This Burrata Caprese Recipe combines juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and fragrant basil for the ultimate summer salad that’s perfect for any dinner party or side dish! This burrata salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad!
I’m obsessed with summer-ripe tomatoes and fresh basil dishes. I look forward to this time of year all year long when I can get big, gorgeous heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market or pick all the cherry tomatoes from the garden. And I will most definitely be making this burrata caprese app all summer on repeat. It’s the perfect dish for noshing on while lounging around the pool or watching the kids play lawn games.
It’s like a traditional caprese salad gets a creamy upgrade with the addition of burrata cheese, bringing together the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the creamy texture of burrata. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or crusty bread, but also shines on its own.
If you can’t get enough of delicious Caprese salad, check out my recipes for Grilled Caprese Panini, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata, Caprese Salad, Tomato Bruschetta Recipe, and Four Cheese Pizza with Tomato Basil Arugula Salad!
Why We Love This Recipe
- The simple ingredients used in this recipe let the natural flavors shine, creating a stunning, delicious salad.
- The creamy burrata cheese adds a rich texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy, tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil leaves.
- This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick meals or last-minute entertaining.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Baguette – Provides a crunchy base to complement the creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes. You can substitute with any crusty bread.
- Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It adds a rich, fruity note to the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes – These add a burst of sweetness and color. Feel free to use grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Medium-sized Tomatoes – Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are best for their flavor and juiciness.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Essential for the classic Caprese flavor. Ensure they are fresh for the best aroma and taste.
- Burrata Cheese – The star of the dish, adding a creamy texture. You can find this in the deli department of most grocery stores.
- Balsamic Reduction – Adds a sweet and tangy finish. You can make your own by reducing regular balsamic vinegar over medium heat.
- Sea Salt or Coarse Kosher Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a slight kick and balances the flavors.
How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad
- Prepare the baguette. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice the baguette into ¼ to ½ inch slices and brush each side with olive oil. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Slice and arrange tomatoes. Thinly slice the medium-sized tomatoes and arrange them on the bottom of a large platter. Halve the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle them over the sliced tomatoes.
- Add sliced basil. Thinly slice the basil leaves and sprinkle half over the tomatoes.
- Add the burrata. Place the balls of burrata cheese on top of the tomatoes. Use a serrated knife to make a cross-cut across the top of each burrata ball, and gently pull back the outer shell to allow the creamy center to spread out.
- Add basil, seasoning, and dressing. Sprinkle the remaining basil over the salad. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction. Serve alongside the toasted baguette slices.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used, but it won’t have the same creamy texture as burrata.
Heirloom and vine-ripened tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and juiciness. Obviously tomatoes from your garden (or your friend’s garden) are going to be the best, but I also recommend trying your local farmer’s market!
You can slice the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Add the basil, cheese, and seasonings just before serving.
Burrata Caprese is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tomatoes and basil may lose some freshness, but the flavors will still be delightful.
Tips for Success
- For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and burrata cheese are key to a delicious Caprese salad.
- Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Let the salad come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the burrata to soften perfectly.
What to Serve with Burrata Caprese
Burrata Caprese makes a perfect appetizer. Serve it with a selection of charcuterie, olives, and marinated vegetables for a complete starter.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish. The fresh flavors complement the smoky notes from the grill.
Serve it as a side dish alongside pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or as part of a larger salad spread. It adds a touch of elegance and freshness to any meal.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use any variety of tomatoes, such as Roma, campari, cherry, grape, or even Sun Golds for a burst of sweetness.
- Substitute burrata cheese with fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable. You can also try fresh ricotta cheese for a different texture.
- Use a sweet balsamic glaze for added sweetness, or make your own reduction for a homemade touch.
- Any crusty bread works well. Try ciabatta or a rustic country loaf for a different flavor profile.
More Perfect Summer Salad Recipes
- Creamy German Cucumber Salad
- Seafood Pasta Salad
- Frito Corn Salad
- CPK Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad
- BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Zucchini Salad
- Watermelon Basil Feta Salad
Burrata Caprese
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil + more for drizzle
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 balls burrata cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
- Sea salt or coarse kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Slice the baguette into ¼ to ½ inch slices. Brush each side with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.1 baguette, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Bake sliced baguette for 5 minutes, flip, and bake an additional 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Thinly slice tomatoes and arrange them at the bottom of the serving platter.2 medium-sized tomatoes
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half. Sprinkle on top of larger tomatoes.1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Thinly slice basil. Sprinkle half of the basil over the tomatoes.½ cup fresh basil leaves
- Layer burrata cheese on top. With a serrated knife make a cross-cut across the top of the cheese ball. Pull back the outside coating to allow the cheese to spread out.2 balls burrata cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining basil on top. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.Sea salt, Freshly ground black pepper,
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic reduction across the tomatoes and cheese.1-2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
- Serve alongside the toasted baguette.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can slice the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Add the basil, cheese, and seasonings just before serving.
- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The tomatoes and basil may lose some freshness, but the flavors will still be delightful.
