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Simple, stunning and full of fresh flavor, this burrata Caprese salad brings together classic Italian ingredients for a dish that always impresses. Juicy heirloom tomatoes are layered with fresh basil and creamy burrata, then finished with a rich balsamic glaze and a drizzle of olive oil. Whether you serve it as a starter, a side or a light main, it’s the kind of effortless recipe that tastes like summer on a plate. No cooking skills required, just quality ingredients and a few easy steps.
Burrata Caprese salad combines heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and creamy burrata with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a gorgeous, flavor-packed appetizer or side dish.
Also try heart-shaped pizza, margherita pizza and pizza bagel bites. Sheet pan lasagna, meal prep Caprese salad and hamburger steak are also tasty.
Why You’ll Love It
No cooking required: Fresh ingredients and quick prep make this salad stress-free.
Beautiful presentation: The colorful tomatoes and creamy burrata look restaurant-worthy.
Bold flavor combo: Sweet tomatoes, rich cheese and tangy balsamic are a perfect match.
Versatile dish: Works as an appetizer, side or light main course.
Burrata Caprese Salad Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Heirloom tomatoes: Juicy and sweet with beautiful color and texture.
Burrata cheese: Creamy and rich, this fresh cheese melts into every bite. Burrata is Italian in origin and made from cream and mozzarella. It’s tastier and softer than mozzarella and also richer due to the cream.
Fresh basil leaves: Bright, peppery flavor that enhances the tomatoes.
Olive oil: A finishing drizzle that adds richness and depth.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar: Reduced to a glaze, it brings tang and sweetness. Balsamic vinegar is a rich, sweet type of vinegar, made from Trebbiano grape concentrate. You can buy readymade balsamic glaze or make your own.
Truffle salt: This is basically salt combined with black or white truffle pieces. The truffle aroma infuses the salt with a distinctive, earthy taste and luxurious finish.
How to Make Caprese Salad with Burrata
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the balsamic glaze: Combine vinegar and truffle salt in a saucepan and reduce until thickened.
Slice and season the tomatoes: Arrange on a plate and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Assemble the salad: Layer basil leaves between tomato slices.
Add the burrata: Place in the center, slice open for presentation.
Finish and serve: Drizzle with glaze, add more seasoning and garnish with basil.
Substitutions and Variations
Use buffalo mozzarella: Burrata is delicious but buffalo mozzarella is the authentic Caprese choice. You can use either one here.
Swap the glaze: Use store-bought balsamic glaze to save time.
Add extras: Try toasted pine nuts, prosciutto or even some arugula for variety.
Serving Suggestions
As an appetizer: Pair it with homemade classic focaccia or mushroom focaccia. You could also add some antipasto skewers or marinated mozzarella balls to the dish.
With a protein: Enjoy an Italian steak or some chicken patties with the salad.
With other dishes: Italian tuna white bean salad and hot Italian sliders are also nice pairings.
How to Store Burrata and Heirloom Tomato Salad
Store: This salad is best served right away. If you’re not quite ready to serve it, cover the dish with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Don’t add the balsamic glaze or burrata cheese until serving. You can prep the balsamic glaze ahead. It will keep for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge.
Freeze: Don’t freeze this salad unless you like mushy tomatoes and wilted basil!
Top Tips
Use ripe heirloom tomatoes: They should feel firm but give slightly under pressure.
Serve at room temperature: This brings out the full flavor of the ingredients.
Use a serrated knife: It makes slicing the tomatoes easier and cleaner.
Let the glaze cool slightly: This helps it thicken and cling to the ingredients.
Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad FAQs
Caprese salad is made with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, which this variation boasts burrata and heirloom tomatoes for an exciting twist on the classic. Just like with regular Caprese, this recipe is best served as soon as you’ve assembled it although you can prepare the balsamic glaze ahead if you like.
Heirloom tomatoes are at their freshest around August, but if you can’t find any you can use another kind. I would recommend organic tomatoes. Don’t use mass market ones you can’t smell through the skin. Head to your local farmers market and see what they have. You could even mix and match some cherry or grape tomatoes with larger ones.
Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 heirloom tomatoes
- 1 Ball burrata cheese, or buffalo mozzarella
- ¼ Cup basil leaves, or more if liked
- 1 Teaspoon sea salt , flakes
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon truffle salt
Instructions
- Prepare balsamic glaze. Combine truffle salt and balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Cook until reduced to half (about 10 minutes).
- Slice the tomatoes thin and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt flakes and pepper.
- Arrange tomato slices on a plate in a shingle pattern with a basil leaf between each slice.
- Place the burrata (or mozzarella) in the center of the plate. Use a knife to slice the cheese open in a checkered pattern.
- Drizzle the tomatoes and burrata with balsamic glaze. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped basil and serve right away.
Notes
Serve at room temperature: This brings out the full flavor of the ingredients.
Use a serrated knife: It makes slicing the tomatoes easier and cleaner.
Let the glaze cool slightly: This helps it thicken and cling to the ingredients.
Nutrition
This burrata Caprese salad is a fresh, elegant dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata and a tangy balsamic glaze, it’s perfect for summer entertaining or a relaxed evening meal. The ingredients speak for themselves, and the prep is simple enough to pull together in minutes. Whether you’re sharing it with guests or enjoying it solo, this salad is proof that the best recipes are often the simplest.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I’ve always loved caprese salads, but the burrata really took it to another level. The heirloom tomatoes were so fresh and flavorful, and the truffle salt was such a nice touch.
So easy to make and it tastes exceptionally good!
Burrata and the tomatoes are the perfect combo! So good!
You had me at burrata! This salad is my absolute fave right now.
It’s so pretty but it actually tastes much better than it looks!
I fell in love with burrata the first time I had it in a restaurant and this recipe is just as delicious
This looks so so good! I will have to make it soon
It definitely is the best caprese recipe I’ve seen ever! Those tomatoes and the cheese! These are awesome!
This is one of my absolute favorite parts of summer! I was looking for a fresh twist on caprese, and this is with the burratta.
I wish I could find heirloom tomatores!!