomato. Open the burrata from the top by tearing it apart. Eat alone or serve with crusty bread.
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