How to Make the Best Burrata Caprese Salad

A true celebration of simplicity and seasonality, the burrata caprese salad transforms Italy’s most iconic starter into something even more indulgent. Ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata, fragrant basil, and golden olive oil. A dish that captures the soul of southern Italy in every bite.

It’s a popular feature on the food menu at ‘O Ver Borough, described as:

Burrata Caprese (V)
Creamy burrata from Murgia served with Sicilian “Datterino” tomatoes, wild oregano, salt and black pepper, homemade basil oil and fresh basil.

Now you can recreate this restaurant-quality burrata caprese salad at home with the same attention to provenance and balance that defines ‘O Ver’s approach to Italian dining.

What is Burrata Caprese?

Burrata caprese, also called caprese burrata or burrata caprese salad, is a twist on the classic Caprese. The traditional Insalata Caprese comes from the island of Capri and is made with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Replacing mozzarella with burrata gives the dish a richer and creamier texture. It turns a simple starter into something luxurious and memorable.

At ‘O Ver Borough, our burrata caprese combines creamy burrata from Murgia with sweet Sicilian Datterino tomatoes and aromatic basil oil for a modern and elegant interpretation of a classic.

The Origins of Burrata Caprese

The Caprese salad was created on Capri in the Campania region of Italy to celebrate local ingredients: ripe tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella. Burrata originated in Puglia, further south, in the early 1900s. Cheesemakers created it by forming a pouch of mozzarella and filling it with stracciatella, a mix of cream and curds.

When these two regional traditions met, the burrata caprese salad was born. The union of creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes created an even more indulgent version of the original. The version we serve at ‘O Ver Borough honours this Italian heritage while presenting it with contemporary finesse.

Ingredients

When making burrata caprese, quality is everything. With so few ingredients, each one must shine. At ‘O Ver, we use the finest DOP ingredients in our dishes. We recommend doing the same when making this at home.

Burrata

Choose the freshest burrata you can find, ideally from Murgia or Puglia. Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving so the centre softens and becomes silky. Good burrata should have a delicate outer shell and a creamy interior.

Tomatoes

Sicilian Datterino tomatoes are perfect for this salad because they are naturally sweet and low in acidity. If you cannot find them, use ripe cherry, plum, or heirloom tomatoes. Slice or halve them and season lightly with sea salt to draw out their flavour before plating.

Basil and Herbs

Use fresh Genovese basil. Tear the leaves by hand instead of cutting to preserve their aroma. To make basil oil, blend basil leaves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. A sprinkle of wild oregano brings extra fragrance.

Olive Oil and Seasoning

Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil, preferably from southern Italy. Its peppery flavour balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the burrata. Season with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper. A touch of aged balsamic can be added if you like, though purists often prefer to keep it simple.

Recipe: Burrata Caprese Salad

Serves: 2–4 as a starter
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: None
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 fresh burrata (about 125g)
  
  

• 200g Sicilian Datterino tomatoes, halved
  
  

• 1 tbsp homemade basil oil (basil blended with olive oil and a pinch of salt)
  
  

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• A pinch of wild oregano
  
  

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  

• A handful of fresh basil leaves

Method

1. Prepare the tomatoes. Arrange the halved tomatoes on a chilled plate and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
   
   

2. Add the burrata. Place the burrata in the centre of the plate. Score the top gently or tear slightly to reveal the creamy centre.
   
   

3. Season and finish. Drizzle with olive oil and basil oil. Add oregano, black pepper, and torn basil leaves.
   
   

4. Serve immediately. Burrata caprese is best enjoyed at room temperature when the flavours are soft and balanced.

Chef’s tip: At ‘O Ver Borough, the burrata caprese is plated with restraint. Ripe tomatoes are arranged around the burrata, basil oil adds perfume and colour, and wild oregano gives a subtle herb note. Simplicity is key.

How to Serve Burrata Caprese Salad

• As a starter: Serve with warm sourdough or focaccia to soak up the juices.
  
  

• With wine: A light Italian white such as Falanghina or Vermentino complements the creamy burrata perfectly.
  
  

• Presentation: Use a wide, flat plate, place the burrata in the centre, and scatter the tomatoes around it. Finish with a drizzle of basil oil and a few fresh basil leaves.
  
  

• For group dining: Double or triple the recipe and serve on a large platter, perfect for sharing, just like it is presented at ‘O Ver Borough.

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

The burrata caprese salad shines on any table. As a light lunch, it pairs beautifully with a crisp Italian white such as Vermentino or a chilled rosé. For dinner, serve it alongside seafood or grilled vegetables for balance.

It also makes an elegant starter for group dining or summer entertaining. Combine it with antipasti, cured meats, or a basket of warm focaccia to create a relaxed Italian-style feast.

At ‘O Ver Borough, it often appears as part of our seasonal menu. It reflects the Mediterranean approach to dining: simple, fresh, and meant to be shared.

Nutritional Insight

A burrata caprese salad is naturally balanced. The tomatoes provide antioxidants such as lycopene, the olive oil delivers healthy fats, and burrata offers calcium and protein.

It’s a satisfying vegetarian option that feels indulgent yet light, especially when made with high-quality ingredients and served in moderation.

FAQs

What is a burrata caprese salad?

It is a variation of the classic Caprese salad that uses burrata instead of mozzarella. The creamy centre of the burrata gives the dish a richer and more indulgent texture.

What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella?

Mozzarella is firm and elastic, while burrata has a soft shell filled with cream and stracciatella. Burrata is creamier and more luxurious.

Can I make burrata caprese ahead of time?

You can prepare the tomatoes and basil oil in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving. Burrata is best enjoyed fresh at room temperature.

What kind of tomatoes are best for burrata caprese?

Use ripe, flavourful tomatoes that are in season. Sicilian Datterino, vine-ripened cherry, or heirloom varieties work beautifully.

Is burrata caprese vegetarian?

Yes. It is a vegetarian-friendly dish when made with vegetarian cheese and no meat ingredients.

Final Thoughts

The burrata caprese salad proves that simplicity can be extraordinary when ingredients are chosen with care. Every element has a purpose: creamy burrata, sweet tomatoes, aromatic basil, and fragrant olive oil.

Whether you are enjoying it at ‘O Ver Borough or preparing it at home, this caprese burrata recipe is a reminder that great food is about balance, tradition, and authenticity.

Want to explore more traditional Italian recipes? Check out our Pane Carasau recipe for the ultimate Sardinian flatbread.