Ah, burrata—the creamy heart of Italian cheese that transforms any salad into a masterpiece. Imagine slicing through its delicate skin to reveal a luscious, milky interior that mingles effortlessly with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Whether it’s a dinner party centerpiece or a quick lunch indulgence, these burrata salad recipes might just be the culinary revelation you didn’t know you were craving.
Steps
- Make the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut half a loaf of French bread into cubes about ½ to 1 inch in size. Drizzle with olive oil and mix to coat evenly. Sprinkle with a mixture of sea salt and garlic powder, tossing to distribute. Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until they are toasted but still slightly soft. Let cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, and honey until well combined. Set the dressing aside at room temperature until ready to use.
- Assemble the Salad: Place a mix of spring greens in a large serving bowl or platter. Arrange sliced tomatoes and burrata cheese on top of the greens. Add the homemade croutons, sliced green onions, fresh basil, and avocado pieces around the cheese. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the salad with your desired amount of dressing or serve it on the side for guests to add themselves. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra croutons and dressing as needed.
Ingredients
- Half a loaf of French bread, cut into ½ to 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil (or avocado oil as a substitute)
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- High-quality balsamic vinegar
- Mustard (any variety: Dijon, honey mustard, yellow, etc.)
- Honey (or maple syrup as an alternative)
- Spring mix greens (or other greens like arugula, Romaine, baby spinach, butter lettuce, or kale)
- Green onions
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Burrata cheese
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Optional salad add-ins: fresh corn, bacon, etc.
Nutritional Values
Calories: 973.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 60.8g | Protein: 24.4g | Fat: 69.6g | Saturated Fat: 19.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32.8g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 985.6mg | Potassium: 97.2mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 14.4g | Vitamin A: 3920IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 592mg | Iron: 3.2mg
FAQ
- What distinguishes burrata from fresh mozzarella?
- Fresh mozzarella is a soft Italian cheese made from cow or buffalo milk, while burrata is a unique type of mozzarella formed into a pouch and filled with a creamy mixture of stracciatella and cream.
- What is the filling inside burrata cheese?
- The interior of burrata consists of stracciatella, which are shreds of cheese, mixed with cream.
- Is the outer layer of burrata edible?
- Yes, the outer layer of burrata is made of mozzarella, which is perfectly safe and delicious to eat.
- How should burrata be served?
- Burrata can be served cold or at room temperature, based on personal preference. For easy serving, it’s recommended to cut the burrata into quarters.
- Can the burrata salad be prepared ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad up to an hour in advance, excluding the avocado and dressing, which should be added just before serving.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar that is naturally sweet and thick, as it enhances the flavor of the dressing without being overly watery or sour.
- Crouton Preparation: For the best texture, bake your homemade croutons until they are crispy but slightly soft in the middle. Adjust the baking time based on your preference for crunchiness.
- Serving Tips: Slice the burrata into quarters or smaller pieces before placing it on the salad for easier serving. This ensures that each portion has a bit of cheese.
- Advance Preparation: You can prepare the salad an hour in advance, but add the avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – for baking the homemade croutons.
- Salad Bowl or Serving Platter – for assembling and serving the salad.
- Whisk – for mixing the dressing.
- Glass Jar with Lid – as an alternative to whisking, for shaking the dressing ingredients.
- Wooden Serving Set – for serving the salad, as mentioned in the recipe.
