Burrata Caprese

This 5-ingredient Burrata Caprese is a twist on the traditional recipe using burrata cheese rather than mozzarella. Burrata differs from mozzarella with it's soft and creamy center called stracciatella. With juicy, fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze, this truly is the ultimate summer salad.

When Summer hits, a Caprese salad is always on our table at least once a week. This salad is a traditional Italian recipe from the island of Capri in Italy. It's made with the ripest, large tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

The original recipe for caprese salad uses mozzarella cheese, but in this version we are using burrata. If you've never had burrata before, trust me, you will probably like it even more than mozzarella (I'm serious!).

Give this twist on the classic salad a try at your next summer party or even weeknight meal, it takes only minutes to make!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• 5-Ingredient salad. It's the easiest salad recipe that looks so fancy every single time.
• Bursting with seasonal flavor. This caprese salad is addicting, you won't what to stop eating it, especially when it's tomato season.
• Easy to customize. Add a protein to the salad and make it a main course. Or try changing the flavors by adding fresh summer fruit like peaches or strawberries.

What is Burrata?

Burrata cheese is stracciatella cheese which is mild in flavor and extremely creamy that's been wrapped in mozzarella. Think of your two favorite Italian cheese combined into one (this is why it's become such a favorite the past several years!).

Burrata comes from Puglia, a region in the south of Italy. The name means "buttery" or "buttered" thanks to it's incredibly creamy texture. It's delicate in flavor with a hint of sweetness to it.

We love to serve it with bread, on salads, and even on top of pasta!

Laura Ashley's Pro Tip: If you want to make this salad in the fall or winter, I recommend using cherry tomatoes rather than regular tomatoes since they will be sweeter and juicier in the colder months.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Ripe tomatoes: Be sure to buy the best in season tomatoes that are large ripe and juicy. Heirlooms are a favorite in our house. If it's a colder winter month, then use cherry tomatoes for their sweet and fresh flavor.
• Burrata: We like the balls of burrata in the 4 ounce package.
• Fresh basil: Be sure it's fresh and not dried, it makes a huge difference and adds that signature fresh flavor.
• Olive oil: Drizzled all over the whole salad for a hint of buttery richness in each bite.
• Balsamic glaze: We love the store-bought to save time, but you can always make your own since it's so easy. Just reduce 1 cup of balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy. It adds the sweet and sour flavor that compliments the naturally sweet tomatoes so well.
• Optional Toppings: These toppings aren't traditional to the classic Italian caprese salad but something we also love to add. Try sliced ripe avocado, roasted red peppers, or toasted pine nuts.

How to Make Burrata Caprese

1. Slice tomatoes in even slices, about ¼-inch thick.

2. On a serving platter, alternate slices of red and yellow tomato slices.
3. Gently tear open the burrata to expose the creamy interior and pull apart into small bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces evenly on top of the tomatoes.

4. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, ensuring each tomato slice and burrata bite gets a light coating.

5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Place fresh basil leaves on top.

6. Serve immediately after assembling. Garnish with additional toppings as desired.

Pro Tips for Burrata Cheese Caprese

• Make your own burrata, it's easy! If you can't find this cheese, then buy mozzarella and shred the cheese in the center on a box grate. Soak the cheese shreds in heavy creamy and salt and stuff back into the outside of the mozzarella.
• Add additional toppings. While not normally in the recipe, we also love avocado, roasted red peppers, and toasted pine nuts in this salad.
• Break the burrata right before serving. This salad looks so impressive to guests if you cut open the burrata at the table right before serving.
• Use high quality ingredients. With only 5 simple ingredients, make sure each is of high quality. This will really take the flavor of your salad to another level.

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best when eaten immediately but if you want to store any leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. The texture will begin to change after about 24 hours in the fridge.

What to Serve with Burrata Cheese Salad

While this salad can be served as a main course, it's often a side dish or appetizer in our house. Here are some of our favorite things to serve alongside it.

• Ribeye Steak Sandwich
• Balsamic Flank Steak
• Sausage and Pepper Pasta
• Sausage and Onion Sheetpan Dinner
• Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Variations

Get creative, this simple recipe can be a base for adding any of your favorite seasonal ingredients. We also like to add:

• Fresh peach slices
• Sliced strawberries
• Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios
• Chili flakes
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant
• Grilled protein like steak or chicken
• Spicy honey

Frequently Asked Questions

More Simple Salad Recipes

• Tomato and Cucumber Salad
• House Salad
• Classic Potato Salad
• Marinated Vegetable Salad