If you are craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and silky textures, look no further than this Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fragrant herbs, and tangy balsamic—all coming together in effortless harmony. This dish feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for a quick lunch, a stunning appetizer, or an elegant side. It’s deceptively simple, yet so satisfying that it quickly becomes a favorite to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe lies in its few but exceptional ingredients. Each one is essential, contributing color, flavor, and texture without any extra fuss.
- Heirloom tomatoes: Choose ripe and colorful varieties for a juicy, sweet, and tangy base that shines visually and tastes divine.
- Burrata cheese: This creamy, soft cheese adds a luscious richness that melts in your mouth and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its fruity aroma and smooth finish that ties the salad components together.
- Balsamic glaze (or aged balsamic vinegar): Adds a sweet, tangy depth that elevates the simple ingredients to an elegant dish.
- Fresh basil and dill: These herbs provide aromatic freshness and a hint of brightness that wakes up every bite.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled generously, it enhances all the flavors and offers a satisfying crunch.
How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Tomatoes
Start by washing your heirloom tomatoes and slicing them into approximately one-third-inch thick rounds. Their colors and textures are part of what makes this salad so joyful, so arrange their slices on your serving plate in a slightly overlapping layer to create a beautiful base.
Step 2: Add the Burrata Cheese
Next, take your burrata cheese and either place it whole on the tomatoes or break it up into bite-sized pieces scattered around the dish. Its creamy interior will mingle with the juices of the tomatoes, creating a luscious, indulgent texture that nobody can resist.
Step 3: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the salad generously with olive oil to add a fruity silkiness and then follow with balsamic glaze or an aged balsamic vinegar to introduce a sweet and tangy punch that balances the creaminess and acidity perfectly.
Step 4: Scatter Fresh Herbs and Season
Finally, scatter fresh basil and dill over the salad. These herbs bring a bright herby note that contrasts beautifully with the cheese and tomato. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make all the flavors pop and add a delightful crunch in every bite.
How to Serve Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, add a few extra basil leaves on top, and perhaps a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A small drizzle of high-quality honey can also add a subtle layer of sweetness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for scooping up the cheese and juices. It also complements grilled chicken or fish splendidly, offering a fresh contrast to more savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad components in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, or assemble it on individual plates for a formal dinner setting. You can also serve as a topping for crostini to create perfect little bites for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover Burrata Caprese Salad keeps well for up to 24 hours. However, the tomatoes may release some juice, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for peak texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh herbs and delicate burrata cheese, this salad is not suitable for freezing. Freezing would alter the texture and flavor significantly.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If needed, simply let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella is a good substitute, burrata’s creamy center provides a richness and texture that defines this recipe. Using mozzarella will give you a firmer cheese experience but might lack that luscious creaminess.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
No problem! You can use aged balsamic vinegar directly, which offers similar tang and sweetness, just drizzle it more sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
How should I select heirloom tomatoes?
Look for firm but ripe tomatoes with vibrant colors and minimal blemishes. Different heirloom varieties bring a variety of flavors from sweet to slightly acidic which makes the salad more interesting.
Can I prepare this salad for a party?
Absolutely! It’s an impressive and simple dish that can be assembled quickly. Just keep the burrata added last to maintain its texture and freshness when serving.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes! The Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleaser for various dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making a Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe that’s fresh, simple, and stunning. It’s one of those dishes that make you feel like you’re celebrating good food and good company in one bite. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen as much as it is in mine.
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Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and elegant Burrata Caprese salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and garnished with fresh basil and dill. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish that takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds heirloom tomatoes
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil and dill
Dressings & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or aged balsamic vinegar)
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slice Tomatoes: Slice the heirloom tomatoes into approximately â…“-inch thick slices and arrange them neatly onto your serving dish, creating a colorful and vibrant base.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Place the burrata cheese on the serving dish either whole or broken into pieces scattered around the tomatoes to enhance the creamy texture throughout the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the tomatoes and burrata, adding a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Garnish with Herbs and Salt: Scatter fresh basil and dill over the top for bright herbal notes, then generously sprinkle flaky sea salt to season the salad perfectly.
Notes
- Use ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant colors.
- Burrata can be served whole or torn for a different texture experience.
- Balsamic glaze provides a sweeter finish; if unavailable, aged balsamic vinegar works well but is less syrupy.
- Adjust seasoning with flaky sea salt to your taste for optimum flavor balance.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
