If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that combines creamy textures with juicy sweetness, then the Strawberry Burrata Salad is exactly what you need right now. This stunning salad pairs the luscious creaminess of burrata cheese with the bright, fruity punch of ripe strawberries, creating a harmonious blend that feels like summer in every bite. Perfect for warm days, easy get-togethers, or just a quick indulgence, the Strawberry Burrata Salad offers a delightful medley of flavors and a beautiful presentation that invites you to savor the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Freshness overload: The salad balances sweet strawberries and creamy burrata for a refreshing flavor combo.
- Incredibly easy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip it up in no time.
- Beautiful presentation: Vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Versatile for occasions: It works beautifully as a light lunch, appetizer, or part of a summer party spread.
- Perfectly seasonal: Embraces the best produce when strawberries are at their peak flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients is the key to this salad’s success. Each component brings its own special touch—whether it’s creaminess, crunch, sweetness, or a peppery bite—making the taste exciting yet simple.
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries to provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Soft burrata cheese: This creamy cheese adds a rich, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
- Baby arugula: Adds a subtle peppery flavor that balances the salad’s sweetness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use good quality oil to drizzle over the salad for a silky finish.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a tangy-sweet richness that enhances the strawberries and cheese.
- Fresh basil leaves: Provides an aromatic, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- Pinch of sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds depth.
- Cracked black pepper: Offers a mild kick that complements both the salad components and dressing.
Variations for Strawberry Burrata Salad
This recipe invites creativity—switch up ingredients or modify it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences without losing its core appeal. Here are some fun and simple ideas to make it your own.
- Add nuts: Toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts add crunch and an earthy flavor.
- Swap greens: Use baby spinach, mixed greens, or even watercress for different flavor profiles.
- Try different fruits: Substitute or mix in peaches, nectarines, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Introduce herbs: Cilantro, mint, or thyme can change the herbal notes uniquely.
- Include a protein boost: Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
How to Make Strawberry Burrata Salad
Step 1: Prepare the strawberries
Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them thinly or quarter them depending on size for an even distribution of sweetness.
Step 2: Assemble the greens
Rinse and dry baby arugula leaves thoroughly, then place them in a large salad bowl or on a serving platter as the base of your salad.
Step 3: Add burrata cheese
Gently tear the burrata into pieces or serve whole balls on top of the greens, allowing its creamy texture to meld with other ingredients.
Step 4: Layer strawberries and basil
Scatter the sliced strawberries across the greens and burrata, then add fresh basil leaves evenly to introduce a fragrant herbal punch.
Step 5: Season and dress
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for balance.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Burrata Salad
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: They’re the star of the dish, so peak-season berries make all the difference.
- Serve immediately: Burrata is best enjoyed fresh before its creamy center starts to soften too much.
- Gently handle burrata: It’s delicate, so tear or place it carefully to keep its texture intact.
- Balance flavors: The right amount of balsamic glaze adds tang without overpowering the salad’s natural sweetness.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the flavors meld better and prevents the cheese from getting too cold and hard.
How to Serve Strawberry Burrata Salad
Garnishes
Add a few extra fresh basil leaves or a light sprinkle of microgreens to elevate your salad’s visual appeal and add subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crispy bread, such as a toasted baguette or ciabatta, as well as light grilled proteins or chilled white wine for a perfect summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad on a large wooden board or a colorful platter to showcase its vibrant colors, or build it in individual mason jars for easy, elegant presentation at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; keep burrata separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing
Burrata cheese does not freeze well, so avoid freezing this salad; fresh strawberries and cheese lose texture and quality when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is recommended to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, mozzarella can be a good substitute if burrata is unavailable, though the texture will be less creamy and rich.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Burrata Salad?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container and add burrata at the time of serving if you want to maintain its creamy texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Traditional burrata is dairy-based, but for a vegan option, you can substitute with vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese alternatives.
What kind of balsamic glaze should I use?
Choose a high-quality balsamic reduction that is thick and slightly sweet to complement the strawberries without overpowering the salad.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
Assemble all components except burrata and dressing in advance, then add cheese and dress the salad shortly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Burrata Salad is a delicious celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors that’s just as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this salad brings a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and peppery notes that brighten any meal. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly it elevates your table and refreshes your palate.
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Strawberry Burrata Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Strawberry Burrata Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly balances the creamy richness of burrata cheese with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, enhanced by peppery arugula, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. This easy-to-make, visually stunning salad is ideal for warm days, light lunches, or as a delightful appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries, ripe and juicy – 1 pint
- Soft burrata cheese – 8 ounces (1 ball or torn pieces)
- Baby arugula – 4 cups
- Fresh basil leaves – 1/4 cup
Dressing & Seasoning
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic glaze – 2 tablespoons
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries. Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them thinly or quarter them depending on size to ensure even sweetness distribution.
- Assemble the greens. Rinse and dry baby arugula leaves thoroughly, then place them in a large salad bowl or arrange on a serving platter as the salad base.
- Add burrata cheese. Gently tear the burrata into pieces or serve whole balls atop the greens, allowing its creamy texture to blend with other ingredients.
- Layer strawberries and basil. Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly across the greens and burrata, then add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic herbal touch.
- Season and dress. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor—peak season berries make all the difference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy burrata at its freshest and creamiest.
- Handle burrata gently to maintain its delicate texture.
- Balance the amount of balsamic glaze to add tang without overpowering sweetness.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help flavors meld and cheese stay soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
