No Italian-inspired dinner is complete without my burrata caprese salad. It's easy, perfect for summer, and will impress all your guests!
I recently got back from an incredible trip to Europe, and the food was definitely a highlight. Where we were travelling, fresh burrata was widely available for a fraction of the cost in Canada, and my family took advantage. We fell completely in love with the subtle, creamy flavour it brought to recipes, which inspired this burrata caprese salad!
This recipe puts a tasty spin on an already delicious Italian classic. While the origins of caprese salad are debated, it typically has four components: basil, tomatoes, olive oil and mozzarella. This is how my recipe differs, because we're swapping the mozz for burrata. However, true to the original, this burrata caprese salad has all the colours of the Italian flag as an homage to its country of origin.
Why This Dietitian Loves This Recipe
This summer I'm all about this burrata caprese salad and here's why:
- Nutrient-dense. Burrata is a source of protein, fat and calcium, while tomatoes are rich in a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. This dish also contains phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and many other essential nutrients.
- Full of class to impress. I love making this burrata caprese salad for guests, because it just looks stunning as part of a dinner party ensemble.
- Easy and fast. This is a super simple recipe with no hidden tricks. It only takes a couple minutes to throw together and is virtually impossible to mess up!
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes
- Burrata
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Use a serrated knife to cut cherry tomatoes in half (for a quick method use this trick) and add to a large bowl.
Drizzle tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Gently toss to combine.
Top with basil leaves and burrata.
Season with salt and pepper again to desired taste and drizzle additional balsamic vinegar and olive oil if desired. Serve with fresh bread or pita.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make vegan: Unfortunately I have not heard of any good vegan burrata products, so this probably isn't the recipe for you! You can make it a tomato salad without the burrata, but it won't resemble caprese salad at all.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Missing an ingredient? Try these:
- Cherry tomatoes: Can be substituted for any tomatoes you have on hand (just cut them into small wedges), however it will be messier as larger tomatoes tend to leak juices and seeds.
How To Serve This Burrata Caprese Salad
There are endless ways to serve and pair this salad, but here are some suggestions:
- Serve this on toast by spreading a layer of burrata on bread and topping with tomatoes and basil
- Add peaches for a seasonal summer twist
- Serve with eggs for a great breakfast option
- Serve as a side dish for all of your favourite protein and carbohydrate options (ie. roasted chicken, grilled tofu, meatballs etc.)
- Serve with quinoa, pasta or orzo for a great filling option
- Make a caprese panini
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Storage
I recommend eating this salad immediately after making it for best results. If you need to make this ahead, I recommend slicing the tomatoes and adding the olive oil and vinegar prior. When you're ready to serve, top with fresh basil and add the ball of burrata.
Top Tip
The longest part of this recipe is slicing all the tomatoes, so I highly recommend using this trick to speed up the process.
If you are serving this recipe at a large gathering, I recommend slicing up the burrata and distributing it around the salad in pieces. This makes it easier for guests to take a section without needing a knife!
Frequently Asked Questions
For the most authentic flavour I recommend Genovese basil (or sweet basil). This is the most common type of basil and can easily be found in plant form or packages at the grocery store. It is also super easy to grow yourself if you are looking to save some money!
Since we will not be cooking this olive oil I recommend purchasing a higher quality option for optimal taste! There are lots of things to consider when purchasing an olive oil (such as taste, price, origin, packaging etc.) but I recommend looking for 2 main things:
1. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This is the highest quality of olive oil available and will offer the most health benefits!
2. A dark, or opaque bottle. Transparent or light coloured bottles expose the oil to light and oxidation, which can alter the quality and benefits.
Yes, however, there are some differences between the two. Balsamic glaze does typically have a sweeter, thicker profile due to the different preparation methods. The thickness will make it look a little prettier and is a great option to finish off your salad at the end however it will lack some of the acidic taste a balsamic vinegar will have.
Burrata is essentially a "pocket" of mozzarella that is filled with soft cheese curds and cream. The filling of burrata is also known as stracciatella!
More Italian-Inspired Recipes
I making Italian-inspired dishes in my kitchen! Here are some more to try:
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make my burrata caprese salad, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Easy Burrata Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 ball of burrata
Instructions
- Use a serrated knife to cut cherry tomatoes in half (for a quick method watch video in text above for cutting tip) and add to a large bowl.
- Drizzle tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Gently toss to combine.
- Top with basil leaves and burrata.
- Season with salt and pepper again to desired taste and drizzle additional balsamic vinegar and olive oil if desired.
- Serve with fresh bread or pita.
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