This burrata salad recipe is a fresh and delicious go-to summer dish. With spring mix, homemade croutons, vibrant veggies, and a drizzle of homemade dressing, it’s a show-stopping salad perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a special treat.
Why Love Burrata Salad?
Burrata salad combines creamy cheese, fresh greens, and homemade toppings for an unforgettable salad experience. Perfect for summer, it’s simple to make and elevates any meal with its fresh, bold flavors.
Burrata Salad Ingredients
- French Bread: Half a loaf cut into ½ to 1-inch cubes for croutons.
- Olive Oil: Use for drizzling over bread or as a dressing base; substitute with avocado oil if needed.
- Balsamic Vinegar: High-quality, thick, and naturally sweet vinegar is essential.
- Mustard: Use any variety, like Dijon or honey mustard.
- Honey: Optional for sweetness; maple syrup works as a substitute.
- Spring Mix: Preferred for its variety, but arugula, spinach, or Romaine work too.
- Green Onions: Add a subtle onion flavor to the mix.
- Optional Add-ins: Fresh tomatoes, avocado, corn, or bacon.
How to Make Croutons
- Cut Bread
- Slice French bread into ½ to 1-inch cubes.
- Season
- Drizzle olive oil over the bread, then add garlic powder and salt in increments, stirring each time.
- Bake
- Spread seasoned bread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway. Adjust baking time based on desired crunchiness.
How to Make Dressing
- Combine Ingredients
- Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey, and seasonings in a bowl or jar.
- Mix Thoroughly
- Whisk the ingredients or shake them in a sealed jar until emulsified.
Assembling Burrata Salad
Start by arranging the spring mix on a shallow serving platter. Add tomatoes, green onions, and other vegetables of your choice. Evenly space burrata balls over the greens. Add croutons around the cheese, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Drizzle dressing evenly over the salad or serve it on the side.
Tips for Serving
Cut each burrata ball into quarters or sixths for easy serving. Pair the salad with grilled chicken, pasta, or bread. Serve extra dressing and croutons on the side to let guests customize their portions.
Preparing in Advance
Assemble the salad up to one hour in advance, excluding the avocado and dressing. When ready to serve, add the avocado and drizzle dressing on top for the freshest presentation.
FAQs About Burrata
Burrata is a type of mozzarella cheese with a creamy, stringy interior made from stracciatella and cream. Its outer layer is mozzarella and entirely edible. It can be served cold or at room temperature, depending on preference.
Why Burrata Shines
Burrata elevates the salad with its rich, creamy texture and mild flavor. This cheese pairs beautifully with fresh greens, tangy balsamic dressing, and crunchy croutons for an unforgettable dish.
Customizing Burrata Salad
Tailor the salad to your taste by:
- Adding fresh fruits like figs or strawberries for a sweet contrast.
- Including proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto for a heartier meal.
- Swapping greens for kale, butter lettuce, or your favorite mix.
Storing Croutons
Homemade croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. Use leftovers to top other salads or soups for added crunch and flavor.
Best Dressing Tips
For the perfect dressing:
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil for optimal flavor.
- Whisk or shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by tweaking honey or vinegar amounts to your preference.
How to Plate Burrata Salad
Use a shallow serving dish to allow even distribution of ingredients. Arrange burrata, croutons, and vegetables so each serving gets a mix of flavors and textures. Garnish with fresh basil and green onions for a vibrant finish.
Ideal Pairings
Serve burrata salad alongside:
- Grilled meats like steak or chicken.
- Light pasta dishes or garlic bread.
- A crisp white wine or refreshing iced tea.
Burrata Texture Tips
For the best experience:
- Let burrata sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
- Cut gently to prevent the creamy interior from spilling too much before plating.
Burrata Cheese Facts
Burrata is a fresh cheese that originated in Italy. Its creamy interior pairs beautifully with salads, pastas, and antipasti. Unlike traditional mozzarella, burrata offers a luxurious texture perfect for gourmet dishes.
Impress Your Guests
Burrata salad is a show-stopping dish perfect for entertaining. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will leave guests impressed, making it an ideal centerpiece for dinner parties or summer gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- You can prepare most components up to an hour ahead, but add avocado and dressing just before serving. For best results, let guests dress their portions individually.
- → What's the best bread for homemade croutons?
- French bread works great, but sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread are excellent alternatives. Day-old bread makes especially good croutons.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
- Undressed salad keeps well for 1-2 days in the fridge. Store dressing separately and add fresh avocado when serving for best results.
- → Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar?
- Quality balsamic vinegar is key for the best flavor. Look for thick, naturally sweet varieties rather than thin, watery ones.
- → What greens work best in this salad?
- Spring mix is ideal, but arugula, baby spinach, butter lettuce or romaine work well too. Choose fresh, crisp greens for the best texture.