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Fresh and easy, this summery burrata dish comes together in minutes. It combines leafy spring mix, crunchy homemade bread chunks, colorful veggies, and a tasty homemade sauce – making it a total crowd-pleaser whether you're hosting friends or treating yourself.
What Makes Burrata Salad Special?
This gorgeous combo brings together smooth cheese, crisp greens, and scratch-made toppings for a salad you won't forget. It's super quick to throw together and works magic at any meal with its bright, punchy flavors – just what you need in hot weather.
What You'll Need for Burrata Salad
- French Bread: Grab half a loaf and cut it into small cubes (½ to 1-inch) for your homemade crunchy bits.
- Olive Oil: Pour over bread cubes or mix into your dressing; swap with avocado oil if you want.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Go for something top-notch, syrupy and naturally sweet for best results.
- Mustard: Pick whatever kind you fancy – Dijon or honey mustard both work great.
- Honey: Totally up to you for adding sweetness; maple syrup does the trick too.
- Spring Mix: This gives the best variety, but feel free to use arugula, spinach, or Romaine instead.
- Green Onions: These give a light oniony kick to everything.
- Extra Stuff to Toss In: Try fresh tomatoes, avocado, corn, or bacon bits.
Whipping Up Crunchy Toppers
- Prep Your Bread
- Chop French bread into small cubes about ½ to 1-inch big.
- Add Flavor
- Splash olive oil over the bread chunks, then sprinkle with garlic powder and salt bit by bit, mixing as you go.
- Pop in Oven
- Lay your seasoned bread pieces on a baking tray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, giving them a stir halfway. Cook longer or shorter depending on how crunchy you want them.
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Mixing Your Sauce
- Throw Everything Together
- Put balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey, and your favorite seasonings in a bowl or jar.
- Blend It Up
- Beat everything with a fork or close the jar and give it a good shake until everything's mixed up nicely.
Putting Your Burrata Salad Together
First, spread your greens across a wide, flat serving dish. Scatter tomatoes, green onions, and any other veggies you like. Place burrata balls evenly around the plate. Sprinkle your crunchy bread bits around the cheese, add some salt, pepper, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle your sauce all over or let people add their own.
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Clever Serving Ideas
Slice each cheese ball into quarters or sixths so everyone gets some. This goes great with some grilled chicken, a side of pasta, or crusty bread. Put extra sauce and crunchy bits in small bowls so folks can add more if they want.
Getting Ready Beforehand
You can put most of this together about an hour early, just leave out the avocado and sauce. When you're ready to eat, toss in the avocado and pour the sauce over top for the best look and taste.
Common Burrata Questions
Burrata's basically mozzarella cheese with a gooey middle made from shreds of cheese and cream. The outer part is regular mozzarella and you can eat the whole thing. Some folks like it chilled while others prefer it slightly warmed up to room temp.
The Magic of Burrata
This cheese makes the salad extra special with its super creamy middle and gentle flavor. It works so well with the fresh greens, tangy sauce, and crunchy bread bits – creating a mix of textures that'll blow you away.
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Make It Your Own
Switch things up however you like:
- Throw in sweet fruits like figs or strawberries for a nice contrast.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or thin ham slices if you want something more filling.
- Try different greens like kale, butter lettuce, or whatever mix you enjoy.
Keeping Your Crunchy Bits Fresh
Your homemade bread chunks stay good in a sealed container for up to a week. The leftovers taste great on other salads or floating in soup for extra crunch.
Nailing Your Sauce
For an amazing dressing:
- Grab the best balsamic vinegar and olive oil you can find.
- Shake or beat it really well to get everything mixed properly.
- Play with the honey or vinegar amounts until it tastes just right for you.
Beautiful Presentation Tricks
Go with a wide, flat dish so everything spreads out nicely. Arrange your cheese, crunchy bits, and veggies so each scoop gets a bit of everything. Sprinkle fresh basil and green onions on top for a pretty finish.
Foods That Go Well With It
This salad tastes amazing alongside:
- Anything off the grill like steak or chicken.
- Simple pasta dishes or toasted garlic bread.
- A glass of cool white wine or some iced tea.
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Getting the Cheese Just Right
For the tastiest experience:
- Take the cheese out of the fridge about 20 minutes before eating so it gets nice and soft.
- Cut into it carefully so the creamy center doesn't all run out before serving.
Cool Things About Burrata
This fresh cheese comes from Italy originally. It goes great with salads, pasta dishes, and appetizer plates. It's way creamier than regular mozzarella, which makes it perfect for fancy dishes that need something extra special.
Wow Your Dinner Guests
This salad really turns heads when you're having people over. The mix of flavors and textures will get everyone talking, making it just right for dinner parties or backyard get-togethers during warm months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the components early?
- Prep almost everything an hour ahead, but wait to add the dressing and avocado until serving. Guests can add dressing to their liking.
- → What type of bread works for croutons?
- French bread is a classic pick, but try sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian styles. Day-old bread will give the best crunch.
- → How long can I keep leftovers?
- Keep undressed salad fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days. Store dressing separately and slice up new avocado when you’re ready to enjoy.
- → What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
- Thick, rich balsamic is key here, so get the best you can. Skip thin, watery ones that won’t match the flavor.
- → What greens are best for this mix?
- Spring mix works great, or switch it up with arugula, baby spinach, butter lettuce, or romaine. Go for the freshest, crunchiest greens.