The Best Burrata Caprese Salad

Kristen Massad — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:23:40 +0000

Elevate your spring entertaining with The Best Burrata Caprese Salad. This classic Italian dish is so simple, yet the combination of colorful ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil and creamy burrata cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction is nothing short of gourmet.

The ultimate Italian appetizer or side dish, Caprese salad, is one of my go to recipes every time we entertain in the spring. This timeless dish celebrates the amazing flavors of spring with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and creamy burrata cheese, paired with a light drizzle of a sweet balsamic reduction. A classic Caprese Salad is made with mozzarella cheese, but I prefer to use Burrata, which is mozzarella and cream combined for an extra creamy and rich flavor.

Whether you are hosting a spring soirée or craving a light and satisfying meal, this colorful salad is a great addition to any meal and would be paired beautifully next to our other favorite side dish, this Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad and a favorite spring cocktail, Strawberry Basil Vodka Smash.

Ingredients to Make The Best Burrata Caprese Salad

Tomatoes
Make sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes that are bursting with flavor. Heirloom tomatoes are usually my favorite to use for a caprese salad, offering a beautiful range of color and a mild flavor.

Fresh Basil
Fragment basil leaves a the perfect pop of color and a delicious fresh flavor to this dish. If you don't have fresh basil, you can always substitute with basil pesto.

Extra Virgin Oil
Choose a hight quality olive oil to drizzle over the tomatoes in this salad. The flavor of the olive oil will enhance the flavor of all the other ingredients as well.

Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar and a balsamic vinegar reduction are two ingredients that will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. The vinegar is mixed in with the tomatoes and the reductions is drizzled over the top.

Burrata
The star of the show, Burrata is a creamy cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its soft texture and rich in flavor perfectly complement the tomatoes and fresh basil. If you cannot find burrata cheese, you can substitute for traditional mozzarella cheese and it will still taste great!

Step By Step Directions for the Perfect Caprese Salad

Slice the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half and put them into a medium mixing bowl

Add the Basil: Chop the basil into small strips or pieces and then add the fresh basil to the tomatoes

Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic: Mix the tomatoes and basil with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper until fully combined

Plate and Serve: Arrange the tomato mixture on a serving platter, top with the fresh burrata, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic reduction and top the burrata cheese with a sprinkle of course sea salt

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Burrata Caprese Salad immediately to enjoy the flavors at their freshest!

Why This Recipe Is Perfect For Spring

Burrata Caprese Salad is the most perfect spring recipe because we are getting to enjoy the freshest ingredients. Starting with ripe tomatoes, fragrant and delicious basil and the creamiest cheese. This recipe is super light and refreshing and perfect for any outdoor entertaining, casual week night meal or a simple side dish to bring to a friend home.

Tips and FAQS To Make The Best Burrata Caprese Salad

What do I use if I can't find Burrata?

Fresh mozzarella is a great alternative if you can't find burette cheese.

Can I use pesto instead of fresh basil in a caprese salad?

If you can't get fresh basil, basil pesto is great option to add a touch of the basil flavor, but there is nothing better than fresh basil.

Can I make Burrata Caprese Salad in advance?

If you need to start earlier in the day, you can get the tomatoes marinated in the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, but put the cheese on the platter right before you serve it.

More Spring Side Dishes You Will Love

Thank you for visiting Joy + Oliver. If you tried this recipe, please leave a 5 Star Review in the recipe card and save all your favorite recipes to Pinterest!

Please visit us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more of our favorite recipes that you will love!