Name: Burrata Caprese Salad: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 medium Heirloom Tomatoes (Can substitute with seasonal tomatoes); 8 ounces Burrata Cheese (Fresh mozzarella can be used but won't be as creamy); 1/2 cup Basil Pesto (Adjust thickness with lemon juice if necessary); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Can substitute with sea salt); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (Can substitute with regular table salt); 4 slices Grilled Bread (For scooping); 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Fresh Basil (For garnish); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for best flavor)

As I pulled ripe heirloom tomatoes from my garden, their colors splashed against the late summer sun, I knew I had the perfect foundation for a Burrata Caprese Salad. This vibrant dish reflects the essence of Italian cooking—simple, fresh, and utterly satisfying—in just 10 minutes. The creamy burrata nestled among those juicy tomatoes creates a delightful contrast, while the fragrant basil pesto brings a burst of flavor that dances on your palate. Not only is this salad quick and incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also a refreshing way to celebrate summer produce without turning on the stove! Are you ready to dive into this colorful, no-cook delight?

Why is this salad a summer must-try?

Quick Preparation: Made in just 10 minutes, this Burrata Caprese Salad is perfect for when you're short on time but crave something delicious.

Creamy Delight: The addition of burrata adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates this classic salad, making it a real showstopper at any gathering.

Vibrant Ingredients: With fresh heirloom tomatoes and aromatic basil pesto, every bite bursts with bright flavors reminiscent of an Italian summer.

Adaptable Recipe: This dish allows for endless variations, whether you want to swap in grape tomatoes or try it with crumbled feta for a tangy twist.

Crowd Pleaser: Ideal as an appetizer or a light main course, this salad is perfect for casual gatherings, BBQs, or just enjoying a cozy night in. If you're looking for something equally delicious, try our tasty Chicken Caesar Salad or refreshing Feta Avocado Salad alongside it!

Burrata Caprese Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
Heirloom Tomatoes – Their freshness and juiciness make this salad vibrant; you can substitute any seasonal tomato varieties if heirloom tomatoes aren’t available.
Burrata Cheese – This creamy cheese adds a rich flavor; if necessary, fresh mozzarella can be used, but it won’t have the same creamy filling.
Basil Pesto – Provides an aromatic herbaceous flavor; whether homemade or store-bought, adjusting thickness with a bit of lemon juice works wonders.
Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – These simple seasonings enhance the overall taste; you can easily swap them for sea salt or regular table salt.
Optional Garnish
Grilled Bread – Perfect for scooping up that delicious burrata and pesto, adding a delightful crunch.
Finely Chopped Fresh Basil – A sprinkle of this fresh herb elevates the dish further with its aromatic qualities.
Olive Oil – A drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Feel free to explore and enjoy crafting your Burrata Caprese Salad!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Burrata Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare Tomatoes
Start by washing your heirloom tomatoes under cool running water and patting them dry. Slice them into ¼-inch thick planks, or if using smaller varieties, halve or quarter them into bite-sized pieces. This step should take about 3 minutes, as you want the tomatoes to showcase their vibrant colors and freshness in your Burrata Caprese Salad.

Step 2: Arrange Tomatoes
Place the neatly sliced tomatoes on a large serving platter, creating a visually appealing arrangement. Take a moment to season the tomatoes generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper, which will enhance their natural flavors. Allow the seasoned tomatoes to sit for a minute, letting the salt draw out some moisture and intensifying their taste.

Step 3: Add Burrata
Next, gently nestle the creamy burrata cheese in the center of the arranged tomatoes. Using your fingers or a knife, carefully break apart the burrata to reveal its luscious interior, allowing the creamy goodness to ooze slightly onto the tomatoes below. This step should take about 2 minutes, as you want the cheese to remain intact yet inviting.

Step 4: Finish with Pesto
Drizzle your vibrant basil pesto generously over the entire Burrata Caprese Salad, ensuring an even coating that blends beautifully with the tomatoes and cheese. This step should take just a minute, as the aroma of the fresh pesto will just tie all the flavors together. Serve this delightful dish immediately, and invite everyone to share the refreshing summer flavors!

Make Ahead Options

These Burrata Caprese Salads are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the heirloom tomatoes by slicing them up to 24 hours in advance, and they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their juiciness. The basil pesto can also be made ahead of time and will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week. However, for the best flavor, assemble the salad by adding the burrata and drizzle of pesto right before serving. This way, you ensure the components maintain their vibrant textures and flavors, giving you a refreshing dish that's just as delicious with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Burrata Caprese Salad

Imagine a sun-drenched table filled with vibrant flavors and fresh textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Grilled Bread: This crispy delight is perfect for scooping up the creamy burrata and pesto while adding a satisfying crunch. Enjoy it warm, brushed with olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Light White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the salad beautifully, enhancing the fresh taste of the heirloom tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese.
Garlic Roasted Shrimp: Juicy shrimp, roasted with a touch of garlic and olive oil, adds an elegant protein that harmonizes with the light, fresh salad.
Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the creamy burrata, making for a refreshing balance of flavors.
Caprese Skewers: For a fun finger food twist, create mini salad skewers with cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. This playful presentation mirrors the original flavors in a delightful new package.
Lemon Sorbet: End the meal on a refreshing note; a light lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and echoes the bright, zesty notes of the basil pesto.
Chilled Sparkling Water: Enhance your dining experience with a glass of chilled sparkling water infused with slices of lemon or cucumber. It's simple yet sophisticated, offering a refreshing lift alongside the salad.

How to Store and Freeze Burrata Caprese Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Burrata Cheese: If you have leftover burrata, it's best to keep it submerged in its liquid in the fridge for optimal creaminess and freshness up to 3 days.

Prep Ahead: While this dish shines when fresh, you can prepare the basil pesto a week in advance. Store it in the fridge or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use later.

Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge to keep the vibrant flavors and textures intact.

Burrata Caprese Salad Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Burrata Caprese Salad to suit your taste!

Cherry Tomatoes: Swap out heirloom tomatoes for cherry or grape tomatoes to create an adorable bite-sized version.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can add a tangy twist, offering a different flavor profile while still keeping it light and fresh.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy burrata.
Avocado Twist: Add slices of ripe avocado for an even creamier texture while bringing a buttery richness to the dish.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic reduction will add a sweet tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and burrata.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño to bring some heat to your refreshing salad.
Herb Mix: Experiment with different herbs—like arugula or mint—mixed in with the basil pesto for a unique flavor explosion.
Serving Suggestions: Pair it with our delightful Keto Cottage Salad for a wholesome meal or a side of our Feta Avocado Salad to enhance your summer dining experience.

Expert Tips for Burrata Caprese Salad

Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Use only juicy, ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for those that yield slightly to pressure; this means they are perfectly ripe for your Burrata Caprese Salad.
Dry the Burrata: Pat the burrata dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in your salad. This step ensures that your salad maintains its fresh, vibrant look.
Homemade Pesto beats Store-bought: If time allows, try making your basil pesto at home. It’s fresher and can be customized to your taste, ensuring your Burrata Caprese Salad reaches its fullest flavor potential.
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning with kosher salt and pepper. This enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the burrata, creating a delightful balance.
Serve Fresh: For the best taste, enjoy your salad immediately after preparing. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but fresh is always best.

Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto Recipe FAQs

What type of tomatoes are best for this salad?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use ripe heirloom tomatoes that are in season. Look for tomatoes that yield slightly to pressure, indicating they are juicy and ready to enjoy. If heirloom tomatoes aren’t available, feel free to substitute them with other fresh, sweet tomato varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes.

How should I store leftovers from the Burrata Caprese Salad?
Any remaining salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the flavors will meld, the salad is best enjoyed fresh. Remember to store the burrata cheese submerged in its liquid if it was not used entirely, as this helps maintain its creamy texture for about 3 days.

Can I freeze leftovers of this salad?
Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend freezing this salad. The delicate textures of the burrata and the fresh tomatoes don’t hold up well after freezing, which can lead to a mushy salad upon thawing. Instead, prepare only what you can enjoy fresh, and any leftover basil pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for later use.

What can I do if I find my burrata too moist?
Great question! If your burrata is excessively moist, because let's face it, it happens sometimes, just gently pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the salad. This step helps prevent moisture build-up, ensuring your salad stays fresh and beautiful. If you notice dark spots on your burrata, avoid those parts as they indicate spoilage.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, do take note of any allergies when preparing the Burrata Caprese Salad. While this dish is vegetarian friendly and gluten-free, be cautious with pesto, which may contain nuts (like pine nuts) or dairy, depending on the recipe. If making for guests, you can easily prepare a nut-free pesto using just basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Can the pesto be prepared in advance?
Definitely! Preparing your basil pesto in advance is a great tip. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or for longer storage, place it in ice cube trays and freeze it. This way, you’ll have ready-to-use pesto on hand for future salads or pasta dishes!