Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Burrata caprese salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that highlights the beautiful combination of creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients yet offering maximum flavor. The burrata’s rich, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes and the slightly tangy balsamic glaze, making every bite a burst of deliciousness. It’s an ideal dish for warm weather, as it’s served at room temperature, making it a great addition to any summer meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces fresh burrata (usually sold as two 4 oz balls)
- 1 pound fresh tomatoes (about 2-3 medium-large sized tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh basil (optional: chiffonade, torn, or left whole)
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the tomatoes into about ¼ inch thick slices. Drain the burrata from its brine, and place the burrata on paper towels for a few minutes to drain excess moisture. Let the burrata come to room temperature. You can either slice the burrata, tear it into pieces, or leave it whole. Chiffonade the basil (or tear it up) to garnish the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: On a serving plate or platter, arrange the tomato slices and burrata. Top the dish with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on top.
- Serve: Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute the burrata with a plant-based alternative like vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese.
- Tomato Variety: Experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as heirloom, cherry, or grape tomatoes, to add more color and flavor variations to your salad.
- Herbs: While basil is traditional, you can also try adding fresh oregano or parsley for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Burrata caprese salad is best served fresh, as tomatoes lose their texture and flavor once stored in the refrigerator, becoming watery. However, if you need to store leftovers, you can refrigerate the salad for 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the burrata’s texture may change, and the flavors of the tomatoes and basil may become muted.
FAQs
1. Can I make burrata caprese salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare this salad fresh, as the tomatoes and burrata will lose their texture and flavor over time. However, you can prep the ingredients (slice the tomatoes and drain the burrata) and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble.
2. Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella is a good alternative, burrata is preferred for its creamy center, which adds a unique texture and flavor to the salad.
3. How do I cut burrata properly?
Burrata can be sliced, torn, or left whole. The best way to slice burrata is to use a large spoon to gently scoop out the creamy interior, which helps maintain its shape without spilling too much cream.
4. What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?
For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes are great choices for this salad, but you can also use any type of fresh, juicy tomatoes.
5. Can I substitute the balsamic glaze with something else?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can drizzle regular balsamic vinegar over the salad or try a different vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, burrata caprese salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
7. How can I add more flavor to the dressing?
To add extra flavor, try infusing your olive oil with garlic or herbs before drizzling it over the salad.
8. How do I chiffonade basil?
To chiffonade basil, stack several leaves on top of each other, roll them into a cylinder, and slice through the rolled leaves into thin strips. Alternatively, you can tear the leaves or leave them whole for a more rustic look.
9. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if you must, you can use dried basil. However, the flavor will be much more intense, so use it sparingly.
10. How do I store burrata?
Burrata is typically sold in a brine. To store it, keep it in the brine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re not using it right away, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Burrata caprese salad is a simple yet elegant dish that combines creamy burrata, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish. This recipe is not only delicious but versatile, offering endless possibilities for variations to suit your taste. The combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh ingredients will leave you craving more!
Burrata Caprese Salad
- 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
Burrata caprese salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch.
Ingredients
8 ounces fresh burrata (usually sold as two 4 oz balls)
1 pound fresh tomatoes (about 2–3 medium-large sized tomatoes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Freshly ground black pepper
Flaky sea salt
Fresh basil (optional: chiffonade, torn, or left whole)
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes into about ¼ inch thick slices. Drain the burrata from its brine, and place it on paper towels to drain excess moisture. Let the burrata come to room temperature. You can slice, tear, or leave it whole. Chiffonade the basil (or tear it) to garnish.
- On a serving plate or platter, arrange the tomato slices and burrata. Top with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on top.
- Serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
For a more filling version, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto.
For a vegan version, substitute the burrata with plant-based cheese.
Experiment with different tomato varieties like heirloom, cherry, or grape for added flavor and color.
Fresh oregano or parsley can also be used as an alternative to basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
