Arugula salad burrata has become my go-to for a quick, yet incredibly elegant meal. I remember the first time I tried a burrata with arugula salad; it was at a little Italian trattoria, and the combination of the peppery greens, the sweet tomatoes, and that impossibly creamy burrata cheese just blew me away. It felt so fancy, but I quickly learned that an easy arugula burrata salad recipe is totally achievable at home. The burst of creamy burrata against the crisp arugula, with a hint of sweet tomatoes and a tangy balsamic glaze, is pure magic. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Arugula Salad Burrata

• Incredible taste: The peppery arugula, creamy burrata, and sweet tomatoes create a flavor explosion.
• Super quick prep: You can whip up this salad in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and fresh: Packed with fresh greens and good fats, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Budget-friendly elegance: This arugula and burrata cheese salad feels luxurious but is surprisingly affordable.
• Family-friendly appeal: Even picky eaters often enjoy the mild creaminess of burrata.
• Versatile side dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
• Impressive presentation: This burrata with arugula salad looks as good as it tastes.
• Simple arugula burrata salad: It’s the perfect introduction to making gourmet salads at home.

Ingredients for Arugula Salad Burrata

Gathering these simple arugula burrata salad ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. You’ll need 5 ounces fresh baby arugula, which provides a lovely peppery bite. The star is 1 large ball (8 ounces) burrata cheese, at room temperature; bringing it to room temp ensures maximum creaminess when you tear into it. We also have 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved for sweetness, and 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (optional) for a salty counterpoint. Don’t forget 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted for crunch, and 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn for that classic Italian aroma. For finishing, grab some flaky sea salt, for finishing and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. The dressing is easy: 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar of Modena, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional), 1 small clove garlic, minced or pressed, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

How to Make Arugula Salad Burrata

1. Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar of Modena, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional), 1 small clove garlic, minced or pressed, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake everything together until it’s beautifully emulsified and smells wonderfully tangy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set this delicious dressing aside.
2. Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts. This step adds a fantastic nutty crunch that really elevates how to make arugula burrata salad. In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the 1/4 cup pine nuts for about 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, shaking the pan frequently, until they smell wonderfully fragrant and turn a lovely light golden brown. Immediately transfer them to a cool plate to stop the cooking process, as they can burn very quickly!
3. Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base. Spread the 5 ounces fresh baby arugula evenly on a large platter or a shallow serving bowl. Scatter the 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved over the peppery greens. If you’re using it, gently tear the 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto and arrange it artfully throughout the salad. Then, sprinkle the 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn over everything for that fresh, aromatic finish.
4. Step 4: Dress and Add Burrata. Just before you’re ready to serve this gorgeous arugula salad burrata, drizzle about half of the prepared vinaigrette over the base ingredients. Gently toss the salad to lightly coat the greens and tomatoes. Carefully place the 1 large ball (8 ounces) burrata cheese, at room temperature, right in the center of the salad. This is a key part of how to make arugula burrata salad.
5. Step 5: Finish the Salad. The grand finale of how to make arugula burrata salad! Gently tear the burrata ball open with your hands or a knife, allowing its impossibly creamy center to spill luxuriously over the arugula and tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top. Finally, sprinkle generously with the toasted pine nuts, some flaky sea salt, for finishing, and a good grind of freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Arugula Salad Burrata

To ensure your arugula salad burrata is absolutely perfect every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks. Bringing the burrata cheese to room temperature is crucial; it makes the cheese incredibly creamy and easier to tear. Toasting the pine nuts adds such a wonderful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch, but be super careful as they can go from golden to burnt in seconds! Finally, always dress your salad right before serving. This keeps the arugula crisp and prevents it from wilting, ensuring that beautiful presentation and texture that makes this burrata with arugula salad so special.

What’s the secret to perfect Arugula Salad Burrata?

The real secret to a perfect simple arugula burrata salad is the quality of your ingredients, especially the burrata. Ensure it’s fresh and at room temperature for that signature creamy ooze. A well-balanced balsamic vinaigrette is also key – not too sweet, not too acidic! For more on balsamic vinegar, you can check out this guide.

Can I make Arugula Salad Burrata ahead of time?

You can prepare the vinaigrette and toast the pine nuts a day in advance. You can also wash and dry the arugula and halve the tomatoes. However, assemble the salad and add the burrata just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Arugula Salad Burrata?

A common pitfall is using cold burrata, which results in a firmer, less creamy texture. Another mistake is over-dressing the salad; a light coating is all you need. Also, be mindful not to over-toss the arugula, as it can bruise easily.

Best Ways to Serve Arugula Salad Burrata

This stunning arugula salad burrata is so versatile! For a light lunch or elegant appetizer, simply serve it as is, letting the creamy burrata shine. It also makes a fantastic burrata arugula salad side dish that complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully. Imagine serving this alongside a perfectly cooked salmon fillet or some juicy grilled steak – it adds a burst of freshness and sophistication to any meal. You could also pair it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious balsamic glaze and creamy burrata center.

Nutrition Facts for Arugula Salad Burrata

Let’s break down the goodness in this delightful arugula salad burrata. Each serving, typically about a quarter of the salad when divided into four main courses, offers a satisfying experience. You’re looking at roughly Calories: 450-550 kcal, which is pretty standard for a rich salad featuring creamy cheese and healthy fats. The majority of these calories come from the good fats found in the burrata and olive oil, so expect a good amount of Fat:, likely around 35-45g. While specific numbers for Saturated Fat, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Sugar, and Sodium can vary based on exact ingredient amounts and brands used, this dish is generally a good source of healthy fats and offers some protein from the cheese and optional prosciutto.

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Arugula Salad Burrata

Proper storage is key to enjoying your arugula salad burrata leftovers. Once cooled, transfer any remaining salad to an airtight container. It’s best to store the dressed greens and toppings separately if possible, but if you have leftovers that are already combined, they should keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Unfortunately, this beautiful salad doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of the burrata and arugula. For reheating, I recommend serving it chilled or at room temperature. If you dressed it separately, you can gently toss the greens and tomatoes with a bit more dressing and add a fresh piece of burrata if you have one. Enjoying this creamy burrata arugula salad fresh is truly the best, but these tips will help you savor it a little longer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Arugula Salad Burrata

What is Arugula Salad Burrata?

An arugula burrata salad is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring peppery arugula greens as the base, topped with creamy, fresh burrata cheese. It often includes ingredients like cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, and toasted nuts, all brought together with a light balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a simple yet sophisticated salad that highlights the luxurious texture of burrata.

Can I substitute the burrata cheese?

While burrata is the star, if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella (like buffalo mozzarella) is a good substitute for an arugula salad with fresh burrata. You won’t get that same creamy, liquid center, but the flavor will still be delicious. Just ensure it’s a high-quality, fresh mozzarella.

What makes this Arugula Salad Burrata recipe so good?

The magic of this arugula salad burrata lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The peppery arugula cuts through the rich, creamy burrata, while the sweet tomatoes and tangy balsamic glaze add layers of complexity. The optional prosciutto and toasted pine nuts provide savory and nutty notes, making it a truly satisfying dish.

How do I serve Arugula Salad Burrata?

This burrata with arugula salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an impressive appetizer, a light lunch, or a sophisticated side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta. For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled shrimp or steak to the salad itself.

Variations of Arugula Salad Burrata You Can Try

Looking to switch things up? This arugula salad burrata is wonderfully adaptable! For a delightful seasonal twist, try adding fresh summer peaches or juicy figs when they’re in season – they pair beautifully with the peppery arugula and creamy burrata. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, toss in some grilled chicken breast or shrimp to transform it into a complete main course. For a different flavor profile, consider adding roasted beets or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a touch of tartness and vibrant color. And if you’re going dairy-free or can’t find burrata, an arugula salad with fresh burrata can still be made delicious by using a high-quality fresh mozzarella ball, drained well.

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