By:Merritt Allen

This burrata caprese salad is a spin on the classic Caprese salad! Figs are a delicious and sweet fruit that I can only find at certain times of year, and they make a great pairing to the traditional elements of tomatoes and balsamic. Burrata is a great substitute for mozzarella and makes this version of Caprese salad unique, creamy, and delicious. This salad is such a show stopper, and you can serve it as part of a fancy dinner, during a barbeque, or even just to celebrate the day.

This recipe for a fig and burrata Caprese salad does just that! It is bright, packed full of great ingredients, and is simply delicious. You can top this arugula and burrata salad with a reduced balsamic dressing that is simply chefs kiss on top of the homemade croutons, cheese, and figs. I hope you give this bright and tasty salad recipe a try and love it as much as I do!

Notes and Tips for Burrata Caprese Salad:

• This salad is quite easy to prepare but is best served fresh. If you do have leftovers, I recommend tossing in some fresh arugula to revitalize the crunch since the dressing can soak in and make the leaves a bit soggy.

• You can buy reduced balsamic or make it yourself. If you want to try making reduced balsamic at home, you can heat 3/4 cup balsamic with 2 Tbs brown sugar or maple syrup over medium-low heat until you have a reduction. Depending on the size of your pan, and the water content in your balsamic the time to reduction may vary. Continue to stir until thick and glossy. If your reduction is starting to boil, turn the heat to low.

• You do not have to use arugula in this salad. I like arugula because it adds a little spice and crunch. This salad also tastes good with all basil, spinach, microgreens, or tender spring greens. Feel free to add them all and let me know what you think in the comments below!

• This recipe calls for baby tomatoes because they are readily available but if you are making this in the summer, give it a try with heirloom tomatoes for a burst of flavor!

What Goes Well With Burrata?

• Burrata is a creamy cheese, that is similar to mozzarella, so it goes well with the bright and sweet notes that are in the figs and the balsamic reduction. Figs are a very sweet fruit when eaten ripe and the sugar in the fruit pairs well with the rich cheese. The reduced balsamic cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and gives a good contrast to the salad.

• Burrata and bread is a must try. That is why I make homemade croutons for this salad. They are seasoned super simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper but go so well with the burrata. The croutons are crunchy and perfect for taking a huge bite of burrata with.

What Does Burrata Taste Like?

• Burrata is a super creamy and soft cheese. It has a mild and rich flavor that comes from the outer mozzarella portion and an indulgent cream center. Overall burrata is a soft and mild cheese that pairs with many flavors.

How Is Burrata Caprese Similar To Traditional Caprese Salad?

• Traditional Caprese salad uses tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic, olive oil, and tomatoes. Often served in thick slices, the tomato and mozzarella are drizzled with the vinegar and olive oil. This burrata Caprese is similar in that it uses creamy burrata, a balsamic dressing, olive oil, and tomatoes. The greens differ by using more arugula than basil and adding the figs and croutons. It is a great twist on a traditional recipe that you will be making over and over again!

What Can I Use Instead Of Figs?

• It can be hard to find figs. below are some easy substitutions that you can use in place of figs. If you substitute, let me know with which fruit in the comments below!

• Fresh dates are a soft stone fruit that would pair well with the creamy burrata cheese. If you are buying dried dates, soak them in warm water before serving so they are not too chewy.

• Strawberries would be a great replacement for figs! They are more readily available than figs and their sweet fruit would be a perfect pairing to the cheese and balsamic.

• Blackberries are another berry that would be a good replacement. They are slightly tart, making them a perfect combination with burrata cheese.

• Apricots are a mild stone fruit that would taste good either fresh or dried out! Apricots would be especially good with the balsamic dressing.

• You can also used dried figs, which are more readily available year round.

Do You Eat The Skin On Figs?

• The skin on figs is edible. I recommend gently washing your figs and then chopping the stem and the bottom off. Those parts can be a little tougher.

• I chop my figs with the skin on in thin slices and serve them in the salad that way.

What Can I Serve With Burrata Caprese?

• Fig and burrata salad can honestly be a great meal all on its own! If you are looking to pair this salad recipe with something, I have listed some of my favorites below:

• Flank Steak in Soy Marinade may sound like a crazy pairing but the flavors actually mix really well and you will feel like you are eating a steak salad!

• Za’atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes are actually a great substitute for the croutons in this recipe. It makes for a super dynamic flavor profile that you will want to eat over and over again!

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Red Onions may be a little more involved but the fired red onions goes so well with the sweet figs in this salad!

• Let me know what you like to serve your salad with in the comments below!

Ingredients for Burrata Caprese Salad:

How To Make Burrata Caprese Salad:

1. Prepare The Croutons:

   1. Preheat the oven to 325 F

   2. Using a fresh or day old (or older) loaf of French bread, sourdough, or similar, break the bread into chunks.

   3. On a cookie sheet drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

   4. Toast in the oven until lightly brown and crispy, about 12-15 minutes. Remove to cool.

2. Prepare the Ingredients:

   1. Lightly chop the arugula and add to a large bowl, you will add all the ingredients to the same bowl.

   2. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half and add

   3. Finely mince the red onion and add

   4. Wash and trim the figs and then thinly slice them. Add to the bowl.

   5. Add the cooled croutons to the bowl.

3. Add the Burrata and Dress

   1. Drain the burrata balls from the liquid they come. Place the burrata in the center of your salad.

   2. Drizzle generously with balsamic reduction, see notes above if making at home.

   3. Drizzle with a couple tablespoons of olive oil.

   4. Add fresh basil, salt and pepper. Toss the salad and adjust the dressing as needed.

   5. Enjoy!