Burrata Caprese! The classic flavors of a caprese salad are elevated with rich, creamy burrata cheese, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. Summer elegance!
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Caprese salad is one of those simple classics that you just can't go wrong adding to a menu, especially in the summertime when tomatoes and basil are in season and abundant. The combination of creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, vibrant, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil are just a winner.
If you're looking to upgrade your caprese salad experience, give Burrata Caprese a try!
Using burrata cheese instead of regular fresh mozzarella can really amp up the luxuriousness of this simple dish. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Looking for more ways to enjoy luscious burrata? Try my Springtime Farro Salad with Burrata or use burrata in place of fresh mozzarella in this fall spin, Butternut Squash Caprese Salad.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
What is Burrata?
Burrata, which translates to “buttered,” is a fresh, Italian cheese. Coming from the Puglia region of Italy, this cheese is different than classic fresh mozzarella.
While fresh mozzarella is a solid ball of cheese, burrata has a fresh mozzarella exterior with a soft, creamy interior made of curds and cream. It's gooey and rich, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
One of the best parts of this dish is that it's made with just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Burrata. Many grocery stores now carry burrata, but if you have trouble finding it at your local supermarket, try Italian specialty stores or gourmet groceries.
- Tomatoes. I love to use Roma tomatoes for salads like caprese, but tomatoes on the vine, heirloom tomatoes, or really any beautiful, ripe kind will do!
- Arugula or other greens. While caprese salad is a salad that doesn't typically contain greens, I like to add just a handful of arugula or fresh greens as a bed for both color and extra flavor.
- Olive oil. A good quality, robust olive oil goes a long way in flavor.
- Basil. Fresh basil pairs perfectly with tomato and cheese, but feel free to use any other fresh herbs you love.
- Balsamic glaze. This is optional, but I really love the tangy sweetness.
- Salt. A finishing salt like flaky fleur de sel brings out the flavor in all of the ingredients.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Place a bed of arugula or your favorite greens in the bottom of a serving dish or in a serving bowl.
Place a ball of burrata in the center.
Carefully chop or slice tomatoes. Scatter or place them around the burrata.
Drizzle the tomatoes and burrata cheese with olive oil and sprinkle with finishing salt. Scatter fresh, chopped basil over the dish.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
Serve with toasted or grilled slices of bread or flatbread crackers.
Recipe FAQs
"Caprese" typically refers to a salad that features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, a signature in the isle of Capri.
This dish is so easy to make that I recommend assembling it right before serving, but if preferred, the tomatoes maybe cut in advance. Add arugula and season just before serving.
With the popularity of burrata, many national grocery stores now carry it. Check both the regular cheese aisle and the specialty cheeses near the deli. Otherwise, you may have more luck finding burrata in Italian specialty stores or gourmet markets.
Variations & Substitutions
Try these variations!
- Drizzle with a bit of honey for a sweet touch!
- Add some prosciutto to the mix for a more substantial salad.
- Dollop a few spoonfuls of pesto over top for an herby twist.
- Enjoy with chopped peaches or figs for a sweet, seasonal version.
Burrata Caprese
Ingredients
- 1 ball of burrata
- 5 tomatoes on the vine or favorite type of tomato
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or fleur de sel
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Place a bed of arugula or your favorite greens in the bottom of a serving dish or in a serving bowl.
- Place a ball of burrata in the center.
- Carefully chop or slice tomatoes. Scatter or place them around the burrata.
- Drizzle the tomatoes and burrata cheese with olive oil and sprinkle with finishing salt. Scatter fresh, chopped basil over the dish.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Serve with toasted or grilled slices of bread or flatbread crackers.
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