This Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. Perfect for any occasion—be it a casual dinner, a summer gathering, or an elegant date night—this salad elevates traditional flavors to new heights. The creamy burrata, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant basil pesto create a delightful combination that is both beautiful and incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this stunning salad in no time.
Bursting with Flavor: The rich creaminess of the burrata pairs perfectly with the sweet acidity of heirloom tomatoes and the boldness of basil pesto.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a light dinner or as an impressive appetizer at your next BBQ or party.
Fresh Ingredients: This recipe highlights seasonal produce, making it a great way to enjoy summer’s bounty.
Gluten-Free Delight: Naturally gluten-free, this salad caters to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large serving platter or board
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Large serving platter or board: Provides ample space for layering ingredients beautifully.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for slicing heirloom tomatoes without bruising them.
Cutting board: Offers a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients safely.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, sliced (see Recipe Notes)
8 ounces burrata cheese, drained & patted dry
1/2 cup basil pesto (see Recipe Notes)
kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
for serving, as desired: grilled bread, finely chopped fresh basil, olive oil, etc.

How to Make Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Layer the sliced heirloom tomatoes on your favorite large serving platter or board. Season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper.

Step 2: Add the Burrata

Nestle the burrata cheese into the tomatoes. Gently break it apart to expose its creamy filling, allowing it to mingle with the juices from the tomatoes.

Step 3: Drizzle with Pesto

Drizzle basil pesto over the top of your beautiful arrangement. This adds a vibrant pop of flavor that ties all components together.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your Burrata Caprese Salad right away! Serve with grilled bread or additional fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto

This burrata caprese salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also an incredibly versatile dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Grilled Bread

Toasted slices of rustic bread bring a satisfying crunch and serve as the perfect vessel for scooping up the creamy burrata and vibrant tomatoes.

Fresh Basil Garnish

Finely chopped fresh basil sprinkled on top adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enriches the salad, giving it a smooth texture and enhancing its Mediterranean essence.

Accompany with Charcuterie

Serve alongside an assortment of cured meats like prosciutto or salami for a savory contrast that complements the salad’s freshness.

Add Balsamic Glaze

A balsamic reduction can be drizzled over the salad, adding sweetness and acidity that balances the creaminess of the burrata.

Serve with Seasonal Fruits

Fresh fruits like peaches or figs can add a sweet touch, enhancing the flavors while providing refreshing contrasts.

How to Perfect Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto

To make your burrata caprese salad truly unforgettable, consider these essential tips for perfection.

Choose ripe heirloom tomatoes: Select tomatoes that are firm yet slightly yielding. Ripe heirloom varieties offer superior flavor and texture.
Use fresh ingredients: Opt for high-quality burrata cheese and freshly made basil pesto for maximum taste. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this dish.
Season generously: Don’t skimp on kosher salt and black pepper; they enhance all flavors in your salad, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve your salad right after assembling it. This ensures that every component retains its vibrant texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto

Burrata caprese salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes that round out your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider:

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add smokiness to balance the creamy salad.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic provide a comforting side that complements the lightness of the salad.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, lemon, and herbs adds protein while keeping things light and bright.
Caprese Skewers: Quick-to-make skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella offer a fun twist on classic flavors.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, veggies, or cheese create a hearty option that pairs well without overpowering the main dish.
Pasta Primavera: A light pasta tossed with seasonal veggies in olive oil keeps your meal balanced while staying true to Italian cuisine.
Crostini with Toppings: Crispy crostini topped with different spreads or cheeses can add variety to your table while complementing the flavors in your salad.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly will provide crunch without stealing attention from your star dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this delicious burrata caprese salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using dull tomatoes – Always opt for ripe heirloom tomatoes. They are sweeter and have better texture than standard varieties.
Not seasoning properly – Forgetting to season the salad with kosher salt and pepper can make it taste bland. Season each layer generously.
Overhandling the burrata – Gently break apart the burrata to avoid losing its creamy filling. Treat it with care for the best presentation.
Skipping fresh basil – Fresh basil elevates this dish significantly. Avoid dried herbs and use only fresh leaves for maximum flavor.
Preparing too far in advance – This salad is best served fresh. Prepare it right before serving to preserve the flavors and textures.

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto

Freezing is not recommended, as burrata cheese does not maintain its texture when thawed.
Enjoy the salad fresh whenever possible.

Reheating Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to melt the burrata too much.
Microwave – Use short bursts of 10-15 seconds at medium power, checking frequently. This method can affect texture.
Stovetop – Gently warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring carefully just until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?

You can substitute fresh mozzarella if you can’t find burrata, but it won’t have the same creamy richness.

How do I make homemade basil pesto?

To make basil pesto, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust flavors to your liking!

What meals pair well with Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a side dish at picnics and BBQs.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients separately a few hours ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Basil Pesto is not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to elegant gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding seasonal ingredients or adjusting the pesto’s flavor profile. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful summer dish!