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There is something irresistibly delightful about the Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe that instantly transports you to a sunny Italian afternoon. Fresh, creamy burrata cheese paired perfectly with the juicy heirloom and cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a luscious drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze creates a masterpiece bursting with flavor and texture. This salad feels like a celebration on a plate—simple, elegant, and refreshingly satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this salad truly special.
- Heirloom tomatoes: These large, colorful slices bring a juicy, slightly sweet taste and a gorgeous visual centerpiece.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for burst-after-burst of freshness and a pop of bright red to elevate the dish.
- Fresh burrata cheese: Creamy and luscious, this is the star that adds the perfect indulgent richness.
- Fresh basil leaves: Their aromatic, herbaceous notes lift the salad with a touch of garden-fresh brightness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A silky drizzle that enhances flavors and adds just the right amount of fruitiness.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a sweet-tart complexity, balancing the creaminess and acidity marvelously.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full potential of every ingredient.
How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing and slicing the heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds, then halve the cherry tomatoes. Their fresh, juicy texture forms the vibrant base of this salad and sets the stage for all the wonderful flavors to shine through.
Step 2: Arrange the Tomatoes on Your Platter
On a large serving platter or plate, artfully arrange the heirloom slices and scatter the cherry tomato halves around. This colorful presentation makes the salad as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Step 3: Add the Burrata
Gently tear the burrata into large, rustic chunks and nestle them amongst the tomatoes. Burrata’s creamy center is luxurious and creamy, offering a delightful contrast to the bright, fresh tomatoes.
Step 4: Tuck in Fresh Basil
Scatter fresh basil leaves between the layers of tomatoes and burrata. The bright green color and fragrant aroma bring freshness and a lively herbal note that perfectly complements the richness.
Step 5: Drizzle Oil and Balsamic Glaze
Now, drizzle the salad with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, creating a smooth, glossy finish. Follow with a careful drizzle of balsamic glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and acidity, elevating every bite.
Step 6: Season with Salt and Pepper
Finish by sprinkling with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings awaken all the flavors and add that satisfying finishing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and most vibrant.
How to Serve Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flair, try sprinkling with flaky sea salt or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. A few microgreens or edible flowers can add beautiful color and an elegant touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with toasted sourdough or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the luscious juices. It’s also a wonderful companion to grilled vegetables or a simple pasta dish, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass trifle dish for a show-stopping salad parfait. Alternatively, serve on a rustic wooden board to emphasize its natural colors, or plate it individually with a drizzle of pesto for an extra burst of flavor and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because burrata is so fresh and delicate, it’s best to enjoy this salad immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day, keeping the cheese separate from the tomatoes if possible to preserve texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe. Burrata’s creamy texture and the fresh tomatoes do not freeze well and will lose their desirable qualities once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve the freshness and texture of the tomatoes and burrata, which are at their best when enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella works in a pinch, burrata’s creamy center brings a richness that’s truly special in this recipe and elevates the salad beyond the ordinary.
What type of balsamic glaze should I use?
Look for a high-quality balsamic glaze that is thick, glossy, and balanced in sweetness and acidity. Homemade balsamic reductions work wonderfully too.
Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! The Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Since the ingredients are fresh and delicate, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to slice tomatoes for this salad?
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice heirloom tomatoes into thick, even rounds without squishing them. Halve the cherry tomatoes for small bursts of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing quite like the vibrant harmony of flavors in this Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe. It’s fresh, creamy, and incredibly easy to whip up any time you want a dish that dazzles with simplicity and elegance. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—it’s a little slice of Italian sunshine waiting to brighten your day.
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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, Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant Burrata Caprese Salad featuring heirloom and cherry tomatoes paired with creamy burrata cheese, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. This no-cook Italian appetizer is perfect for a light meal or side dish, bursting with bright flavors and simple elegance.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes evenly on a large serving platter or plate, creating a colorful base for the salad.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Tear the burrata into large pieces and gently nestle them among the tomatoes to create creamy pockets of flavor.
- Incorporate Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves throughout the tomatoes and cheese, distributing their aromatic freshness evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over all the ingredients to enhance flavor and add a subtle tang.
- Season: Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for a balanced seasoning.
- Serve: Present immediately as a light appetizer or side dish, ideal for warm weather or elegant entertaining.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve alongside toasted sourdough or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Use a variety of colored tomatoes for a visually stunning presentation.
