I love simple salads. In Lebanon and Middle-Eastern cuisine in general, there are several simple appetizer-style salads made up of just a few key ingredients – including traditional tabbouleh and this creamy cucumber yogurt salad (Kh’yar bi laban). Here is a slight twist on the classic Caprese salad, subbing Burrata cheese with its soft, gooey center to make a rich and creamy Burrata Caprese Salad. Best of all, this simple, fresh heirloom tomato salad is easy to prepare in just minutes – slice up a few ingredients, combine them, and serve! Easy Peasy!
What is Caprese salad?
Caprese salad is a type of simple Italian tomato salad with basil and mozzarella – which is then seasoned with salt and olive oil. The mozzarella tomato & basil salad combination is usually served as an appetizer (‘Antipasto”). There are several ways of arranging the ingredients across a plate for aesthetically pleasing results – stacks, overlaying layers, a spiral, etc. There are several known ingredient swaps that are often used when preparing Caprese salad, including the use of balsamic vinegar, pesto, or an Italian herb dressing in place of the olive oil. The basil is also sometimes substituted with other greenery such as rocket (arugula) or lettuce. I’ve substituted the mozzarella entirely in place of its sister cheese, burrata, for this particular burrata Caprese. I’ve also made this an heirloom tomato salad – using beautiful and flavorful heirloom tomatoes.
What is burrata? (Burrata vs. mozzarella)
You may be forgiven for thinking that burrata cheese and mozzarella are the same at first glance. It’s only when cutting into them that you’ll start to see the differences. Burrata is a type of Italian cheese made from cow’s milk (and occasionally buffalo milk), rennet, and cream. Interestingly, it is actually a combination of a mozzarella shell with a softer, creamy center. This is done by forming a pouch with the stretchy, warm mozzarella and filling it with leftover scraps of mozzarella and cream before closing it up and allowing it to set. The result is that, when comparing mozzarella to burrata, you’ll find the latter is richer, creamier, and ‘looser’ with a center more likened to the texture of ricotta cheese. If you’re a foodie, you’ve probably even seen Burrata cutting videos all over social media, cutting into the firm shell only for the soft, gooey, cheesy center to spill out from the middle. For this burrata salad, use whatever burrata you can source, but avoid any that are stuffed with a different type of cheese (as some are in the US).
The burrata Caprese ingredients
Tomatoes – I’ve used a ripe heirloom tomato for their (in my opinion) superior flavor. However, smaller salad tomatoes and cherry/plum tomatoes could also be used. You can also mix up tomatoes for a range of colors. Cheese – I’ve used burrata cheese for this burrata Caprese. If you’re unable to source burrata, then Mozzarella is the closest substitute, though you’ll miss out on the wonderful textural change associated with burrata. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – alternatively, you could make up a quick pesto dressing by combining pesto with additional olive oil, use an Italian dressing (with Italian Herbs), or use balsamic vinegar (or use these quick and fun Balsamic Pearls). Basil – this is the classic ingredient. However, I’ve experimented with thyme/ lemon thyme too. You could also use arugula (rocket). Salt & Pepper
How to make Caprese salad with burrata
- Slice the tomatoes. As I’ve used large heirloom tomatoes, I like to cut them into slices (as thin or thick as you’d like). Use a mandoline for even slices. If you decide to prepare this salad with smaller tomatoes, you can prepare them in different ways. Smaller salad tomatoes can be cut into wedges and Cherry or plum tomatoes can be kept whole or halved.
- Assemble the burrata Caprese salad. First, lay the tomato slices on the plate how you’d like along with some basil leaves (whole or shredded). Then place the burrata on top, in the middle of the dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper, and then allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. This will let the tomato juices and olive oil combine for an even better flavor. TOP TIP to super creamy Burrata: The center of the burrata can become a little solid when chilled. To counteract this, allow the burrata to sit out of the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, place the cheese in a bowl of very warm water and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. If you don’t, you could slice the cheese similar to mozzarella in a traditional Caprese salad.
How to serve
Serve this burrata tomato basil salad (Burrata Caprese Salad) with crusty bread, alongside other appetizers, or even alongside other dishes – such as avocado toast, or with pasta salads or bakes. You could even use the ingredients to create a delicious grilled cheese.
More recipes you may like
If you enjoyed this burrata tomato basil salad combination, you might love some of these other related recipes and DIYs.
Classic Caprese Salad (Tomato Mozzarella Salad) How To Make Mozzarella Cheese Easy Stretchy Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Easy Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup Delicious Vegan Basil Pesto (with pistachios) The Perfect Spinach Strawberry Salad Easy Spinach and Blackberry Salad
If you try this Heirloom Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad (Burrata Salad) recipe, then let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating and would love to see your recreations – just tag @AlphaFoodie.
