If you’re looking for the ultimate summer dish that feels both effortless and gourmet, Burrata Watermelon Salad is where your search should end. Imagine creamy, decadent burrata melting into cool, juicy chunks of watermelon, all showered with vibrant basil, a kiss of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. The magic of this salad lies in the dance between sweet, savory, and creamy—every bite feels like stolen sunshine. Whether you need an impressive starter for a dinner party or a quick, refreshing lunch just for you, this salad never disappoints. Burrata Watermelon Salad is destined to become your seasonal obsession!

Burrata Watermelon Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Burrata Watermelon Salad is its simplicity—just a few top-quality ingredients mingle together to create flavor fireworks. Each item on this list matters, not just for taste, but for texture, freshness, and pure visual delight. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for maximum juiciness and sweetness; its crisp texture is the base of the salad.
Burrata Cheese: The crown jewel of this dish, burrata’s creamy center “melts” over the watermelon for unbeatable richness.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn basil gives the salad peppery, aromatic freshness and a pop of color.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity, luscious layer that ties the salad together; use your best bottle here.
Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle brings out all the flavors—don’t skip this step!
Cracked Black Pepper: For a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
Balsamic Glaze (optional): A drizzle adds sweetness and tang, perfect for balancing the creamy and juicy elements.

How to Make Burrata Watermelon Salad

Step 1: Prep the Watermelon

Start by slicing your watermelon into thick, even cubes or wedges—whichever suits your mood! Remove any stray seeds and let the bright red fruit drain briefly on a paper towel to avoid excess moisture gathering at the bottom of your plate. This ensures every piece stays juicy but not waterlogged in the Burrata Watermelon Salad.

Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients

Spread the watermelon pieces across a large serving platter, allowing a little space between each chunk for the best presentation. Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over top, tucking some in between the watermelon. This creates not just great flavor balance but also a gorgeous, inviting canvas for the rest of your ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Burrata

Carefully nestle balls of burrata (whole or halved, depending on size and number) among the watermelon and basil. Gently tear them open so some creamy filling oozes onto the fruit—this is the moment your Burrata Watermelon Salad transforms from simple to gourmet!

Step 4: Dress and Season

Drizzle the entire platter generously with extra virgin olive oil, letting it glisten on the burrata and watermelon alike. Give a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a good grind of black pepper, which brightens up every bite and makes all the flavors pop.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

If you’d like, finish with a delicate swirl of balsamic glaze over the top. This optional step adds a duo of sweetness and tang, really setting off the flavors in the Burrata Watermelon Salad. It’s extra flair with minimal effort.

How to Serve Burrata Watermelon Salad

Garnishes

For that irresistible finishing touch, scatter a few more torn basil leaves or even some fresh mint over the top. A handful of toasted pine nuts can add a lovely crunch, and a dusting of lemon zest brightens the whole plate. These little flourishes turn your Burrata Watermelon Salad into an edible work of art.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with anything from grilled chicken to crusty sourdough bread. If you’re entertaining, serve it as a first course alongside a platter of prosciutto or a crisp white wine. It’s equally delicious nestled beside light seafood dishes or as a vibrant addition to any picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can wow your guests by stacking the salad in individual glass jars for picnics or layering the ingredients on skewers for party bites. Or try serving the Burrata Watermelon Salad in the hollowed-out rind of the watermelon for a truly eye-catching centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the Burrata Watermelon Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a day, though the watermelon and cheese may release extra moisture—just drain gently before serving again and add a new sprinkle of salt and basil to revive the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the watermelon’s texture becomes mushy and the burrata may separate. For best taste and texture, enjoy your Burrata Watermelon Salad fresh and savor each bite the day it’s made.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it shines when served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, give it a few minutes to take off the chill before enjoying for peak flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Burrata Watermelon Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the watermelon and basil ahead, but hold off on assembling and adding the burrata until just before serving. This keeps everything as fresh, crisp, and creamy as possible.

What can I use instead of burrata?

If burrata isn’t available, high-quality fresh mozzarella is a good substitute. You’ll miss out on the ultra-creamy center, but it will still be delicious!

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Burrata Watermelon Salad is mild, colorful, and fun—kids love the sweet fruit and creamy cheese, especially with the option to skip the balsamic if they prefer.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace the burrata with your favorite plant-based cheese or a generous scoop of creamy cashew cheese. The burst of watermelon and fresh herbs ensures it’s still a vibrant treat.

Can I add anything else to the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in thinly sliced cucumbers, ripe cherry tomatoes, or toasted seeds for extra crunch and complexity. Burrata Watermelon Salad is wonderfully flexible—make it your own!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet tried making Burrata Watermelon Salad at home, I truly hope this inspires you to gather your ingredients and dive in. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a warm-weather staple in my kitchen—the flavors are better than the sum of their simple parts. Give it a try and let this salad be the bright spot on your table all summer long!