Burrata caprese salad is delicious, light and refreshing. This dish is especially enticing during the hot summer months! It's great as an easy lunch, or dinner side dish to share with friends and family. Classic caprese salad only takes a few minutes to make. This burrata cheese version is no different (and even though it takes less than 10 minutes make, it looks quite impressive).
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love creamy burrata cheese! And I'm big enough to admit, I first learned about burrata from the hit show "Selling Sunset" on Netflix. What can I say? It's my guilty pleasure at the moment.
In season 3, Chrishell and Mary meet for lunch and both order burrata salad. I'd never heard of such a thing and began to google. Soon thereafter, I tried this new cheese for the first time and my taste buds did a happy dance.
Burrata can be used in many ways. It's somewhat similar to mozzarella cheese, and therefore, makes a lot of sense in a caprese salad.
And if you can't get enough of this tasty cheese, try my amazing Blackberry Burrata Toast!
Jump to:
Ingredients & Substitutions
This delicious salad requires only 7 simple ingredients!
- Juicy, ripe tomatoes: I especially love using heirloom tomatoes (though fresh tomatoes of all sorts will work)! It's also fun to mix and match varieties.
- Fresh burrata cheese: many grocery stores carry burrata. I've been able to find it at both Sprouts and Kroger and have had more luck at locations featuring a large cheese selection. To avoid frustration, make a quick phone call before heading out as it is slightly less common (but gaining popularity).
- Kosher salt: or a larger grain, flaky sea salt.
- Black pepper: fresh ground is preferable if possible!
- Balsamic vinegar glaze: sweet and tangy.
- Extra virgin olive oil: just a splash will help to round flavors out nicely.
- Fresh basil leaves: typically found in the produce section.
How To Make Tomato Burrata Salad
Keep scrolling for the full recipe card and measurements. We’ll start here with a quick overview!
- Remove burrata cheese from the refrigerator but leave in brine. We'll let it start coming to room temperature while we prepare tomatoes (this is how it's best served)!
- Rinse tomatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Thinly slice tomatoes and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Remove burrata cheese from hydrating liquid, pat dry, and place in the center of your tomato spread.
- Cut cheese down the middle to expose the creamy center of the sphere.
- Sprinkle your salad with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle with sweet balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Plate and serve with slices of crusty bread (optional). Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Chill your tomatoes: no matter what, this salad is delicious. But I have found it to be extra tasty with nice, cold tomatoes vs room temperature!
Keep cheese hydrated: burrata cheese will generally come in hydrating liquid/brine to keep it fresh. For best results, I recommend leaving your cheese in this liquid until you're ready to cut it open. This will ensure the center stays nice and creamy - if removed prematurely, it will begin to dry out pretty quickly.
Variations
Truffle: the other day my local grocery store was out of regular burrata cheese but they did have a truffle burrata in stock. I decided to give it a try and LOVED it. Highly recommend.
Avocado: add slices of fresh avocado to your salad.
Pesto: in addition to balsamic glaze and olive oil, top ingredients with a little pesto (or pesto vinaigrette).
Peaches: sub tomato for juicy, ripe peaches! Burrata and peaches are a very popular combo.
Special equipment
Planning to serve this salad as a dinner side? It's nice to present it on a pretty serving platter (though not totally necessary)!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The phonetic spelling for caprese is: kuh·pray·zay. You can watch this short YouTube video to hear the word spoken aloud!
Burrata is a mild, Italian cheese. It tastes similar to mozzarella, but it's creamy on the inside! (source: castellocheese)
Burrata cheese is made by putting fresh cheese curds into hot, salty water and then kneading them. A pouch is then created with this kneaded cheese and it's filled with mozzarella "scraps" and cream to create a sphere or ball of cheese that's stretchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. (source: wikipedia)
Many local grocery stores carry burrata cheese! I've been able to purchase it at both Sprouts and Kroger. I've definitely had more luck at locations that feature a large cheese selection and highly recommend making a quick phone call to see if it's in stock before heading over.
Burrata cheese is really versatile! Use it in caprese salad, or spread on a piece of crusty bread/toast with jam and honey. Burrata can also be used to create a delicious, cheesy sauce for pasta.
Yes! The outer shell on burrata cheese tastes almost exactly like mozzarella and it's delicious!
The main difference is the creamy interior of each burrata cheese ball. The exterior, or casing, tastes almost identical to mozzarella.
More Light, Summer Sides:
- Greek Yogurt Egg Salad
- Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
- Simple Garden Salad Recipe
- Pasta Salad With Asparagus | Gluten Free!
- Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
- Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
Pin it for later!
Fresh Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 3-4 heirloom tomatoes *varying colors/sizes *see note below
- 4 ounces fresh burrata cheese *see note below
- ¼ teaspoon salt *kosher or sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- fresh basil leaves
Recipe notes:
Tomatoes: I like to use heirloom tomatoes. Different sizes and colors add interest to this salad! You can use whichever variety of tomato you prefer. Burrata: this type of cheese generally comes in a package of two, 4 oz balls (sometimes you can find mini spheres)! I've been able to find burrata cheese at Kroger and Sprouts. It is a little less common, so I would call ahead to make sure your local grocery store has it in stock.Instructions
- Remove burrata cheese from the refrigerator but leave in brine. We'll let it start coming to room temperature while we prepare tomatoes (this is how it's best served)!
- Rinse tomatoes and dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Thinly slice tomatoes and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Remove burrata from brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Place it in the center of your tomato spread.
- Cut cheese down the middle to expose creamy center.
- Sprinkle your salad with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?!
Wahoo! Thank you so much for trying it out – would you leave a rating?! Simply click on the stars in the recipe card above.
Anna says
I love how you used different colors of tomatoes for this salad. I also love how you arranged it. Beautiful. Thank you for another great recipe.