Fresh, creamy, juicy, and incredibly simple, this Burrata Caprese Salad is everything you want from a warm-weather recipe. Sweet ripe tomatoes, luxuriously creamy burrata, fragrant fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil come together to create a dish that tastes like summer on the Italian coast.
The best part? There’s no cooking required, and the whole salad can be on the table in about 10 minutes. Serve it as an elegant appetizer, a light lunch, or alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- No cooking required
- Fresh and colorful
- Creamy, juicy, and flavorful
- Perfect for summer
- Beautiful enough for entertaining
- Uses only a handful of ingredients
- Naturally vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large ripe heirloom tomatoes
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, optional
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Optional Extras
- Kalamata olives
- Roasted red peppers
- Toasted pine nuts
- Fresh oregano
- Crusty sourdough or ciabatta
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Slice the large tomatoes into thick rounds or rustic wedges. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
For the best flavor, use ripe tomatoes at room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator.
2. Arrange the Tomatoes
Spread the tomato slices and cherry tomatoes naturally across a large serving plate.
Don’t worry about making everything perfectly symmetrical. A slightly rustic presentation makes this salad even more beautiful.
3. Add the Burrata
Place the whole burrata ball in the center of the tomatoes.
Gently tear it open with a spoon so the creamy center begins spilling onto the plate.
4. Add Fresh Basil
Scatter plenty of fresh basil leaves over and around the tomatoes.
Keep some leaves whole and tear a few larger ones for a natural presentation.
5. Drizzle With Olive Oil
Generously drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the burrata and tomatoes.
This is a simple recipe, so good olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
6. Season
Finish with flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Add Balsamic
For a slightly sweet and tangy finish, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the salad.
Don’t use too much—the tomatoes and burrata should remain the stars.
8. Serve Immediately
Serve with toasted ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia to scoop up the creamy burrata, tomato juices, and olive oil.
Tips for the Best Burrata Caprese
Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. Summer heirloom tomatoes are especially delicious.
Bring the burrata to room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before serving for a creamier texture and fuller flavor.
Choose quality olive oil. A fruity extra virgin olive oil works beautifully here.
Season right before serving. Salt draws moisture from tomatoes, so adding it at the end keeps everything fresh.
Serve immediately. Burrata Caprese is at its best when freshly assembled.
Delicious Variations
Peach Burrata Caprese
Add sliced ripe peaches or nectarines for a sweet summer twist.
Prosciutto Burrata Salad
Arrange thin slices of prosciutto around the tomatoes for a savory addition.
Pesto Burrata Caprese
Drizzle fresh basil pesto over the burrata instead of balsamic glaze.
Avocado Burrata Salad
Add creamy avocado slices for an extra-rich version.
Grilled Tomato Burrata
Lightly grill thick tomato slices before assembling for a smoky summer flavor.
What to Serve With Burrata Caprese
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lemon garlic shrimp, grilled salmon, pasta, pizza, focaccia, toasted sourdough, or a simple Mediterranean dinner spread.
For an appetizer, serve it with plenty of crusty bread so everyone can scoop up the creamy burrata and tomato juices.
Storage
Burrata Caprese is best served fresh.
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The tomatoes will release more liquid as they sit, so the texture won’t be quite as fresh the following day.
For make-ahead preparation, slice the tomatoes beforehand but keep the burrata, basil, seasoning, and olive oil separate until serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Mozzarella is firm throughout, while burrata has a mozzarella exterior filled with a rich mixture of cream and soft cheese curds. That’s what gives burrata its famously creamy center.
Can I use mozzarella instead?
Absolutely. Fresh mozzarella makes a classic Caprese salad, although you won’t get the same creamy texture as burrata.
Should burrata be served cold?
It’s best slightly closer to room temperature. Letting it sit out for around 20–30 minutes before serving improves its creamy texture.
Do I need balsamic glaze?
No. Traditional Caprese flavors are fantastic with just tomatoes, cheese, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead, but assemble and season the salad shortly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Burrata Caprese Salad proves that some of the best recipes are also the simplest. Juicy summer tomatoes, creamy burrata, aromatic basil, fruity olive oil, and a little sea salt create an incredibly fresh combination without requiring any cooking.
Add some crusty Italian bread and sunshine, and it really does taste like an Italian summer.