Simple Arugula Burrata Salad

This irresistible arugula burrata salad is made with arugula, burrata, grape tomatoes, red onion and a basil vinaigrette. It's simply delicious!

One of the best things about this arugula burrata salad is its simplicity. Due to the ingredients, it really doesn't need that much to make it deliciously satisfying. Of course, the star of the show is the burrata, and when it's combined with a basil vinaigrette, sweet grape tomatoes, and arugula, it sure is one tasty salad!

It's hard not to love burrata since it's so smooth, creamy and luxurious. But, we do try to eat it in moderation since it's high in saturated fat and calories. However, this fresh arugula salad doesn't need a lot of burrata. Just enough to add some creaminess to it.

If you haven't tried our basil vinaigrette, you'll likely love it (or at least we hope you do). It's a simple vinaigrette made with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, garlic, and Dijon mustard. In terms of flavor, it's slightly similar to basil pesto, but it's much lighter and gets a little tang from the balsamic vinegar. It's delicious.

We love how quick and easy this salad comes together, too. It takes just 10 to 15 minutes to prepare and it looks quite elegant when done. It's perfect with simple dinners or for larger gatherings.

A LITTLE ABOUT BURRATA CHEESE

Burrata is an Italian, semi-soft cow’s milk (or water buffalo's milk) cheese that is similar to fresh mozzarella. Mozzarella is also made with cow's milk, but it's more dense and firm with a tangy flavor. Burrata cheese, on the other hand, has slightly firm outer shell made of mozzarella and a soft, creamy curd-like middle that oozes out when cut into with a knife.

Key Ingredients

Just a few notes on key ingredients.

• Arugula: Arugula is a slightly bitter green with a peppery taste, which is perfect in this salad. If you prefer not to use, you may substitute with baby spinach or mixed greens.
• Burrata cheese: We use an ounce of burrata per person, which is a typical serving size. It's just enough to add creamy goodness to the salad. We tear the burrata into bite-sized chunks before sprinkling it over the salad.
• Grape tomatoes: We love grape or cherry tomatoes in this salad. If you have ripe, summer tomatoes, those will work as well.
• Basil Vinaigrette: To make the basil vinaigrette, you use fresh basil, a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, garlic and Dijon mustard.
• Salt and pepper: We salt and pepper the vinaigrette, the grape tomatoes and the salad itself (as needed).
• Red onion (optional): We love adding thinly sliced red onions to this salad Just a little is needed, but definitely worth it!

How to Make

STEP 1: Make the vinaigrette. In a food processor or blender, combine the ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard and basil. Pulse until smooth. Taste dressing and add salt as needed. If dressing is too thick, add a little more olive oil to thin it out. 

STEP 2: Slice grape tomatoes in half or in quarters if larger. Thinly slice red onion and and soak cold water for roughly 10 minutes (to remove bite of onion) and set aside. When done, pat onions dry with paper towel.

STEP 3. In a large salad dish or bowl, add arugula. Arrange chopped tomatoes and onions over arugula. Tear the burrata into bite-sized chunks and arrange over the salad. Drizzle vinaigrette over the top. Salt and pepper as needed.

STEP 4: Serve immediately. Toss together as desired.

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