When summer hits, so does my craving for Burrata Caprese. I love fresh tomatoes, basil and burrata cheese. The combination of flavors is fresh and light. Perfect for serving with grilled chicken, steak, fish or even pork.

The best part is the texture. Creamy burrata cheese with plump tomatoes and fresh basil is made even more amazing with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

Why This Recipe Works

Caprese salad is the combination of mozzarella cheese, sliced tomato and basil leaves. It is said to have originated from the island of Capri and has the colors of the Italian flag.

Traditionally, a caprese salad is layered. It starts with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then a slice of tomato and a basil leaf. Of course, a sprinkle of salt and pepper with a drizzle of olive oil and sometimes balsamic finishes the dish.

This burrata caprese salad takes the classic even further. Instead of mozzarella, creamy burrata cheese adds a rich, spreadable center that makes every bite feel indulgent. And using a variety of tomatoes makes it as colorful as it is delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• Burrata Cheese – Two balls of burrata cheese give you a wonderful creamy texture and amazing flavor.
• Tomatoes – Use a variety of tomatoes so that the salad is colorful.  I have used a combination of campari, mini heirloom, cherry tomatoes and sprinkle tomatoes.
• Basil Leaves – Small basil leaves are a great addition to this salad.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette – Newman’s brand is the brand that I reach for.  Although a good balsamic glaze would be great too.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Burrata Caprese

1. Place the balls of burrata in the middle of a medium platter. Break each of them open slightly and season with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange Campari tomatoes around the burrata cheese. 

3. Add the baby heirloom tomatoes around the burrata cheese.
4. Finally, add the small cherry tomatoes and sprinkle tomatoes around the burrata cheese.

5. Sprinkle the small basil leaves all over the tomatoes and burrata.
6. Top the tomatoes with balsamic vinaigrette or glaze and enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

There are so many delicious ways to change up this burrata caprese salad recipe.  Just by adding one or more of the following ingredients, you can take this salad to the next level.

• Sliced Avocado – adding sliced avocado will give you another creamy and fresh element that pairs perfectly.
• Pesto – If you want more basil flavor or don’t have basil on hand, add a drizzle of pesto to the Caprese Salad.
• Mozzarella – It can be hard to find burrata cheese sometimes, so sliced mozzarella or mozzarella pearls would be a great substitution.
• Sliced Red Onion – Adding a few sliced red onions would give it extra flavor, color and texture.
• Fruit – Peaches, watermelon and strawberries all work wonderfully with caprese salad.  
• Nuts – Pecans, pistachios or pine nuts would all be a great flavor and texture addition to this recipe.

Pro Tips

• Use a variety of tomato sizes and colors. This makes the salad more colorful and gives you slightly different flavors in every bite.
• Season the burrata right after you open it. A pinch of salt and pepper on the burrata itself makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
• Add the balsamic right before serving. This keeps the tomatoes fresh and prevents the basil from wilting.

Storage Instructions

Leftover burrata caprese can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the salad is covered tightly, but know that it is best served fresh.

If you need to prepare it ahead of time, slice the tomatoes and have all of the elements ready to compile separately. When you are ready to serve, it will be easy to assemble and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you love salads?  Try these recipes!

• Fiesta Wedge Salad
• Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Cucumber and Pickled Shallot Salad
• Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
• Easy Bruschetta Salad Recipe
• Harvest Salad Recipe with Apples