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This burrata Caprese salad is what summer on a plate looks like. Creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and good olive oil come together in just 10 minutes for a salad that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.
When tomatoes are at their absolute best, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy them than in a burrata Caprese salad. Sweet heirloom slices, bursts of cherry tomatoes, silky burrata, flaky sea salt, and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze let each ingredient shine without competing for attention. Whether you’re serving it with dinner on the patio or setting it out for friends at your next backyard barbecue, this salad always feels right at home.
I love serving this salad alongside my burrata bruschetta for a burrata lover’s dream spread, or pairing it with my Caprese chicken saltimbocca when I’m after a heartier meal. If your garden is overflowing with basil, don’t miss my basil chimichurri or my nut-free pesto recipe. And if you can’t get enough ripe summer tomatoes, my garden tomato salad and my tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad are both fresh favourites.
This is the third recipe in my Summer Salad Series! Be sure to check back each week for a delicious new salad, or browse the full series here.
✳︎ Why You’ll Love This Burrata Caprese Salad
- Ready in just 10 minutes with zero cooking required.
- Creamy burrata and peak season tomatoes make every bite rich, fresh, and full of flavour.
- Beautiful enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for a laid back lunch or weeknight dinner.
- Made with a handful of simple, high quality ingredients that do all the heavy lifting.
- Pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, crusty bread, and all your favourite summer meals.
Key Ingredients for a Great Burrata Caprese Salad
One of the best things about a burrata Caprese salad is that it relies on just a handful of fresh ingredients. Since there’s nowhere to hide, quality really matters here. Choose the best produce you can find, use a good bottle of olive oil, and let each ingredient do what it does best.
Burrata Cheese
Burrata is what takes this Caprese salad from classic to unforgettable. While it looks similar to fresh mozzarella on the outside, cutting into it reveals a rich, creamy center that gently spills over the tomatoes. For the best flavour and texture, let the burrata sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving. It softens beautifully and becomes even creamier.
Tomatoes
Ripe, in season tomatoes are the heart of any great tomato burrata salad. I love using a mix of heirloom tomatoes for their sweet, complex flavour and colourful appearance, along with cherry tomatoes for juicy little bursts in every bite. If heirlooms aren’t available, good quality vine-ripened tomatoes are an excellent choice.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is essential here. Its bright, slightly peppery flavour brings the tomatoes and burrata together in a way dried basil simply can’t. Tear the leaves just before serving instead of chopping them to help preserve their aroma and keep the salad looking fresh.
Olive Oil and Balsamic
With so few ingredients, a good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference. Look for one with a fresh, fruity flavour that complements the tomatoes without overpowering them. Finish the salad with just a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that enhances the classic Caprese flavours without stealing the spotlight.
What Makes Burrata Different From Mozzarella?
Although they look similar at first glance, burrata and fresh mozzarella are quite different. Fresh mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese with a uniform texture throughout. Burrata starts with the same mozzarella shell, but it’s filled with a rich mixture of fresh cream and shredded mozzarella called stracciatella. Slice into it, and that irresistibly creamy center spills out over the tomatoes.
That’s exactly why burrata works so well in a Caprese salad. Its rich, silky texture contrasts beautifully with juicy, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a more luxurious version of the classic without adding any extra effort. If you love traditional Caprese flavors but want something that feels a little more special, burrata is an easy upgrade.
Tips for the Best Burrata Caprese Salad
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. Since this salad has so few ingredients, peak season tomatoes make all the difference in both flavour and texture.
- Bring the burrata to room temperature. Let it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving so the creamy centre is soft and luscious.
- Tear, don’t slice, the burrata. Gently pulling it into large pieces lets the creamy filling mingle with the tomatoes for the best texture in every bite.
- Go easy on the balsamic glaze. A light drizzle adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the fresh tomatoes and basil.
- Use flaky sea salt. It adds a delicate crunch and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes better than regular table salt.
- Assemble just before serving. Tomatoes release their juices as they sit, so waiting until the last minute keeps the salad fresh, vibrant, and beautifully presented.
Andrea Says
Trust me on this one. Let the burrata sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. That rich, creamy centre is worth the wait.
NEW! NEW! NEW!
Summer Salad Series
Check out my new series featuring easy and fun summer salad recipes! You’ll find everything from classic favourites to creative twists to take your salad game to the next level!
Serving Suggestions
This burrata Caprese salad is one of those recipes that pairs well with just about any summer meal. Here are a few of my favourite ways to serve it:
- Pair it with chicken or steak for an easy, restaurant worthy dinner. It’s especially good alongside my easy grilled chicken, pan-seared ribeye steak, or quick air fryer steak bites.
- Don’t skip the bread. Serve it with slices of my no-knead focaccia, no-knead bread, or crusty air fryer garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy burrata, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
- Add it to an appetizer spread with my hot honey crostini or smoked salmon crostini for a fresh contrast to the sweet, spicy flavours.
- Round out your next barbecue by serving it with my grilled tuna steaks. The light, fresh salad is the perfect complement to smoky grilled fish.
- Make it lunch. Serve it alongside my green Goddess Caprese melt or BLT bagel for an easy meal that’s fresh, filling, and perfect for warm days.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While burrata Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh, there are a few ways to get a head start if you’re entertaining.
- Prep the ingredients ahead. Slice the tomatoes and wash the basil a few hours in advance, but store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
- Wait to add the burrata and dressing. Assemble the salad just before serving and drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic glaze at the very end to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The tomatoes will continue to release their juices, so the salad may become softer over time.
- Skip the freezer. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and burrata don’t freeze well, so this is one recipe that’s meant to be enjoyed in the moment.
FAQ
more salads from the summer salad series
If you’re loving fresh, seasonal salads, be sure to check out the other recipes in my summer salad series.
- Dill Pickle Chopped Salad. Crunchy, tangy, and packed with bold pickle flavour.
- Pomegranate Feta Salad. Sweet, salty, and bursting with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Quick Favour ⭐️ If you make this recipe, I’d love it if you left a quick rating + review. It’s the easiest way to support Hip Hip Gourmet, and I read every one.
Burrata Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large heirloom tomatoes (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 (250 g) ball of burrata cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
Optional
- crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Place the heirloom tomato slices on a large serving platter and scatter the cherry tomatoes over top.
- Tear the burrata into large pieces and nestle it among the tomatoes. Scatter the fresh basil leaves evenly throughout the salad. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and burrata. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle lightly with the balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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