Burrata Caprese Salad is a delightful Italian dish made with smooth, creamy burrata, flavorful heirloom tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Our burrata caprese is perfect as an appetizer or served alongside grilled chicken for a summer dinner.
What Is Burrata Caprese?
Caprese is a traditional Italian salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. This popular flavor combination has inspired sandwiches, pasta recipes, chicken dishes and more. Caprese salad is named after Capri, an island in Italy.
Caprese is most often made with regular mozzarella cheese. Here we are using burrata cheese, a type of mozzarella, which is extra creamy and delicious.
What is The Difference Between Burrata And Caprese?
Caprese is a salad made with a soft Italian cheese. Burrata and mozzarella are types of soft Italian cheese that can be used in caprese recipes.
While caprese salads are often made with regular mozzarella cheese, we choose burrata for this recipe to make it richer and creamier.
Mozzarella and burrata are generally made with cow’s milk. The outer layer of burrata is made of mozzarella, and the inner portion is made of a softer cheese curd and cream. The inner filling gives it an amazing flavor and spreadable texture. Try our Arugula Burrata Salad with Berries if you are looking for more burrata recipes.
Heirloom And Beefsteak Tomatoes: Which To Pick?
The many varieties of tomatoes can be confusing, right? Let’s break it down.
Heirloom is term that describes the breeding method used to grow the tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are grown with more traditional methods where the plants are naturally cross-pollinated. On the other hand, hybrid tomatoes are grown with conventional breeding methods. Heirloom tomatoes tend to be more flavorful and have preferred texture compared to hybrid grown tomatoes. You will also find that heirloom tomato come in a range of colors, from lighter yellow to deep purple colors.
Beefsteak is a variety of very large tomatoes, of which there are hundreds of types. Beefsteak tomatoes can be heirloom or hybrid. Beefsteak tomatoes are very large tomatoes which makes them perfect for this recipe. We want large slices of tomatoes to go with each bite of burrata.
Both hybrid and heirloom tomatoes are nutritious and great to include in your diet. For recipes with raw tomatoes, like this one, we recommend heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor.
Is This Tomato Caprese Healthy?
Yes! This burrata caprese salad is a nutritious dish that provides antioxidants, healthy fats, and calcium.
- Tomatoes are a wonderful ingredient because they contain powerful antioxidants. Lycopene, an antioxidant, gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene is known for its cancer-fighting properties. Tomatoes are also good sources of vitamin A and vitamin C, which support skin, immune, and bone health.
- The drizzle of olive oil boosts antioxidant content in the dish and helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins found in tomatoes.
- Burrata cheese contains protein and calcium which are important nutrients. However, burrata is higher in saturated fat. So like all cheeses on the Mediterranean diet, we want to consume them in moderation.
What Is Burrata Salad Made Of?
Here’s what you need to make this delicious burrata caprese salad in no time:
- Heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes
- Ball of burrata
- Chives
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
What Is The Best Way To Serve Burrata?
This tomato caprese with fresh burrata can be served as a refreshing appetizer to share. Try pairing it with fresh bread to soak up the tomato juice and dressing.
This salad can also be served alongside a protein like grilled chicken or salmon as a meal.
How To Prepare Burrata Caprese
Begin by slicing the tomatoes into thick slices and arrange on a large platter. Leave the center of the platter open. Then set the burrata in the center of the tomatoes. Use a spoon to open the burrata and allow some of the cream to spread out.
Top the platter with chives, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes
- 1 large ball of burrata drained
- 1 Tablespoon chives chopped
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes into thick slices and arrange on a large platter.
- Place burrata in the center of the tomatoes and crack open with a spoon.
- Sprinkle with chives and fresh basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy!
Looking For More Fresh Tomato Recipes?
Here are a few favorite recipes made with refreshing summer produce.
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