Heirloom caprese salad is a timeless summer staple. It's a delightful mix of ripe, juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh, aromatic basil leaves. The addition of a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and black pepper, enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating an uncomplicated, yet sophisticated dish that will impress your guests.
All of the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available at any well-stocked supermarket. However, it's crucial to select the highest quality ingredients, as their flavors are central to this dish. Look for ripe, firm heirloom tomatoes in a variety of colors and shapes, burrata cheese with a creamy, buttery texture, and fresh, vibrant basil leaves. As for the olive oil, opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Heirloom Caprese Salad
Heirloom tomatoes: These tomatoes are selected for their flavor and preserved over many generations. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, adding visual appeal to the dish.
Burrata: A type of Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream that has a rich, buttery flavor.
Basil leaves: These aromatic leaves add a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad.
Olive oil: Used to drizzle over the salad, it adds a depth of flavor. Extra virgin is the highest quality.
Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and complexity to the overall dish.
One reader, Emmy Durand says:
This heirloom caprese salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fragrant basil is simply divine. The flavors are so vibrant and the presentation is stunning. It's a perfect dish for a summer gathering or a light, refreshing meal. Highly recommend!
Mastering the Art of Caprese Salad
How to slice heirloom tomatoes: Use a serrated knife to cut the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange them on a large serving platter, overlapping their edges and varying the shapes as best you can.
How to arrange burrata or mozzarella: Cut the burrata or mozzarella into ¼-inch to ½-inch slices. Tuck the cheese around and underneath the tomatoes, dispersing it relatively evenly across the platter.
How to garnish with basil: Sprinkle basil leaves all over the salad, and tuck a few more into the crevices for added flavor and presentation.
How to drizzle with olive oil: Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the salad to enhance the flavors and textures.
How to season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle the salad generously with flaky sea salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring all the flavors are well balanced.
How to serve: Present the salad on a large platter and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors of the heirloom caprese salad.
How To Make Heirloom Caprese Salad
Serve a delicious Heirloom Caprese Salad this summertime with our yummy recipe! Enjoy an Italian salad dish filled with fresh heirloom tomatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsmixed heirloom tomatoesor the best ripe tomatoes available
- 8ozball of burrataor mozzarella, preferably fresh or packed in water
- handfulbasil leavesfresh
- 3tbspolive oilextra-virgin
- ½tspflaky sea saltor ¼ kosher salt, to taste
- black pepperfreshly ground
Instructions
-
With a serrated knife, cut the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange them on a large serving platter, overlapping their edges and varying the shapes as best you can.
-
Cut the burrata or mozzarella into ¼-inch to ½-inch slices. Tuck the cheese around and underneath the tomatoes, dispersing it relatively evenly across the platter.
-
Sprinkle basil leaves all over, and tuck a few more into the crevices. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Burrata is tricky to cut since the inside is so creamy. For easier cutting, cut into ½-inch slices and gently tug the slices into smaller sections. For the best flavor, let the salad rest for 30 minutes so the tomatoes release juices and the flavors mingle. This salad is best served within a few hours. Leftovers will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 201.88kcal
- Fat: 15.52g
- Saturated Fat: 5.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.46g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.13g
- Carbohydrates: 7.10g
- Fiber: 1.97g
- Sugar: 4.37g
- Protein: 9.79g
- Cholesterol: 29.86mg
- Sodium: 401.62mg
- Calcium: 209.67mg
- Potassium: 396.48mg
- Iron: 0.69mg
- Vitamin A: 132.64µg
- Vitamin C: 20.80mg
Elevate Your Caprese Game with This Simple Tip
When slicing your heirloom tomatoes, use a serrated knife to make the process easier. The serrated edge grips the tomato skin better than a smooth blade, reducing the chance of the tomato slipping and causing an accident. Additionally, it creates cleaner cuts without squashing the tomato, preserving its fresh and juicy texture for your caprese salad.
Streamline Your Heirloom Caprese Salad Prep
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, prepare dressings, and cook grains in advance to save time when making the recipe.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut or pre-washed vegetables to minimize prep time.
Organize your workspace: Keep all the necessary ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While one component is cooking, work on preparing another part of the recipe to maximize efficiency.
Invest in quality tools: Quality knives and kitchen tools can make prep work quicker and more efficient.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and save time in the kitchen.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away tools and dishes as you cook to keep your workspace organized and save time on cleanup later.
Substitute Ingredients For Heirloom Caprese Salad Recipe
heirloom tomatoes - Substitute with vine-ripened tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes have a similar sweet and juicy flavor to heirloom tomatoes, making them a suitable substitute in the salad.
burrata - Substitute with fresh mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a creamy texture and mild flavor similar to burrata, making it a good alternative for this salad.
basil leaves - Substitute with baby spinach leaves: Baby spinach leaves can provide a fresh and slightly peppery flavor similar to basil, adding a different but complementary taste to the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for drizzling over the salad.
flaky sea salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt has a similar flaky texture and adds a subtle, nuanced saltiness to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder and slightly earthier flavor compared to black pepper, providing a different but complementary taste to the salad.
Elevate Your Caprese Salad Presentation
Elevate the heirloom tomatoes: Select the most vibrant and visually appealing heirloom tomatoes, showcasing a variety of colors and shapes to create a stunning visual impact on the plate.
Artful arrangement of burrata: Carefully place the burrata slices around the heirloom tomatoes, ensuring they are evenly dispersed and strategically positioned to create an enticing visual composition.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves: Adorn the dish with hand-picked basil leaves, delicately placed to add a pop of vibrant green and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Drizzle with premium olive oil: Use a high-quality, flavorful olive oil to create a beautiful drizzle pattern over the salad, adding a glossy sheen and enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper: Finish the presentation by delicately sprinkling flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Caprese Salad
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Serrated knife: Ideal for slicing tomatoes and other delicate produce without crushing them.
- Large serving platter: A wide, flat dish for arranging and presenting the salad.
- Mixing bowl: For tossing and marinating the salad ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: To accurately measure and add the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Kitchen tongs: Useful for gently arranging the tomatoes and cheese on the platter.
- Drizzle bottle: For evenly distributing the olive oil over the salad.
- Salt cellar: A small container for easily sprinkling flaky sea salt over the salad.
- Pepper grinder: To freshly grind black pepper over the salad for added flavor.
Discover a Surprising Fact About Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a traditional Italian dish that originated from the island of Capri. It was created as a tribute to the colors of the Italian flag, with the red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil representing the nation's colors.
Budget-Friendly Caprese Salad: Is It Possible?
This heirloom caprese salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as heirloom tomatoes and burrata cheese, are relatively affordable and widely available. The minimal use of additional ingredients keeps the cost low, making it a budget-friendly option. The salad's simplicity and use of seasonal produce make it an economical choice for a family meal. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-15, making it an excellent choice for a delicious and affordable dish.
Is This Caprese Salad Healthy?
The heirloom caprese salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
- Burrata or mozzarella cheese: Provides protein and calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles.
- Basil: Contains vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage.
- Olive oil: A healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
However, the recipe is high in fat due to the cheese and olive oil, which may be a concern for those watching their calorie intake.
To make the salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety, such as part-skim mozzarella.
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil or replace some of it with a lighter option, like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- Add more vegetables to the salad, such as sliced cucumbers, red onions, or roasted bell peppers, to increase the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad a more complete and satisfying meal.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like fresh oregano or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, to add flavor without increasing the calorie content.
Our Editor's Take on This Caprese Salad Recipe
This Heirloom Caprese Salad recipe is a delightful celebration of summer's bounty. The vibrant colors and flavors of the heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fragrant basil come together in a harmonious symphony. The simplicity of the dish allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, while the drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevate the flavors. It's a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a refreshing and elegant addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Heirloom Caprese Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delightful Alternatives to Traditional Caprese Salad
Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Heirloom Caprese Salad
Why trust this Heirloom Caprese Salad Recipe:
The heirloom tomatoes in this recipe are carefully selected for their exceptional flavor and quality, ensuring a delightful burst of sweetness in every bite. The creamy burrata adds a luxurious touch, perfectly complementing the vibrant tomatoes. With the basil providing a fresh and aromatic element, and the drizzle of olive oil enhancing the overall richness, this salad is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The attention to detail in the arrangement and presentation showcases the dedication to creating a visually stunning and appetizing dish. Trust in the quality and expertise behind this recipe for a truly memorable dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
