Refreshing Watermelon and Burrata Salad with Strawberries and Basil

Benefits and Advantages of burrata watermelon salad

The burrata watermelon salad offers a refreshing and flavorful combination that is both easy to prepare and highly nutritious. The creamy texture of burrata cheese contrasts beautifully with the juicy sweetness of watermelon, creating a delightful balance that is perfect for warm weather. This salad is packed with hydration from watermelon, which is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and electrolytes. The fresh herbs like basil and mint add vibrant flavors along with additional health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, requiring no cooking and minimal prep time. The healthy fats from olive oil contribute to heart health and satiety, while the dish’s low-calorie count makes it ideal for diet-conscious individuals. This salad’s versatility allows easy customization for vegan or gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste, making it a balanced, crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for burrata watermelon salad

• 2 cups cubed watermelon (about one quarter of a regular watermelon)
• 1 large ball of burrata cheese (approximately 8 ounces; fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
• Optional additions:
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber
  • ¼ cup salted roasted pistachios or almonds
  • Pickled red onions (made with sliced red onions, apple cider vinegar, honey, water, and serrano pepper)
  • Balsamic or fig-infused vinaigrette

Each ingredient plays a critical role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, freshness, and texture, ensuring a satisfying summer salad experience.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your burrata watermelon salad

Customizing the burrata watermelon salad to fit various dietary needs is straightforward. For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute burrata cheese with vegan mozzarella, cashew-based cheese, or marinated tofu. Since all base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, this salad is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. To reduce fat or calories, lessen the amount of olive oil or swap balsamic glaze for a light vinaigrette. Adding toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds can increase protein content and add crunch. For herb variations, mint or cilantro can replace basil to introduce distinct but complementary flavors. These substitutions maintain the salad’s refreshing character and nutritional value, catering to diverse preferences while preserving the dish’s vibrant taste.

How to Prepare the Perfect burrata watermelon salad: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Herbs: Rinse and dry fresh basil and mint leaves thoroughly, then chop finely to release their aromatic oils.
2. Cube Watermelon: Cut 2 cups of seedless watermelon into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent texture.
3. Prepare Cheese: Gently tear the burrata ball into bite-sized pieces, taking care to preserve its creamy interior.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or serving dish, toss watermelon cubes with chopped basil and mint evenly.
5. Add Burrata: Nestle burrata pieces throughout the watermelon and herb mix for balanced flavor in every bite.
6. Dress Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes to add mild heat.
7. Add Optional Extras: Mix in sliced strawberries, cucumber, pickled red onions, or roasted nuts as preferred.
8. Enhance Flavor: Prepare and drizzle balsamic or fig-infused vinaigrette over the salad, tossing half with the fruit and herbs before adding cheese and nuts; drizzle the rest on top.
9. Season and Serve: Lightly season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately or chill briefly to maintain freshness.

This method ensures the burrata watermelon salad is fresh, colorful, and bursting with balanced flavors ideal for any summer gathering.

Mastering burrata watermelon salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

To raise your burrata watermelon salad to the next level, start by selecting ripe, juicy watermelon with a vibrant color to maximize natural sweetness and hydration. Adding toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds introduces a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, creamy texture of burrata. Experiment with fresh herbs beyond basil and mint for instance, try cilantro or thyme for a different aromatic profile.

Adding a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in chili flakes or drizzle chili-infused olive oil, which adds a lively kick. Instead of traditional balsamic glaze, you can try reductions made from pomegranate molasses or aged sherry vinegar to offer complex tangy notes. When serving, letting the salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes helps meld flavors beautifully. These tips highlight the salad’s versatility and invite creativity to suit varied palates and seasonal availability.

How to Store burrata watermelon salad: Best Practices

Preserving the freshness and texture of burrata watermelon salad requires careful storage. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best taste. To prevent the creamy burrata from becoming watery, store it separately from the watermelon cubes and fresh herbs if you’re planning to enjoy leftovers.

Avoid freezing the salad because watermelon’s high water content leads to mushy texture upon thawing, and burrata cheese loses its soft, creamy consistency. When ready to serve, allow components to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes to restore their full flavors. If dressing the salad in advance, add vinaigrette or olive oil just before serving to prevent herb wilting and sogginess.

Separating moist and creamy elements during storage maintains the salad’s vibrant texture and presentation quality.

Nutritional Value of burrata watermelon salad

This salad is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for a broad range of dietary preferences. Its fresh, whole-food ingredients contribute valuable antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Learn more about watermelon’s benefits at Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon and deepen your knowledge about burrata at What is Burrata Cheese?.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About burrata watermelon salad

Refreshing Watermelon and Burrata Salad with Strawberries and Basil

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🍉 Indulge in the Refreshing Watermelon and Burrata Salad, a perfect summer delight packed with fresh flavors.
🥗 Light and nutritious, this salad offers a taste of refreshing herbs combined with sweet watermelon and creamy cheese.

• Total Time: 15 to 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cubed watermelon
1 large ball of burrata cheese (approximately 8 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Olive oil for drizzling
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Additions:
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup salted roasted pistachios or almonds
Pickled red onions
Balsamic or fig-infused vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized chunks and gently toss with chopped basil and mint. Add strawberries, cucumber, or other fruits if using.

2. Tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and incorporate them throughout the fruit and herb mixture.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.

4. Prepare a balsamic vinaigrette for enhanced flavor and toss half with the salad before adding cheese and nuts; drizzle the remaining dressing on top. Garnish with pickled onions or roasted nuts if using.

5. Serve immediately or chilled.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 Use fresh herbs like basil and mint for the best flavor; alternatives like thyme also work.
🧀 Burrata provides creaminess; alternatives include fresh mozzarella, crumbled feta, or creamy goat cheese.
🥒 Pre-cut watermelon saves time but may be more expensive.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 to 25 minutes
• Optional marinating: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
• Calories: value unavailable
• Sugar: value unavailable
• Sodium: value unavailable
• Fat: value unavailable
• Saturated Fat: value unavailable
• Unsaturated Fat: value unavailable
• Trans Fat: value unavailable
• Carbohydrates: value unavailable
• Fiber: value unavailable
• Protein: value unavailable
• Cholesterol: value unavailable