Burrata Caprese

I'll never forget the first time I had caprese, it was so light, refreshing and deliciously tangy. I've played around with different flavors for a while, but I think I perfected it with burrata cheese! This Burrata Caprese recipe tastes like summer on your plate. Grab the ingredients and I'll walk you through each step. You'll love how it's so much easier to make than it looks!

Recipe Ingredients Notes

• Tomatoes - The best tomatoes for caprese are meaty, with plenty of flesh and few seeds. Heirloom, Plum, Roma, and San Marzano are all good choices.
• Burrata cheese - A unique, creamy cheese. We are using it in place of mozzarella (the usual cheese found in a caprese salad recipe). If you'd prefer to use mozzarella balls in its place, please feel free!
• Basil leaves - Large, fresh, crisp leaves serve as the salad greens. Don't hesitate to add additional leaves, such as baby spinach or a spring mix. 
• Olive oil - A high quality olive oil helps enhance the flavors and gives the salt and pepper something to stick to!
• Balsmaic glaze - This sweet glaze is present in a variety of tomato salad recipes. It's just a reduction of balsamic vinegar, so it's easy to make at home if you don't have any.

Optional:

• Pesto vinaigrette - A light, acidic dressing infused with the sweet and spicy taste of basil. This is an optional ingredient, but it does add a vibrancy to the salad that is more than welcome!
  If you love pesto, you might want to try our tortellini pasta salad with pesto recipe!

How to Serve Burrata

Caprese salad pairs well with grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes. This recipe is the perfect summer starter dish, or even side dish. Use a large platter and tuck in pieces of crispy sourdough bread. Or for a more formal dinner you can also plate individual portions of burrata caprese salad.

How to Make Caprese Salad with Burrata

Can I Make Caprese Burrata Ahead of Time?

If you'd like to make your burrata caprese salad ahead of time:
Don't add the balsamic glaze or basil vinaigrette just yet, cover with plastic wrap or airtight container and refrigerate until just before serving. Once ready to serve, drizzle on the glaze and vinaigrette (if using).
The fresh cheese becomes runny at warm temperatures, so it's important to keep it chilled until just shortly before serving. Any leftovers are best enjoyed within two days.

Recipe Tips from Mrs. G

• Use the freshest ingredients you can find.
• Choose low-seed tomatoes for cleaner slices.
• Use a serrated knife for neat tomato slices.
• Serve chilled, but not too cold.
• Burrata often comes in pairs so plan accordingly.
• Add the drizzle just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover burrata caprese salad, transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate it right away. Burrata is very delicate and tends to become runny once it's been cut, so it's best to eat the leftovers within one to two days for the best texture and flavor. If possible, store the burrata separately from the tomatoes and basil to prevent the salad from becoming watery. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to bring out the best flavor.

Burrata Caprese

Renae Gerhardstein

Tired of the classic caprese salad? Mix it up and try our burrata caprese to instantly elevate your antipasto menu with the taste of creamy burrata.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 142 kcal

Equipment

• platter
• large spoon
• plastic wrap or bee's wrap

Ingredients

  

• 6 medium tomatoes cut into slices about ½-inch thick. *see Notes
• 8 ounces burrata cheese *see Notes below
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze also known as balsamic vinegar reduction

Optional

• 3 tablespoons pesto vinaigrette to drizzle over top of salad
• ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt or more/less to your taste preference
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Arrange tomato slices on a platter by fanning them out in layers, leaving some space in the center of the platter.
• Add burrata balls to the empty spot in the middle of the platter, then using the back of a large spoon, lightly press down, to spread them slightly.

  Arrange basil leaves evenly over the tomato slices.
• If you'll be serving the salad right away, drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, then season with salt and pepper. Optionally, for an additional pop of flavor and color, also drizzle a bit of pesto vinaigrette recipe over the top.

Notes

Nutrition shown is for one serving, without pesto vinaigrette dressing.

Use the freshest ingredients possible – Since this dish is simple, high-quality tomatoes, burrata, and extra virgin olive oil make all the difference.

The best tomatoes to use for a caprese or tomato salad are those with the fewest seeds. Good choices are heirloom, Plum, Roma, and San Marzano.

To create clean, even slices, use a serrated knife. Lay the tomato on its side and cut slices through the core rather than cutting from top to bottom.

Burrata cheese is generally sold in a package of two, 4-ounce balls. It isn't as common as some other soft cheeses, so look for it at larger grocery stores like Kroger, HEB, and Sprouts. You may want to call your local store to see if they have it in stock.

Recipe Variations:

• Roasted tomato burrata caprese: Instead of fresh tomatoes, use slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or grape tomatoes for an extra depth of flavor.
• Citrus caprese: Add slices of blood orange or grapefruit for some zest.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a touch of sweetness.
• Grilled caprese: Lightly grill the tomatoes for a smoky flavor before assembling the salad.

Storage Instruction: 

• To store leftover burrata caprese salad, transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate it right away. Burrata is very delicate and tends to become runny once it's been cut, so it's best to eat the leftovers within one to two days for the best texture and flavor. If possible, store the burrata separately from the tomatoes and basil to prevent the salad from becoming watery. 

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• If you'd like to make your burrata caprese salad ahead of time:Don't add the balsamic glaze or basil vinaigrette just yet- cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until just before serving, then add the final drizzle.
• The fresh cheese becomes runny at warm temperatures, so it's important to keep it chilled until just shortly before serving. Any leftovers are best enjoyed within two days.

Keyword antipasto, caprese, summer salads