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This Burrata Tomato Salad is made with creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle — this 10-minute Burrata Caprese Salad is the easiest no-cook summer appetizer.
Burrata is having a moment right now! It is an ingredient you are seeing everywhere and it is one of my go-to appetizers when I need to make something quick, easy, and a crowd pleaser.
There’s a reason burrata shows up on basically every restaurant menu the second tomatoes come into season — it’s rich, creamy, and turns even the simplest ingredients into something that looks (and tastes) way more impressive than the effort it actually takes. This Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad is exactly that…juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a ball of burrata, all finished with good olive oil, a balsamic drizzle, flaky salt, and seasonings.
No stove, no oven, no real “cooking” involved. Just good ingredients, a few minutes, and a plate that looks like it came from a restaurant. My friends and family always ooh and aah when I make this for them because it looks so beautiful but what keeps them coming back for more is the freshness of the tomatoes paired with the creaminess of the burrata and the tang from the balsamic glaze. It is the perfect appetizer!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Zero cooking involved — just a knife, a cutting board, and about 10 minutes.
- Looks way fancier than it actually is — creamy burrata and fresh tomatoes just look impressive, even though this is basically assembly, not cooking.
- Works for literally anything — throw it together for a quick weeknight side or serve it at a dinner party and nobody will know it took you 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Burrata Balls — The creamy centerpiece of the dish. Unlike regular mozzarella, burrata has a soft, cream-filled center that oozes out when cut, adding rich, luxurious flavor and texture. I like to get mine from Costco.
- Fresh Grape or Heirloom Tomatoes — Provide natural sweetness and juiciness. Heirloom tomatoes add extra color and a slightly more complex, tangy-sweet flavor, while grape tomatoes offer convenience and consistent sweetness.
- Fresh Basil — Adds a fragrant, slightly peppery freshness that’s classic in Italian-style tomato dishes and balances the richness of the burrata.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) — Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil! My favorite brands are Brightland, Kirkland, or Bertolli.
- Balsamic Glaze — A reduced, syrupy version of balsamic vinegar that adds a sweet-tangy contrast to the creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes without thinning out the dish like regular vinegar would. I like to get mine from Trader Joe’s.
- Flaky Sea Salt — Enhances all the other flavors and adds a subtle crunch and briny finish that regular table salt can’t replicate.
- Seasonings — I like to use Trader Joe’s Aglio Olio Seasoning which includes minced garlic, sea salt flakes, parsley, red bell pepper, red chili pepper, and safflower oil. If you don’t have that, there are some substitutions below.
What Is Burrata?
Burrata is an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. On the outside, it looks like a regular ball of fresh mozzarella — but on the inside, it’s filled with a soft, creamy mixture of shredded mozzarella curds and cream called stracciatella. When you cut into it, that creamy center spills out, giving you something richer and softer than regular mozzarella.
If you’ve never had it before, think of it as fresh mozzarella’s richer, creamier cousin — same mild, milky flavor, but with an ultra-soft, almost sauce-like center once you cut it open.
How to Season Burrata:
Burrata’s mild flavor is basically a blank canvas, which is exactly why it works so well here — it soaks up whatever you put on top of it. A few great ways to season it:
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper — the simplest option, and it lets the burrata’s natural creaminess shine.
- Extra virgin olive oil — a good, flavorful olive oil drizzled generously over the top adds richness and helps carry the other seasonings.
- Balsamic glaze — adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Red pepper flakes — a small pinch adds a subtle kick without overpowering the burrata.
- Fresh herbs — torn basil, or even a bit of chopped parsley or oregano, adds freshness.
- Lemon zest — a light grating over the top brightens everything up.
My favorite seasoning for burrata is Trader Joe’s Aglio Olio Seasoning. My go-to for seasoning burrata is Trader Joe’s Aglio Olio garlicky and spicy seasoning blend. It’s made with minced garlic, sea salt flakes, parsley, red bell pepper, red chili pepper, and safflower oil. It’s garlicky, a little spicy, and works perfectly sprinkled right over burrata with a drizzle of olive oil.
Don’t have it or can’t find it? Here are some substitutes that get you a similar effect:
- A pinch of garlic powder or minced garlic + crushed red pepper flakes + flaky salt + chopped parsley (essentially DIY-ing the same blend at home)
- Italian seasoning + a pinch of red pepper flakes, if that’s what you already have on hand
Where to Buy Burrata:
Burrata has become much easier to find in the last several years. I love to buy it at Costco or Sam’s Club since it is the least expensive there. Trader Joe’s has it for a pretty good price as well. You can typically find it at:
- Trader Joe’s — usually stocked near the fresh mozzarella and specialty cheeses
- Whole Foods — often multiple brands/sizes available
- Costco — usually sold in larger multi-packs, great if you’re serving a crowd
- Most major grocery stores (Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc.) — typically in the specialty cheese section, near the fresh mozzarella
- Italian specialty markets or delis — often the highest quality and freshest option if you have one nearby
Look for it in the refrigerated section, usually packed in a small tub of liquid to keep it fresh — it’s very perishable, so check the date and plan to use it within a few days of buying it.
How to make the Best Tomato Burrata Salad:
1. Prep the tomatoes. Halve or quarter the grape tomatoes (or slice heirloom tomatoes, if using). Arrange them on a serving plate or shallow platter.
2. Add the burrata. Place the whole ball of burrata in the center of the tomatoes, or gently tear it into a few pieces to let the creamy center spill out naturally.
3. Add the basil. Tear or roughly chop fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes and burrata.
4. Season. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, black pepper, and your seasoning of choice (Aglio Olio, if you have it).
5. Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed right after assembling, while the burrata is still cool and creamy and the tomatoes are fresh.
Top Tips:
Let the burrata come to room temperature before serving. Cold burrata straight from the fridge is much firmer and less creamy; letting it sit out for 20-30 minutes brings out its best texture and flavor.
Salt the tomatoes ahead of time. A light sprinkle of salt on the tomatoes about 10 minutes before assembling helps draw out their natural juices and enhances their sweetness.
Use good quality olive oil. Since this dish has so few ingredients, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Assemble just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, since the burrata can lose its shape and the tomatoes can release excess liquid if it sits too long.
What kind of bread pairs well with Burrata Salad?
Toasted crostini — Thin slices of baguette, lightly toasted with olive oil, add a nice crunch and hold up well for scooping.
Crusty baguette — Classic and simple, with a crisp crust and soft interior that’s perfect for tearing and dipping.
Ciabatta — Its airy, open crumb is great for soaking up the olive oil and balsamic without falling apart.
Sourdough — Adds a slightly tangy flavor that complements the richness of the burrata and sweetness of the tomatoes.
Focaccia — Its herby, olive oil-rich flavor pairs beautifully with the Italian-inspired flavors in the salad. I love to use my no-knead homemade focaccia recipe.
What can I serve with tomato burrata salad?
This burrata salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, grilled chicken, pasta dishes, or as part of an appetizer spread with charcuterie and crackers.
- Grilled Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Sausage Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Tri-Tip Steak
- Best Charcuterie Board
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella? Mozzarella is a solid, firm cheese throughout, while burrata has a mozzarella-like outer shell filled with a soft, creamy mixture of curds and cream, giving it a much richer, creamier texture.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? This salad is best assembled just before serving since the burrata can lose its shape and the tomatoes can release liquid if it sits too long. You can slice the tomatoes and prep the basil ahead of time, then assemble right before serving.
- Where can I find balsamic glaze? Balsamic glaze is typically sold near the vinegars in most grocery stores, I like to get mine at Trader Joe’s if you have one near you. You can also easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens.
- Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape or heirloom tomatoes? Yes, cherry tomatoes work perfectly as a substitute and offer similar sweetness and texture.
Tomato Recipes:
If you love caprese chicken, check out my Baked Caprese Chicken and Crispy Caprese Chicken.
This Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad is the easiest no-cook appetizer — creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, finished with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Ready in just 10 minutes!
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Burrata Caprese Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 balls Burrata Cheese (8-ounce each or 4 mini balls)
- 2 cups Grape Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn or thinly sliced)
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Glaze
- Sea Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Aglio Olio Seasoning * (Trader Joe's)
- Crusty Bread (baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough)
Instructions
- Prep the tomatoes. Halve the grape tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and let them sit for 5-10 minutes — this draws out their juices and concentrates the flavor.
- Toast the bread (optional). Brush the sliced bread with a little olive oil or melted butter. Lightly toast or grill it.
- Assemble the salad. On a large plate or shallow serving dish, scatter the tomatoes across the base. Place the burrata ball(s) in the center or nestled among the tomatoes.
- Top with fresh basil. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt, cracked pepper, and a light dusting of the Trader Joe's Aglio Olio seasoning.
- Serve immediately with the toasted bread on the side for scooping up the burrata, tomatoes, and all those juices pooling on the plate.
Notes
- A pinch of garlic powder or minced garlic + crushed red pepper flakes + flaky salt + chopped parsley
- Italian seasoning + a pinch of red pepper flakes, if that’s what you already have on hand
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
