Burrata Cheese Caprese Salad

by Kristen Espino on May 22, 2024 (updated Jan 21, 2026)

If you’re a fan of the classic caprese salad, prepare to fall in love with its indulgent cousin: the Burrata Cheese Caprese Salad. In this recipe, juicy marinated tomatoes and fragrant basil are beautifully complemented by the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth interior of Burrata.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a quick yet elegant dish to elevate your everyday meals, this Burrata Cheese Caprese Salad is sure to impress. This salad embodies everything about summer – vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and the simplicity of enjoying the season’s best produce.

Looking for more delicious summer recipes to bring to your table this season, then try my Strawberry Burrata Bruschetta, Pan Seared Chimichurri Shrimp, and Seafood Boil In A Bag.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich creaminess- The addition of Burrata cheese, with its creamy, delicate interior and soft outer shell, elevates the classic salad to a new level of indulgence.
Fresh and vibrant- The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves captures the essence of summer, bringing vibrant colors and flavors to your plate.
Simple and elegant- This salad is incredibly easy to prepare yet makes a stunning presentation, perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Versatile and refreshing- It works wonderfully as an appetizer, a light main course, or as a side dish, making it a versatile addition to any summer menu.

The Difference Between Burrata and Fresh Mozzarella

Burrata is known for its soft, creamy interior, reminiscent to ricotta cheese, encased in a thin layer of mozzarella. When sliced open, Burrata releases its rich, buttery filling, offering a luxurious texture and slightly sweet taste.

In contrast, mozzarella has a semi-soft, elastic texture and a milder flavor profile with hints of milky sweetness. While Burrata contains cream along with fresh mozzarella, mozzarella is made solely with fresh milk curds, salt and rennet.

Burrata cheese caprese salad with fresh basil.

Ingredient Notes

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

Burrata cheese- Look for fresh Burrata cheese at speciality cheese shops or well-stocked grocery stores.
Tomatoes- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. In this recipe, I use cherry tomatoes.
Basil- Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to the salad. Use whole leaves or tear them into smaller pieces for added texture and flavor.
Oregano- Fresh oregano adds a wonderful savory flavor to the marinade and helps balance out the sweetness and acidity.
Extra virgin olive oil- Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find, as it contributes to the overall taste and richness of the salad. Look for cold-pressed oils with a fruity aroma.
Balsamic vinegar- Choose a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar for the best taste.
Garlic- Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. I use a microplane to grate the garlic to avoid any big chunks of raw garlic.
Honey- Use a mild-tasting honey like Clover to add some sweetness to the marinade.
Sea salt- Flaky sea salt enhances the flavors of the ingredients. Sprinkle it over the salad just before serving.
Black pepper- Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle hint of spice and complements the other flavors in the salad. Grind it over the salad right before you serve it.

Substitutions

Burrata cheese- If Burrata is not available, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella balls or slices. While it won’t have the same creamy interior, it will still provide a deliciously mild flavor and soft texture.
Basil- If fresh basil is not on hand, you can use fresh arugula for a peppery bite.
Balsamic vinegar- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar you can substitute with champagne or apple cider vinegar.
Red pepper chili flakes- To add a touch of heat, you can sprinkle a small amount of red pepper flakes into the marinade.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, basil and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, balsamic, honey, olive oil.

STEP 2: Prepare the tomatoes. Rinse the tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice some of the cherry tomatoes in half and leave some whole.

Burrata cheese, marinated tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil.

Cut open burrata cheese, marinated tomatoes, basil, oregano, and garlic.

STEP 3: Marinate tomatoes. Add the tomatoes to the marinade. Gently toss until they are evenly coated. Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

Marinated cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic and burrata.

STEP 4: Serve- Break open the balls of burrata over a serving bowl. Arrange the tomatoes around and on top of the burrata. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with grilled crusty bread or crackers.

Expert Tips

Select ripe tomatoes. Start with the freshest and ripest tomatoes you can find. Look for ones that are firm, glossy and have a vibrant color for the best flavor and texture. If possible, choose tomatoes that are in season for maximum freshness.

Herb options. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your marinated cherry tomatoes. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can add depth and complexity to the marinade.

Marinating time. While 30 minutes is sufficient for marinating, allowing the cherry tomatoes to marinate for longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the flavors and result in a more robust taste.

Serve at room temperature. Let the caprese salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the burrata to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy texture.

Toasted baguette with burrata and marinated tomatoes.

FAQ

What is Burrata cheese?

Burrata cheese is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy interior incased in a thin layer of mozzarella, giving it a unique texture and rich flavor. Burrata is often described as “buttery” and is prized for its delicate taste and luxurious mouthfeel.

How do I slice burrata?

Instead of using a knife to slice Burrata, I prefer to hold it in my hands and break it open with my thumbs. Alternatively, you can still slice it with a knife if preferred.

Can I make this caprese salad ahead of time?

While it’s best to assemble this caprese salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and presentation, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can slice the tomatoes, make the marinade or even marinate the tomatoes overnight. Just make sure to let the tomatoes come to room temperature before serving.

How can I customize this caprese salad?

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Feel free to customize the salad to your taste preferences by adding ingredients like thinly sliced onions, Kalamata olives, or even a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts for some added texture.

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this salad?

Yes, you can experiment with different varieties such as heirloom tomatoes which come in a variety of colors and shapes. You can also use Compari, Roma tomatoes or a mixture of both. Just make sure the tomatoes are cut into bite-sized pieces.

Storing

If you’ve already assembled this Burrata Cheese Caprese Salad, it’s best to consume it on the same day for the freshest taste. However, if you need to store leftovers, keep the components of the caprese salad separate if possible.

Store the marinated tomatoes in a separate airtight container. If the burrata has been broken open, store it separately from the other salad ingredients.

Burrata with marinated cherry tomatoes and toasted baguette.

Helpful Tools and Equipment

Chef’s knife- Using a sharp chef’s knife is crucial to slicing the tomatoes without crushing them, ensuring clean cuts and maintaining their juicy texture. Additionally, a sharp knife helps prevent the fresh herbs from getting bruised, preserving their vibrant green color.
Microplane grater- This tool finely grates garlic, creating a smooth texture that blends seamlessly into the marinated.
Large pasta/salad bowl or platter- Provides ample space without overcrowding.

More Salad Recipes To Try This Summer

Arugula Steak Salad with Cornbread Croutons

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

Dill Pickle Egg Salad

Elote Pasta Salad

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