This delicious Burrata Caprese Salad recipe brings summer flavors to your table. Creamy burrata cheese, juicy summer tomatoes, and fragrant basil are drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze and topped with crunchy pine nuts. This dish takes the traditional elements of a classic caprese salad and elevates them with creamy burrata cheese. If you've never tried burrata cheese, you're in for a treat!
Burrata cheese is like the luxurious cousin of fresh mozzarella. While both cheeses have their place in Italian cuisine, fresh burrata brings a certain richness to dishes that mozzarella can't match.
The creamy center of the burrata ball is a mix of cheese curds and cream, making it the perfect addition to this caprese salad. When you find burrata cheese in the store, you'll often see it sold in a brine-filled container, ensuring its freshness.
There is nothing better than a tomato burrata salad to showcase fresh summer tomatoes during tomato season. For this recipe, we're using a combination of large heirloom tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. If you love Italian summer salads, make sure to try this cold Italian white bean salad.
The heirloom tomatoes provide a meaty texture and a slightly sweet flavor, while the cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness with every bite.
The beauty of this caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes and burrata lies in its simplicity of delicious ingredients. Whether you're looking for a classic caprese salad or jazzing it up with a sassy spin, this recipe is a winner.
If you like this recipe you will also love this Caprese Burrata Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze.
Ingredients
- Burrata Cheese: Fresh burrata cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese like mozzarella's luxurious cousin. A solid mozzarella shell surrounds an oozy, creamy center made of mozzarella and cream. Burrata balls are located in the refrigerated section at your local grocery store.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: These tomatoes are known for their rich, deep flavors. Their vibrant colors and irregular shapes add a rustic touch to this burrata caprese salad. Look for firm, ripe tomatoes that will hold their shape.
- Cherry Tomatoes: The juicy and sweet flavor of these bite-sized tomatoes adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Combining cherry tomatoes with heirloom tomatoes adds an excellent balance of color and texture to this burrata caprese salad.
- Balsamic Glaze: A thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, this glaze adds a touch of tangy sweetness that complements the creamy burrata and fresh tomatoes. My favorite brand of balsamic glaze is Nonna Pias.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant and slightly peppery basil leaves are the aromatic stars that elevate the flavors of the salad.
- Pine Nuts: These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor, making this caprese salad with burrata even more irresistible.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is cold-pressed from olives and drapes the salad in a rich, fruity flavor. Use one that states "extra virgin olive oil" for the best flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Tomatoes love salt. Both of these seasonings enhance and balance their natural flavors.
How To Make Burrata Caprese Salad
- Begin by slicing the heirloom tomatoes about ¼th inch thick. Halve the cherry tomatoes (say goodbye to the tops with the stems) and lay them on a large serving platter.
- Next, tear that luscious ball of burrata into about one-inch pieces and scatter them over the tomatoes like little clouds.
- Then, its time for some drizzle magic! Shower your salad with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Finally, garnish with those crunchy pine nuts (if you're feeling fancy) and fresh basil leaves.
Storage Suggestions for Burrata Caprese Salad
If by some miracle you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It's best enjoyed within a day or two, especially to savor the fresh burrata cheese.
Tips and Tricks for Caprese Burrata Salad:
- Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality burrata and extra virgin olive oil. The better the ingredients, the more flavorful the salad.
- Seasoning: Don't skimp on the salt and freshly ground black pepper. They elevate the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cheese. Salt the tomatoes immediately before serving, as it will draw out their moisture.
- Tomato Variety: Mix and match different types of tomatoes for varied flavors, textures, and colors. Think about combining cherry, grape, and heirloom tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil: Instead of just placing whole leaves, consider chiffonading some of the basil (slicing it into thin ribbons) for a different texture and flavor in every bite.
- Balsamic Reduction: If you can't find balsamic glaze, make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half. It'll become syrupy and sweet once cooled.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts enhances their nutty flavor, making them a perfect crunchy addition. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, constantly stirring until golden brown.
Substitutions & Variations for Caprese Salad with Burrata
Substitutions:
- Cheese: If you can't find burrata, fresh mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese can be used as alternatives. They won't have the same creamy center as burrata but will still be delicious.
- Vinegar: Instead of balsamic glaze, use regular balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a lemon or lime zest and juice for a tangy twist.
- Oil: Avocado or walnut oil is an excellent substitute for olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: If basil isn't your favorite, try fresh mint, parsley, or arugula for a peppery kick. Arugula is my personal favorite addition to any caprese salad.
Variations of Caprese Burrata Salad:
- Fruit Fusion: In the summer, I love to add slices of strawberries, peaches, or watermelon for a sweet contrast to the creamy burrata.
- Protein Boost: Top your caprese salad with prosciutto, grilled chicken, or seared scallops for added protein.
- Crunch Factor: Add toasted breadcrumbs, croutons, or crushed pistachios or almonds for an added crunch.
- Pesto Drizzle: Instead of olive oil, drizzle some basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto over the salad.
- Zoodles: Place the burrata and tomato slices on a bed of zucchini noodles for a fun twist and added texture.
- Grilled Elements: Grill the tomatoes and some slices of baguette for a smoky flavor. Grilled peaches also pair wonderfully with burrata.
- Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate olives, capers, or thinly sliced red onions for a Mediterranean flair.
- Turn Up The Heat: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
- Avocado Addition: Slices of creamy avocado complement the textures of the burrata and tomatoes beautifully.
- Dress It Up: Instead of just balsamic vinegar and oil, make a vinaigrette with mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil for a more decadent dressing.
FAQs
Absolutely! It'll be a tad less sweet but still delicious. You can make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half. Once cooled, it will be syrupy and sweet.
Yes, burrata cheese typically comes in a container with extra liquid to keep its creamy texture. Drain the excess liquid outside of the burrata ball before serving.
Grilled chicken or a slice of crusty bread are perfect companions for this simple Italian salad.
The next time you're in the mood for a salad that's a little extra special, give this caprese salad with burrata a whirl and remember: life's too short for boring salads!
Burrata Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 3 large heirloom tomatoes
- 16 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10 large fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts optional
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the Heirloom Tomatoes about ¼th inch thick and the cherry tomatoes in half (discard the tops of the tomatoes with the stems) and arrange them on a large platter.
- Next, tear the ball of fresh burrata cheese into about one inch pieces and place over the tomatoes.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil, balsamic glaze, kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finally, garnish the salad with toasted pine nuts (optional) and fresh basil leaves.
Candace says
This is the perfect summer salad to use up our tomatoes we grow in the garden. It's so simple but SO delicious. the addition of the pine nuts is so unique and gives such an unexpected crunch. We loved it!
Kandace says
Such a simple Italian salad that just about everyone loves. It's quick to put together but looks elegant at the same time. This salad is a great way to use up our summer tomatoes we grow in the backyard every year.