Caprese with Burrata and Basil Oil

featured image caprese salad with burrata cheese

Caprese with Burrata and Basil Oil

Ripe, juicy tomatoes have never tasted so good. Add aromatic basil oil, aged balsamic, and creamy burrata cheese for the most flavorful tomato salad you've ever tasted.

Course Lunch, Salads, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings Servings

Calories 284kcal

Author Diana Reis

Ingredients

Basil Oil

1 Cup Basil loosely packed
¾ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Burrata Caprese Salad

2 Pounds Tomatoes
8 oz Ball Burrata
3 Tablespoons Basil Oil
2 Tablespoons Aged Balsamic Vinegar or Balsamic Glaze
Coarse Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Basil Oil

First, blanch the basil. This will allow the basil to release all of its flavor into the oil as well as preserve some of the color.
Bring 1-2 cups of water to a boil.
Place the basil leaves in a heat-safe bowl. Set up a second bowl with half and and half water to stop the basil from overcooking.
Pour hot water over the basil leaves and let them sit for 30 seconds.
Remove the basil from the hot water, and place them in the ice bath for 30 seconds.
Then, transfer cooked basil to a blender along with olive oil.
Blend until most of the basil has been integrated into the oil and there are no large pieces.
Use as is or strain through a fine sieve.

Burrata Caprese Salad

Wash tomatoes and remove the cores.
Then cut the large tomatoes into thick slices and small tomatoes in halves or quarters.
Arrange the tomatoes on a plate alternating by color and size.
Next, Place a few basil leaves in between slices for added color.
Gently, place the ball of burrata in the center of the plate. Alternatively, you can break the burrata apart and place chunks of curd around the tomatoes for a more rustic presentation.
Drizzle basil oil and aged balsamic over the tomatoes and cheese.
Finally, season generously with flaky sea salt and black pepper.

Notes

Diana's Tips for Success

Choose the Freshest Ingredients: This salad relies on the quality of its ingredients. Opt for ripe, in-season, colorful tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor. I like to use a combination of juicy heirloom tomatoes along with some cherry tomatoes or even grape tomatoes to get some variety of texture and flavor.
Handle Burrata with Care: Burrata is a delicate cheese with a creamy interior. Handle it gently to prevent it from falling apart before serving.
Homemade Balsamic Glaze: If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar until it thickens and reduces by half. This intensifies the flavor and gives it a syrupy consistency.
Experiment with Add-Ons: While the traditional ingredients are delicious, feel free to experiment by adding elements like avocado slices, prosciutto, or a sprinkle of pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

What is burrata cheese? Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata? Yes, you can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella if you prefer. However, burrata's creamy interior adds a unique texture and richness to the salad.

Storage

This is so easy to put together that it can be made fresh for all of tomato season. If you end up with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Basil oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. After 5 days, it must be discarded and made fresh.

Nutrition