Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes

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This delicious Burrata Caprese Salad is an elevated version of the classic caprese salad (which is made using fresh mozzarella cheese). You really can’t go wrong with creamy burrata cheese paired with juicy heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil and extra virgin olive oil.

Contents:

The simple twist of adding a fresh burrata cheese, which is a soft Italian cheese, creates a stand-out dish that will wow your guests. This beautiful tomato burrata salad is the perfect dish to serve alongside my Fig and Burrata Salad and pizzas or pasta, for a beautiful Italian spread.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

I am not personally Italian but I am a great lover of just about every dish that comes from Italy, including a traditional caprese salad and creamy burrata cheese. It’s a beautiful dish to bring out at an Italian themed dinner party or pizza night! Here’s what is great about this salad:

• made using very few ingredients.
• this burrata caprese salad recipe is quick and easy to pull together.
• it is the perfect summer salad using seasonal produce.
• it is the perfect side dish for a fresh summer spread.

Ingredients Notes & Substitutions

This delicious recipe is made using simple ingredients. Now, I did struggle to find burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes at my local grocery store, but I’m going to offer you some substitutions that will be just as delicious! Here’s a list of the key ingredients that you will need as well as some notes and possible substitutions.

• Burrata cheese – it was a bit tricky to hunt down some fresh burrata cheese in my area, but it really depends on where you live. Some grocery stores have it but some don’t. It is more commonly available at specialty deli’s and organic grocery stores. If you can’t find burrata then look for fresh mozzarella balls (preferably in water or whey).
• Large heirloom tomatoes – you’re more likely to find heirloom tomatoes at the farmer’s market then at the grocery store. The flavour of heirloom tomatoes is so beautiful that I really think they’re the best tomatoes to use. But if you can’t you can absolutely use your favourite fresh Summer tomatoes. You can use Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes as well.
• fresh basil leaves – in a Caprese salad, basil really is a non-negotiable. I mean, you could make one without basil but it really wouldn’t be the same.
• good quality olive oil – using a good olive oil is key to this recipe. The best olive oil really is extra virgin olive oil, and for this recipe I recommend using one with a robust flavour.
• flakey sea salt – flakey salt really is the best salt to use, it adds a level of texture to the dish that is beautiful.
• balsamic glaze – you can also use a homemade balsamic reduction, aged balsamic vinegar or leave out all-together.

For a complete list of ingredients see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Caprese Salad Origin

The Caprese salad is also known as Insalata Caprese. It is an Italian salad that is believed to have originated from the island of Capri. A traditional Caprese salad is made from slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato, layered with fresh basil leaves.

It is finished with sea salt and a generous drizzle of olive oil. A Caprese is arranged beautifully on a plate and not in a salad bowl. It is generally served as a starter and not as a side dish (though I think it makes for a delightful side dish!).

How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad

It really couldn’t get any easier. I love that this recipe has very few ingredients but heroes each one in such a beautiful way. To make this burrata caprese salad, simply arrange the tomato slices and fresh basil leaves on a serving plate. Drizzle very generously with extra virgin olive oil and top with cracked black pepper and sea salt flakes.

Place the ball of burrata in the centre of the salad (the star of the show). I like to use a knife to slice into the soft outer shell of the burrata to expose the creamy centre. To finish the salad, drizzle with a sweet balsamic glaze. Serve the burrata caprese salad fresh!