Burrata Caprese

This Burrata Caprese is a simple twist of the classic caprese. Quality ingredients shine here - use your best tomatoes, fresh basil, quality olive oil, and creamy burrata for this fresh and delicious burrata caprese salad.

Despite the record-breaking heat this summer, our garden has still produced a bunch of tomatoes. All those 'maters have been the inspiration behind articles like, "Can You Freeze Cherry Tomatoes?" (spoiler - yes!) and some of our favorite new recipes, like this Burrata Caprese, as well as Baked Bruschetta Chicken and Tomato Ricotta Pasta.

Why You'll Love This Burrata Caprese Salad

• Simplicity: No frills needed, when simple, quality ingredients shine here.
• No Cook: All you need is a knife, cutting board, and a serving platter and you go from ingredients to plated in minutes!
• Seasonal Ingredients: Whether from your backyard or the store, take advantage of beautiful summer tomatoes and basil in this recipe

Caprese Burrata Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Burrata: Burrata is a delicious, creamy cheese made of fresh mozzarella and cream. The cheese is encased in a solid, fresh mozzarella, but inside is full of stracciatella (like a very, very soft, fresh shredded cheese) and cream. If you can't find burrata, you can substitute fresh mozzarella or mozzarella balls.
• Tomatoes: The tomatoes have to be ripe and delicious. Look for the best ones you can find at the store, or use home-grown if you can!
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves are needed - you can buy a small package of just the leaves in the produce section of your store, or for a similar price look for a small basil plant that will last you longer!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: With such few, simple ingredients, use the best ingredients you have access to. A cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is best!
• Salt & Pepper: I love using a flaky sea salt and finely ground freshly cracked pepper to help draw out the flavors of this simple salad.

How to Make Burrata Caprese:

• Begin by setting burrata out to come to a more ambient temperature while you're preparing the rest of the salad.
• Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Then arrange them on a platter.
• Place basil leaves on and between tomato slices - aim for one leaf for every slice.
• Place the ball of burrata in the middle of the platter. Break the top of the burrata open to show the creamy burrata filling.
• Drizzle the inside of the burrata and tomato slices with extra virgin olive oil, then season everything with flaky sea salt and finely cracked pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations:

• Pesto: Try drizzling pesto on top of the salad, either in addition to or in place of fresh basil. (I love my lighter, nut-free pesto!)
• Balsamic: Did you know there are actually no balsamic vinegars, reductions, and glazes in traditional caprese? That said, they do taste delicious here. If you want to add some balsamic, I recommend traditional balsamic glaze or white balsamic glaze.
• Spicy: If you like a little heat, try using a chili-infused olive oil or drizzling chili crunch on top of your burrata caprese.
• Infused Oils: Like the idea of adding flavor with an infused oil but not into heat? Try using a garlic infused olive oil or a truffle infused olive oil.

Recipe Q&A:

Does burrata need to be served warm?

Burrata is best at an ambient, room temperature. Remove the burrata from the fridge 30 minutes before serving.

Can you prep or make burrata caprese ahead of time?

Aside from washing and drying the tomatoes and basil ahead of time, I don't recommend it. With tomatoes, burrata, and fresh basil, you lose flavor the longer they're cut. Plus the caprese salad can get soggy if you make it too far in advance.

Is this caprese salad with burrata an appetizer, side dish, or a main dish?

Caprese with burrata can truly be whatever you want. A burrata caprese appetizer is beautiful, often a crowd-pleaser. It can even be presented as part of a grazing platter appetizer.

Burrata caprese salad can also be served as a side, or even as a light meal on its own. If serving as a side, I recommend pairing it with something like Pesto Crusted Salmon, Pesto Pasta, Baked Bruschetta Chicken, or even a simple rotisserie chicken from the store.

Is burrata healthy?

Due to its creamy center, burrata is a little higher in calories and fat than fresh mozzarella. It also contains protein and calcium. Putting my dietitian hat on here for a second, remember: no single food will make or break your health. Eat a balance of nutrient-dense foods you enjoy, don't deprive yourself of less-nourishing you love, and in in an overall healthy eating pattern that feels good to you.

What to Serve with Burrata Caprese?

Tomato caprese with fresh burrata can be eaten on its own, or you can serve it with bread, crostini, crackers, or pita chips. If you're enjoying it as part of a meal, try pairing it with a protein (like chicken, fish, shrimp) and a carb (like a side of pasta, bread, or flatbreads).

More Delicious Summer Salads to Enjoy:

• Peach Burrata Salad
• Watermelon Basil Salad
• Kale Caprese Salad
• 5-Minute Balsamic Thyme Tomato Salad
• Blueberry Panzanella Salad

Did you make this recipe? Give it a 5★ rating below! For more balanced nutrition and simple, healthy-ish recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram!