If you’re looking for the ultimate summer showstopper, Burrata Watermelon Salad is exactly what your table needs. Its blend of juicy watermelon, creamy burrata, and bursts of fresh herbs is an experience you’ll crave all season, especially paired with the lively pop of cherry tomatoes and a dramatic drizzle of balsamic. This dish isn’t just easy—it’s the go-to combination for color, texture, and pure refreshment in every bite. You’ll be convinced at first forkful: Burrata Watermelon Salad is the new classic you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Burrata Watermelon Salad lies in its few, fresh ingredients—each one essential and impossible to skip! Every element contributes something special, whether it’s cooling sweetness, decadent creaminess, or a punch of herbal brightness.
- Seedless Watermelon (4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes): Pick a ripe melon for maximum sweetness and juiciness, and always go seedless to keep things crisp and easy.
- Fresh Burrata Cheese (2 balls): This is the creamy anchor of the dish, balancing the fruitiness with an indulgently soft center. Tear for those beautiful, milky puddles!
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their tangy snap keeps the salad vibrant and adds juicy contrast to the watermelon.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, torn): Sweet, aromatic basil infuses every bite with classic Italian charm—tear instead of chopping to avoid bruising.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (2 tablespoons, chopped): Mint’s coolness is what makes this salad feel like a true summer refreshment.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Use a high-quality oil for luscious mouthfeel and that signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep, tangy-sweet finish that ties all the flavors together for an unforgettable bite.
- Flaky Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Those delicate salt crystals highlight sweetness and bring out every flavor on the plate.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle crack gives a subtle heat and sophistication to each forkful.
How to Make Burrata Watermelon Salad
Step 1: Arrange the Watermelon
Start by spreading your juicy watermelon cubes out on a large serving platter. Give them space—they deserve to shine, and you want a gorgeous, even base so every bite gets a good mix of flavor from the start.
Step 2: Scatter the Cherry Tomatoes
Halve your cherry tomatoes and scatter them over the watermelon. The juicy tomatoes add brightness and a pop of beautiful color, making the salad already look tempting even before the cheese arrives.
Step 3: Add the Burrata
Tear the fresh burrata into generous chunks and nestle them gently atop the salad. Don’t be shy here—the creamy, dreamy cheese is the star and you want those luscious puddles of flavor working their magic over everything.
Step 4: Toss on Herbs
Sprinkle the torn basil and chopped mint across the salad. This touch fills the dish with fragrance and elevates the classic summer flavors, making Burrata Watermelon Salad impossible to resist.
Step 5: Drizzle and Finish
For the grand finale, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the entire salad. Finish with a good pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Each layer brings out the best in the others, making every bite truly memorable.
How to Serve Burrata Watermelon Salad
Garnishes
Elevate your Burrata Watermelon Salad with extra flair by topping with a handful of microgreens, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a few edible flowers for a festive touch. Each garnish not only boosts presentation but also adds new dimensions of flavor and surprise.
Side Dishes
This salad sings alongside crusty sourdough, classic bruschetta, or grilled shrimp skewers for a full summer spread. It also pairs beautifully with chilled white wine or sparkling rosé, making any meal feel like a celebratory picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Burrata Watermelon Salad in individual mason jars or cups—each layered for drama and easy eating. You can also arrange the components in colorful stripes on a platter for a modern, graphic effect! Or, go rustic and pile everything in a big wooden bowl for casual, communal style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store Burrata Watermelon Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Be aware that the watermelon will release more liquid as it sits, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving again. Fresh herbs may wilt, but the flavors will still pop.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of watermelon suffers greatly in the freezer, becoming mushy once thawed, and the burrata loses its creamy magic. Enjoy this dish fresh for the best experience!
Reheating
There’s no reheating necessary since Burrata Watermelon Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. In fact, the cold, crisp ingredients are what make it a summer superstar.
FAQs
Can I make Burrata Watermelon Salad ahead of time?
You can prep most ingredients (like cutting watermelon and halving tomatoes) a few hours in advance, but for the freshest results, assemble and dress the salad right before serving. Burrata and herbs are best added at the last minute to preserve their texture and vibrancy.
What can I use instead of burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, go for fresh mozzarella or even small mozzarella balls (bocconcini). They’re firmer but still deliver that wonderful creaminess and classic Italian flavor. Ricotta, while softer, is an option for a different take, though it won’t have that iconic burrata ooze.
How can I make Burrata Watermelon Salad vegan?
For a vegan version, swap burrata for a plant-based cheese—there are great almond- and cashew-based burrata alternatives in specialty shops. Use the same seasonings and garnishes—the salad will still be full of summer freshness.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely! Try mixing in sliced peaches, strawberries, or even cantaloupe for extra color and sweetness. The general rule: keep the fruits firm and juicy for the best blend with burrata and herbs.
Why is flaky sea salt important in this recipe?
Flaky sea salt does more than just season; it subtly crunches and intensifies the sweetness of the watermelon while enhancing the creaminess of the burrata. It takes your Burrata Watermelon Salad from good to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that screams “summer” while delivering utter satisfaction in every bite, make this Burrata Watermelon Salad your next kitchen adventure. It’s knockout-easy, absolutely gorgeous, and honestly, it just tastes like happiness. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how it brightens up your table!
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Burrata Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Burrata Watermelon Salad is a delightful combination of sweet watermelon, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh herbs, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a light and refreshing summer side dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Watermelon Salad:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Burrata Cheese:
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange the Watermelon: Place watermelon cubes on a large serving platter.
- Add Tomatoes: Scatter halved cherry tomatoes over the watermelon.
- Top with Burrata: Tear burrata cheese and place it on top of the salad.
- Finish the Salad: Sprinkle basil and mint leaves, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a summer side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding arugula or microgreens.
- Try a variation with pomegranate molasses instead of balsamic glaze.
- Best when served fresh due to watermelon’s liquid release over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
