Burrata Caprese Salad – Creamy, Fresh & Perfect for Summer Entertaining

Looking for a fresh, no-cook dish that tastes like summer on a plate? This Burrata Caprese Salad is your new go-to. With creamy burrata cheese, juicy heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze drizzle, it’s an elevated twist on the traditional Caprese. Simple to make, visually stunning, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that turns a side dish into a showstopper.

Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, prepping for a date-night dinner, or just want something light and satisfying, this salad delivers on all fronts. The magic lies in the textures: the rich, creamy center of burrata paired with ripe, acidic tomatoes and the freshness of basil.

Want more crowd-pleasing side dishes for your summer table? Check out our Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, another picnic-perfect favorite.

What is Burrata Caprese Salad?

The Italian Origin of Caprese Salad and Burrata

Caprese salad, or Insalata Caprese, is a classic Italian dish made with slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, meant to represent the colors of the Italian flag. But in recent years, a more indulgent version has taken the culinary world by storm: the Burrata Caprese Salad.

So, what’s the difference?

Burrata is a delicate Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains a soft, creamy blend known as stracciatella. When sliced open, it oozes rich, silky cheese, adding luxurious texture to every bite of your Caprese.

Curious about what makes burrata so special?
Learn more in the Castello Cheese Burrata Guide – a deep dive into its history, taste, and pairing options.

What Makes Burrata Different from Mozzarella in This Recipe?

While both cheeses come from the same family, mozzarella is firm and structured, ideal for slicing. Burrata, however, is about indulgence. Its soft, creamy interior makes every mouthful feel elevated and gourmet, especially when paired with ripe, sweet tomatoes.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Fresh Mozzarella	Burrata
Texture	Firm and stretchy	Creamy, soft, and runny inside
Flavor	Mild and milky	Rich, buttery, and delicate
Best Use	Pizza, paninis, Caprese	Salads, toasts, starters, platters
Shelf Life (Opened)	5–7 days	2–3 days

Burrata Caprese Salad isn’t just a trend, it’s a whole new level of texture and flavor.

For safe handling and storing of soft cheeses like burrata,
check the FDA Cheese Safety Guide to keep your ingredients fresh and safe to enjoy.

Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Burrata Caprese Salad

Choosing the Best Tomatoes: Heirloom vs. Cherry

The soul of any Burrata Caprese Salad lies in the tomatoes. For maximum flavor and visual appeal, use a combination of heirloom tomatoes and cherry or grape tomatoes.

• Heirloom tomatoes: Bold, juicy, and vibrant, they add rich flavor and beautiful color patterns to your salad. Slice them into thick rounds to form the base of your platter.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Sweet and less watery, these fill in the gaps and provide bursts of flavor. Halve them to balance the larger heirloom slices.

For expert tips on handling and preserving tomatoes, check the UCANR Tomato Guide.

Burrata Cheese: What to Look for and Where to Buy

Burrata is the star of this dish. Look for burrata that is:

• Fresh and packed in brine for the best flavor
• Soft but intact so it holds until you tear it open
• Consumed within 2–3 days of purchase

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella works, but you’ll miss the indulgent creaminess.

Curious about burrata’s origins and what makes it unique? Explore the Castello Cheese Burrata Guide.

Optional Flavor Boosters

Want to take this salad beyond the classic? Consider:

• Arugula for a peppery base
• Grilled peaches or strawberries for sweet contrast
• Toasted pine nuts for crunch
• Crusty bread or crostini for scooping

For another creamy, refreshing dish idea, try our Sugar-Free Cherry Fluff, a sweet, light dessert that pairs perfectly with summer meals.

Essential Dressing & Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

Balsamic Glaze vs. Vinegar: Which Is Better for Burrata Caprese Salad?

When finishing your Burrata Caprese Salad, the drizzle matters. Both balsamic glaze and aged balsamic vinegar work beautifully, but they offer slightly different flavor profiles and textures.

Balsamic glaze is thick, sweet, and syrupy, perfect for creating contrast with creamy burrata and acidic tomatoes. It also sticks better to the cheese and tomatoes, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Aged balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is thinner but more complex. If you’re using high-quality vinegar, it can add subtle fruity notes and depth without overpowering the freshness of your ingredients.

Feature	Balsamic Glaze	Aged Balsamic Vinegar
Texture	Thick and sticky	Thin and pourable
Flavor	Sweeter, more concentrated	Tangy, nuanced, slightly sweet
Best For	Drizzling in patterns, plating garnish	Light seasoning, soaking into tomatoes
Shelf Life	Long, refrigerate after opening	Long, store in cool, dry place

🧪 Want to level it up? Try making your own balsamic reduction by simmering vinegar with a touch of honey or brown sugar.

Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper: Don’t Skip These Flavor Builders

While the cheese and tomatoes do most of the heavy lifting, quality olive oil and seasoning are what bring this dish to life.

Use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with a fruity or peppery profile. Cold-pressed and unfiltered options add richer notes that complement burrata’s creamy base.

Sprinkle with:

• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for texture and flavor pops
• Freshly cracked black pepper for subtle heat

Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, or a few crushed pistachios or pine nuts for nutty crunch.

🧂 Layering Flavors Like a Chef: Pro Tips

Instead of dumping everything on at once, layer your seasoning:

1. Salt the tomatoes after slicing → draws out juices and intensifies flavor
2. Season burrata gently → don’t break it open until right before serving
3. Drizzle olive oil in zig-zags, not pools
4. Add glaze last, using a spoon or squeeze bottle for clean lines

Need inspiration for pairing bold flavor with comfort food?
Learn more about layering in our Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a bold, cozy dish full of rich southern flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe with Pro Tips

How to Properly Drain and Slice Burrata Cheese

To get the best out of your burrata, it’s crucial to handle it delicately. Unlike mozzarella, burrata has a soft, creamy center that spills beautifully onto your plate, but only if prepped right.

Start by removing the burrata balls from their container and placing them gently on paper towels. Let them drain for 5 to 10 minutes to remove excess brine. Don’t rush this step. Soggy cheese won’t let your balsamic glaze or olive oil cling properly.

When it’s time to plate, use your hands or a sharp knife to tear the burrata in half or quarters. This exposes the creamy stracciatella inside, giving the dish that signature indulgent look. Avoid slicing too thin; you want those luscious pools of cheese in every bite.

Looking for rich, decadent finishing touches for dessert? Try our Best Hot Fudge Recipe, thick, velvety, and made for indulgence just like burrata.

Plating Like a Pro: Tomato Layers, Burrata Centerpiece, Basil Touch

Plating isn’t just about beauty, it’s about building flavor layers. Begin by arranging thick heirloom tomato slices in a loose circular pattern on a large platter. Fill in gaps with halved cherry or grape tomatoes for color and contrast.

Next, gently place the torn burrata pieces on top of the tomato base. Let some creamy centers spill out; this creates that irresistible gourmet look.

Sprinkle torn basil leaves over the top. Use a zig-zag drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, followed by a few artistic dots or lines of balsamic glaze. Finally, hit it with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Optional finishing touch? A few toasted pine nuts or a scatter of arugula leaves underneath for a peppery base.

Serve this salad immediately for the best texture and temperature. Burrata is at its creamiest when served at room temp, not straight from the fridge.

Don’t forget to explore more snackable ideas like our Samoa Cookie Protein Balls, a no-bake treat perfect for ending a breezy summer meal.

Variations to Try for a Twist on Tradition

Pesto Drizzle, Grilled Peaches, or Arugula Base

Once you’ve mastered the classic Burrata Caprese Salad, it’s time to get creative. This dish is incredibly versatile, and with a few smart swaps, you can make it taste totally new while still keeping it elegant and refreshing.

Try laying your tomato slices and burrata over a bed of peppery arugula. It adds bite and turns this appetizer into a light, balanced salad. For something sweeter, grilled peach slices bring a smoky, caramelized contrast that complements the richness of the cheese beautifully. You could also use strawberries or figs for an elevated fruit-forward twist.

Instead of balsamic glaze, drizzle on a spoonful of basil pesto. This enhances the herbal notes of the fresh basil and deepens the overall flavor. Just be sure your pesto isn’t too oily, it should cling lightly to the burrata and tomatoes.

Looking for more bright, citrusy finishes? Our Zesty Lemon Pound Cake Cookies pair surprisingly well after a salad like this, especially if you’re serving brunch or lunch.

Substituting with Ricotta or Strawberries

If burrata isn’t available, fresh ricotta can work in a pinch. It’s fluffier and a bit drier, but when paired with the right fruitn, like strawberries, it can create a unique, dessert-style salad. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or drizzle with honey for a Mediterranean touch.

Experimenting with textures and flavors not only keeps the dish exciting, it also lets you tailor it to the season or what you have on hand. Just keep it fresh, and keep it balanced.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Burrata Caprese Salad

Since Burrata Caprese Salad is light, creamy, and packed with fresh tomato flavor, pairing it with the right beverage enhances the whole experience. Instead of wine, choose non-alcoholic options that cleanse the palate and balance the richness of burrata.

Try a sparkling water with lemon or lime for a crisp, clean finish. For something more aromatic, a sparkling basil lemonade brings out the herbal notes of the salad. Iced green tea with a hint of citrus also works beautifully, cutting through the creaminess without overpowering the flavors.

If you enjoy fruity drinks, a sparkling peach iced tea or non-alcoholic spritzer with strawberries complements the tomatoes and offers a summer-perfect pairing.

Bread, Seafood & Pasta Pairings That Complete the Meal

To round out the salad, serve it with toasted sourdough, ciabatta, or grilled crostini. These help scoop up that luscious stracciatella while adding a satisfying crunch.

As a main course pairing, grilled shrimp, lemony pasta, or roasted chicken all complement the flavors without competing. Keep the side dishes fresh and light.

Hosting a summer dinner? Start with this salad and finish with a sweet treat like our Zesty Lemon Pound Cake Cookies or Best Hot Fudge Recipe for a memorable finish.

These pairings transform a simple salad into a multi-course celebration.

Storage Tips & Make-Ahead Guide

How Long Can Burrata Caprese Be Stored?

Burrata Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store leftovers, do so carefully. Burrata is a fragile cheese that has a brief shelf life once it has been opened. After assembling the salad, it’s ideal to eat it within 1 to 2 hours for peak texture and flavor.

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. Be aware that the tomatoes will release moisture and the burrata may lose its creamy consistency overnight. It’s safe to eat within 24 hours, but the texture will be softer and the flavors more muted.

For detailed cheese safety guidance, refer to the FDA’s cheese handling resource.

What Not to Do When Prepping in Advance

Don’t assemble the full salad in advance. Instead, prep each component separately:

• Slice the tomatoes and store them in the fridge with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
• Keep the burrata in its brine until just before serving.
• Store basil wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag to keep it vibrant.

By prepping ahead this way, you’ll preserve both the flavor and the beautiful texture of your Burrata Caprese Salad.

Nutritional Info & Recipe Notes

Calorie Count, Macros & Allergen Info

This Burrata Caprese Salad may look indulgent, but it’s surprisingly light, especially when served as a starter or side. Below is the approximate nutrition information per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	260
Protein	10g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	21g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Most of the calories come from the olive oil and burrata, which are rich in healthy fats. You’ll also get a good dose of calcium and Vitamin C thanks to the tomatoes and basil.

Allergen note: This recipe contains dairy (burrata). If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, consider substituting with lactose-free mozzarella or a vegan soft cheese.

Looking to reduce fat? Use less olive oil or opt for a lighter drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Quick Notes for Dietary Adjustments (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

The recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Just double-check the label on your balsamic glaze for hidden gluten or additives.

Want to pair this with a guilt-free dessert? Try our Sugar-Free Cherry Fluff, a light finish after a fresh, creamy salad.

FAQs About Burrata Caprese Salad

Conclusion: Why This Burrata Caprese Salad Belongs on Every Summer Table

Whether you’re planning a summer dinner party, brunch with friends, or just need something quick yet elegant on a hot day, Burrata Caprese Salad delivers every time. It’s effortless to assemble, stunning to present, and bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor.

The creamy burrata takes the classic Caprese to the next level, while heirloom tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze bring balance and brightness. Best of all, this dish adapts beautifully, try arugula for bite, grilled peaches for sweetness, or pair it with a crisp Pinot Grigio and crusty bread for a full meal.

Unlike many fancy-looking dishes, this one doesn’t require hours of prep or cooking. It’s approachable, scalable, and endlessly customizable.

Looking for more easy summer dishes or comforting favorites to build out your menu?
Don’t miss our Best Hot Fudge Recipe for dessert, or balance out your menu with something savory like the Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

Try this salad once, and it just might become your go-to for every warm-weather occasion.

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