Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

If you are a fan of fresh, vibrant flavors that instantly brighten up your table, the Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad combines the creamy, rich texture of burrata cheese with the colorful, juicy burst of heirloom and cherry tomatoes, all elevated with fragrant basil and a tangy balsamic drizzle. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, bringing a classic Italian favorite to life in a way that feels both indulgent and effortlessly fresh. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a simple yet spectacular meal, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity, where every ingredient plays a crucial role. Each element contributes to the overall harmony—whether it’s the creamy burrata adding lusciousness, the tomatoes providing brightness and sweetness, or the basil bringing that unmistakable herbaceous lift. Having these essentials ensures your salad is balanced, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

• 2 balls of Burrata Cheese: Choose fresh burrata for the creamiest texture and the best flavor.
• 1/4 tsp of Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the cheese, making it pop.
• 1/8 tsp of Black Pepper: Adds a mild spiciness that complements the creamy burrata.
• 3 large Heirloom Tomatoes: Their sweet, tangy, and earthy notes bring vibrant color and flavor complexity.
• 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes: Small bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully with the heirlooms.
• 1/2 tsp of Salt: Used on the tomatoes to draw out their full, juicy flavor.
• 1/4 tsp of Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice enhancing the tomato’s natural sweetness.
• 10 large leaves of Fresh Basil: Chopped to release fragrant oils that lift the whole dish.
• 1/4 cup of Balsamic Vinegar: A rich, tangy glaze that ties the salad together perfectly.
• 2 Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and a fruity note to both the tomatoes and burrata.

How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Burrata

Start by carefully draining the liquid from the burrata cheese balls. This step is essential so the salad doesn’t get watery and each bite of burrata remains creamy and smooth. Set this aside, as you’ll add the burrata on top later in the process for maximum freshness and impact.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Heirloom Tomatoes

Next, slice your heirloom tomatoes into half-inch thick rounds. These thick slices not only look stunning on a plate but also provide a meaty, juicy bite. Arrange them on your serving plate, overlapping slightly to create a beautiful base that showcases their colors and textures.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Tomatoes

Scatter the cherry tomatoes around and between the heirloom tomato slices. Their smaller size and burst of juice create playful contrast in both texture and flavor, adding a touch of sweetness and brilliant red hues that will brighten your salad.

Step 4: Season the Tomatoes

Sprinkle the tomatoes evenly with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This seasoning heightens the natural flavors of the tomatoes, drawing out their juiciness and preparing them for the olive oil dressing.

Step 5: Drizzle Olive Oil Over Tomatoes

Drizzle one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the seasoned tomatoes. The olive oil adds richness and ties the fresh ingredients together, giving the dish a lovely glossy finish. Remember to reserve the other tablespoon for later on the burrata.

Step 6: Add Fresh Basil to Tomatoes

Chop half of your fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the tomatoes. The herbaceous aroma and subtle peppery notes of basil create an irresistible flavor boost that’s essential for any Caprese salad.

Step 7: Add Burrata on Top

Gently take each burrata ball in your hands and carefully pull them open using your thumbs, letting the creamy inside softly spill out onto the tomatoes below. This dramatic step not only looks gorgeous but promises that irresistible creaminess in every bite. Place both balls over the arranged tomatoes.

Step 8: Season the Burrata Cheese

Season the burrata with the remaining quarter teaspoon of salt and an eighth teaspoon of black pepper. This seasoning layer enhances the delicate, milky flavor of the cheese, creating a perfect balance with the seasoned tomatoes beneath.

Step 9: Drizzle Olive Oil Over Burrata

Now pour the last tablespoon of olive oil over the burrata. This finishing touch adds a silky texture and fruity notes that complement the cheese beautifully, making each mouthful utterly luxurious.

Step 10: Top with Remaining Basil Leaves

Scatter the rest of the chopped basil leaves over the burrata. Their fresh, green burst of flavor adds vibrant color and aroma, rounding out the flavor profile in the finest way.

Step 11: Finish with Balsamic Vinegar

Finally, pour the quarter cup of balsamic vinegar evenly across the entire salad. This sweet and tangy glaze elevates the freshness of the tomatoes and the richness of the burrata, tying the whole dish into a harmonious culinary masterpiece ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios. A few freshly ground black pepper flakes on top right before serving also enhance the salad’s aroma and flavor. These simple additions can make your Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe feel even more special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to soak up all the luscious juices. It also complements light grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp, making it an ideal starter or a beautiful side for a summer dinner party. Think of it as a fresh, colorful companion to your meal that adds variety and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad on a large wooden board for a rustic look or in a shallow white dish to highlight the salad’s vivid colors. You can also present each serving on individual plates for a more formal occasion, allowing guests to admire the layers of heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and burrata in every bite. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top will elevate the visual appeal even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally keeping the burrata separate from the tomatoes to preserve its texture. The salad is best eaten within 24 hours as the tomatoes may release more juice, and the fresh basil can wilt.

Freezing

Due to the delicate texture of burrata and the fresh tomatoes, freezing this salad is not recommended. The cheese will lose its creamy consistency, and the tomatoes will become mushy once thawed, affecting the overall experience of the Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold. Reheating is not suitable because it would cause the burrata to lose its luscious texture and the tomatoes to become overly soft. Instead, I recommend preparing just what you need when serving to keep that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?

You can substitute mozzarella if burrata is not available, but the creamy, buttery center of burrata is truly what makes this salad special. Mozzarella will give a milder, firmer texture, slightly changing the salad’s character.

What varieties of heirloom tomatoes work best?

Look for colorful heirlooms—like Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, or Green Zebra—for a mix of sweetness, acidity, and visual appeal. Mixing varieties enriches the texture and flavor complexity of the salad.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To keep this dish vegan, you could replace burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative, though the unique creaminess of burrata will be missed. Otherwise, this salad is packed with fresh ingredients that celebrate natural flavors beautifully.

Is the balsamic vinegar cooked or raw?

The recipe uses raw balsamic vinegar as a finishing drizzle, providing a sharp, tangy contrast. If you prefer a sweeter, thicker glaze, you can use aged balsamic reduction instead.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

Enjoy it the day it’s made for the best flavor and texture. Stored properly in the fridge, leftovers can last up to 24 hours, but fresh basil and burrata tend to lose their quality quickly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients at their very best. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a beautiful, flavorful dish, this salad delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how effortlessly delicious fresh food can be!

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