This is a classic caprese salad but with a twist. Instead of fresh mozzarella cheese, we use its fancier cousin- the burrata cheese. It’s perfect for the warmer weather cookouts and BBQs, right when the tomato season is at its peak. If you are new to cooking, then this salad is for you. It takes barely any effort, but the end product is absolutely smashing! A ball of fresh burrata cheese, sitting over all kinds of colorful tomatoes dressed with good quality olive oil and some fresh basil. Some salt and pepper. That’s it. It’s that simple. Summer means making gallons of roasted red pepper and tomato pasta sauce and summery melon ball salad.
Ingredients for Burrata Salad
Here are the ingredients you need to make this See the recipe card for quantities. Burrata- Burrata cheese is a fresh, creamy, soft Italian cheese that has an outer shell that keeps the inner creamy center together. One or two fresh burrata cheese balls will be enough. It tastes like fresh mozzarella but has a creamier center. Tomatoes- Any ripe tomatoes will work. I like to add a mix of fresh tomatoes from the farmer’s market, including anything from juicy heirloom tomatoes to grape tomatoes to black cherry tomatoes. Sweet summer tomatoes are the best for any summer salad. Cut them into different shapes for more texture. Basil - Fresh basil leaves. If you can’t get fresh basil leaves, use pesto. Extra virgin olive oil & Balsamic vinegar- The best you can afford.
How to make Burrata Caprese
Step 1: Slice & layer the tomatoes
Get a large flat platter to layer the salad. Place the bigger tomato pieces first, followed by smaller cherry tomatoes.
Step 2: Dress the salad
Now, place the ball of burrata in the middle. To cut it , pinch the middle softly. Dress the salad with salt, pepper, olive oil and a handful of washed basil leaves. This salad is best served immediately as the basil leaves turn black with time. Though the taste and texture doesn’t change much with time.
Serving Burrata Caprese
You can serve the burrata caprese with slices of crusty bread or crackers. A drizzle of pesto and chopped pine nuts make great garnishes. A drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze is also great. You can bulk the salad up with some arugula leaves, too. You can also add grilled peaches and stone fruit to jazz it up further. Whether you are going to a picnic or throwing a party poolside, this will definitely be a hit. Serve it with toasted bread, and people can make their own DYI burrata bruschetta.
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