Posted Apr 17, 2024, Updated Jul 05, 2024 One of my most sincere culinary obsession is burrata cheese. I seriously can’t get enough of it. When we go out to eat, if there is a menu item with the word “burrata” in the title, it’s basically guaranteed that I will order it. So, I created this recipe for the best burrata salad. I make this recipe at least weekly in the summer. It’s an unforgettable combination of ingredients far above and beyond an ordinary salad – making it perfect for entertaining and serving to guests! Burrata is a type of mozzarella cheese that’s formed into a pouch and then filled with soft, stringy curd (called stracciatella) and cream. In other words, it’s like a little pillow of cheesy goodness sent from up above.
Burrata Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions
If you’d prefer to use store-bought croutons and dressing to save time, choose your favorites and enjoy! Check out these cornbread croutons too, yum.
French bread. Use your favorite bread – sourdough, Italian, etc. I have an entire post on how to make homemade croutons that’s worth checking out if you need more guidance! Olive oil. avocado oil is a good substitute. Balsamic vinegar. High quality balsamic vinegar should thick and naturally sweet. It should not be thin, watery, or sour-tasting. (this is my all-time favorite balsamic vinegar). Mustard. Any mustard variety works well in this recipe – dijon, honey mustard, yellow, etc. Honey. Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for another delicious variety! Greens: Spring mix is the best – but you can use your favorite greens such as: arugula, Romaine, baby spinach, butter lettuce, kale, etc. Green onions – I’ve made this countless times times posting this recipe and always add green onions, although they aren’t pictured they are so good! Salad Add-ins. You can include your favorite vegetables or salad fixing like fresh corn, bacon, etc.
How to Make Burrata Salad
Since burrata is such a special cheese, it’s only fitting to serve it on top of an extraordinary salad. That’s why we make both the croutons and dressing from scratch for this burrata salad recipe.
Make the Homemade Croutons
These homemade croutons transform this burrata salad from good to great. They’re also easy to make in 15 minutes. Start by cutting a half a loaf of french bread into ½ to 1″ cubes. Then, drizzle the olive oil over the bread and stir to combine. Next, add the garlic powder and salt in two additions, stirring after each one. Then, evenly spread the seasoned bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. You may need to adjust baking time depending on your oven and your preferences (very crunchy or slightly soft). Test at 8 minutes and adjust accordingly. They won’t really brown, but they will get crispy. Then set them aside to cool while you make the rest of the burrata salad.
Make the Dressing
While the croutons are baking, whisk up the balsamic vinaigrette. Either whisk the ingredients together in a medium bowl, or combine the ingredients in a glass jar, secure the lid and shake.
Assemble the Burrata Salad
Arrange the greens on a large serving platter or in a large salad bowl. I personally prefer a shallow serving bowl for this burrata salad so that every serving has a little bit of everything (cheese, croutons, tomatoes, etc.). I used a noodle bowl from crate and barrel but they no longer sell it – I love this one though.
Then, add the tomatoes & any other vegetables you’d like to add to the salad.
Place the burrata cheese evenly on top of the bed of greens & tomatoes. Make sure that the burrata cheese is evenly spaced out when it’s cut open to serve.
I know it is shown in full “balls” in these photos. But, for easy serving I always slice each burrata ball into 4 or 6 pieces (depending on the size) and spread them out around the salad.
Next, add the croutons and avocado around the cheese, and save the rest to serve on the side in case anyone would like a double dose of homemade croutons.
Then, sprinkle the entire salad with salt and pepper, chopped fresh basil and green onions.
Next, evenly drizzle the dressing over the entire salad. Or, you can serve the dressing on the side if you think your guests would prefer it.
To Prepare in Advance
You can assemble the entire salad up to 1 hour in advance – except for the avocado and dressing. Then when you are ready to serve, add the avocado and dressing.
Serve
Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil on top and serve up this burrata salad! Serve any extra croutons and dressing on the side so your guests can adjust their portions to their individual tastes! I love this wooden serving set (and it’s only $10)! If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
