Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of Italy with this incredibly simple yet utterly divine salad. Imagine biting into a juicy, ripe tomato, its sweetness perfectly balanced by the creamy, milky heart of fresh burrata, all drizzled with fragrant olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

The Caprese salad, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, originated on the island of Capri, hence its name. Its colors – red, white, and green – proudly represent the Italian flag. While the classic Caprese features mozzarella, swapping it for burrata elevates the dish to a whole new level of indulgence. Burrata, with its solid outer shell of mozzarella and a soft, stracciatella and cream filling, adds an unparalleled richness and decadence.

People adore this Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad for its simplicity and the sheer quality of its ingredients. It requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an elegant appetizer. The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fragrant basil is simply irresistible. The contrasting textures – the smooth burrata, the firm tomato, and the slightly chewy basil – create a delightful sensory experience. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleasing option for various dietary needs. I find myself making this salad all summer long, and I know you will too!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ripe heirloom tomatoes, various colors and sizes, cored and sliced or quartered depending on size
• 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese, preferably at room temperature
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, plus more for drizzling
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Sea salt flakes, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Preparing the Tomatoes:

Okay, let’s start with the stars of the show: the tomatoes! Choosing the right tomatoes is key to making this salad truly shine. I always opt for heirloom varieties because they have the best flavor and come in such beautiful colors. But really, any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work. Just make sure they’re at their peak!

1. Wash and Core: First, give your tomatoes a good wash under cool water. Then, using a paring knife, carefully core each tomato. This just means removing the tough stem end.
2. Slice or Quarter: Now, depending on the size of your tomatoes, you’ll want to either slice them or quarter them. For larger tomatoes, I like to slice them about 1/4 inch thick. For smaller cherry or grape tomatoes, just cut them in half or quarter them. The goal is to have pieces that are easy to eat and that will soak up all the delicious flavors.
3. Garlic Infusion (Optional but Recommended): This is my little secret weapon! In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil. This will add a subtle but noticeable layer of flavor to the tomatoes.
4. Dress the Tomatoes: Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil (or just plain olive oil if you skipped the garlic) over the sliced or quartered tomatoes. Season generously with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the salt – it really brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Gently toss everything together to make sure the tomatoes are evenly coated.
5. Let it Sit: This is important! Let the tomatoes sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This allows the salt to draw out some of the juices, creating a delicious tomato “sauce” that will mingle with the burrata.

Preparing the Burrata:

Burrata is basically mozzarella’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin. It’s a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, and it’s incredibly decadent and delicious. The key to enjoying burrata is to serve it at room temperature, which allows the creamy center to become even more luscious.

1. Bring to Room Temperature: Take the burrata out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to serve the salad. This will allow it to soften and become more flavorful.
2. Handle with Care: Burrata is delicate, so handle it gently. You don’t want to break it open prematurely.

Assembling the Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad:

Now for the fun part: putting everything together! This is where you get to be creative and arrange the ingredients in a way that’s both beautiful and appetizing.

1. Arrange the Tomatoes: On a serving platter or individual plates, arrange the marinated tomatoes in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly, but make sure there’s plenty of space for the burrata.
2. Place the Burrata: Gently place the burrata balls on top of the tomatoes. You can use one large ball for a platter or smaller balls for individual servings.
3. Tear or Chop the Basil: Roughly tear or chop the fresh basil leaves. Tearing is preferable, as it releases more of the basil’s aroma.
4. Garnish with Basil: Sprinkle the torn or chopped basil leaves over the tomatoes and burrata.
5. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the remaining extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Then, drizzle with balsamic glaze. Don’t overdo it with the balsamic glaze – a little goes a long way.
6. Season (Optional): If desired, add a final sprinkle of sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving Suggestions:

This Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with some crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious juices. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of toasted or grilled crusty bread. The bread is perfect for scooping up the tomatoes, burrata, and balsamic glaze.
• As an Appetizer: This salad makes a beautiful and flavorful appetizer for any occasion.
• As a Light Lunch: Serve with a side of grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy lunch.
• With a Glass of Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Tips and Variations:

This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad.

• Add Different Herbs: In addition to basil, try adding other fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or mint.
• Use Different Types of Tomatoes: Experiment with different varieties of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier salad, add roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat.
• Add Pesto: Drizzle with pesto instead of or in addition to balsamic glaze.
• Grilled Peaches: Add grilled peach slices for a sweet and savory twist.

Storing Leftovers:

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the tomatoes may become a bit soggy, and the burrata may lose some of its creaminess. It’s best to consume it as soon as possible.

Important Note: Do not freeze this salad, as the burrata will become watery and the tomatoes will lose their texture.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy burrata, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or light meal.

The key to success is using high-quality ingredients. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh burrata, and good-quality extra virgin olive oil. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations to create your own signature version of this classic salad.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s one of my go-to dishes for summer entertaining, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

This Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad is more than just a salad; it’s an experience. The creamy burrata, the juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor, the fragrant basil, and the drizzle of balsamic glaze all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates simple, fresh ingredients and wants to elevate their appetizer game.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking (basically none!), and delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a summer gathering, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated starter for a dinner party. Plus, it’s visually stunning! The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil against the creamy white burrata make it a showstopper on any table. Forget complicated recipes with endless steps; this is all about letting the quality of the ingredients shine.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I love it just as it is, there are so many ways to customize this Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad to your liking.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Grilled Bread: Serve it alongside grilled slices of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy burrata and soaking up the delicious balsamic glaze. A little char on the bread adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
* Prosciutto: Add a few slices of prosciutto for a salty, savory element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the burrata.
* Pesto: Instead of fresh basil, try drizzling a vibrant pesto over the salad. The nutty, garlicky flavor of pesto adds a whole new dimension to the dish.
* Different Tomatoes: Experiment with different varieties of tomatoes! Heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes can all add unique flavors and textures.
* Balsamic Reduction: For an even more intense balsamic flavor, try using a balsamic reduction instead of balsamic glaze. The reduction is thicker and sweeter, and it adds a beautiful sheen to the salad.
* Arugula: Add a bed of arugula underneath the tomatoes and burrata for a peppery bite.
* Grilled Peaches: For a summery twist, grill some peach slices and add them to the salad. The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the savory burrata and tomatoes.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for a little heat.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite serving platter, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made this Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad, please share your photos and comments. Tell me what variations you tried, what you loved about it, and any tips you have for making it even better. Let’s create a community of burrata lovers! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!