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If you’re searching for a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer, this watermelon burrata salad is the answer. With creamy burrata cheese, sweet and juicy watermelon, and peppery arugula, every bite is light, elegant, and bursting with flavor. A drizzle of tangy balsamic reduction ties everything together, making this burrata salad as gorgeous as it is delicious.
This salad takes just five minutes to put together, but still manages to impress guests with its fresh, vibrant flavors. Serve it as a starter, a summer side dish, or pair it with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a complete meal. It’s the kind of salad that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors — perfect for picnics, BBQs, holiday spreads, or warm summer nights.
I love how this burrata salad comes together in just five minutes yet looks like something you’d serve at a fancy dinner. The vibrant red and green colors make it especially perfect for summer gatherings, holiday spreads, or even a quick weeknight side.
It’s light enough to serve as a refreshing starter but can easily become a full meal when paired with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love my Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad Pita Wraps, and Satisfying Fruit Salad — all bright, flavorful dishes that are just as easy to make.
Cheese Filled with Creamy Cheese? That’s Burrata!
For those who haven’t yet discovered burrata, let me introduce you to one of Italy’s most sensational cheeses. Burrata is a ball of fresh mozzarella filled with stringy curds (stracciatella) and cream. When you slice it open, the creamy center spills out — a heavenly texture that pairs beautifully with fruits, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Burrata has become increasingly popular and is now available in many large grocery stores and specialty cheese shops. Not only is it amazing in salads, but it also shines on a charcuterie board or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired cheese platter.
For the Watermelon Burrata Salad You Will Need:
- Burrata cheese: The star ingredient! Creamy, rich, and indulgent, burrata is a good source of protein and calcium, making it great for bone health. Since it’s higher in fat, enjoy it in moderation.
- Watermelon: Sweet, juicy, hydrating, and low in calories, making it perfect for a light summer salad. If available, you can use a seedless watermelon. If not, you must remove the seeds before cutting. The sweeter and fresher the watermelon, the better this salad will taste.
- Arugula (rocket/Italian cress): Peppery and slightly spicy, arugula adds a nutrient boost. It’s high in fiber, vitamin K, and folate, all while being very low in calories. Baby arugula has a milder taste and tender texture.
- Balsamic reduction (balsamic glaze): Adds tangy sweetness and ties everything together.
How to Make Watermelon Burrata Salad:
Want to Make Your Own Balsamic Reduction?
Making your own balsamic glaze is simple:
Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.
Simmer until reduced by half and thick enough to coat a spoon (about 20 minutes).
Cool slightly before using.
Pro Tip
I love adding a spoonful of honey or maple syrup before simmering for extra depth of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Instead of the balsamic reduction, dress the salad with vinaigrette or pesto instead. Better yet, choose your own favorite dressing if that makes you feel better!
- Substitute peaches or strawberries for the watermelon. Don’t like melon? No problem! This recipe would be delicious with peaches or cantaloupe instead. Juicy peaches give a sweet contrast to creamy burrata and peppery arugula.
- You can add more or less watermelon depending on your preference! If you’re up for a pop of sweetness, you can mix other fruits together with the watermelon.
- If you can’t find burrata, use fresh mozzarella packed in water instead.
- Not interested in fruits with this salad? Pair the burrata and arugula with tomatoes and cucumbers. You can even sprinkle some shredded carrots on top!
Top Tips
Use ripe, sweet watermelon for maximum flavor.
Always serve burrata fresh, at room temperature for the creamiest texture.
Assemble right before serving to keep the arugula crisp.
For entertaining, make it on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh mozzarella cheese is a soft Italian cheese made from cow or water buffalo milk while Burrata cheese is mozzarella that’s formed into a pouch and then filled with soft curd (called stracciatella) and cream.
The inside of burrata cheese is made of stracciatella (shreds of fresh cheese) and cream.
Of course! The “skin” of burrata cheese is mozzarella, delicious, and safe to eat!
You can serve burrata cold or at room temperature! It all depends on your own personal preferences!
You can cut the burrata into fourths for easy serving! Serve this burrata salad with grilled chicken, pasta dishes, etc.
You can substitute arugula with one of its cousins: dandelion green, spinach, or kale.
More Refreshing Salads You Must Try:
Watermelon Burrata Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Watermelon , cubed
- 4 cups Arugula, Fres
- 1 Burrata cheese ball
- Balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Remove the burrata cheese from the container or drain the water it was sitting in.
- Place 4 cups of pre-washed arugula on the serving dish, leaving room in the center to place the burrata cheese.
- Place cubes watermelon on the arugula greens.
- Drizzle balsamic reduction in a zigzag motion over the whole salad and enjoy!
Notes and Tips:
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, the best way is to pre-cut the watermelon and arugula and store them in separate containers.
- Burrata is best served as-is (not baked or melted) at room temperature, because when it's sliced open, the creamy curd spills out into the salad.
- You can store this burrata salad in the fridge before adding the dressing.
This Salad looks so scrumptious. I will def give it a try this week.Haven’t tried Burrata before
Made this for a light dinner and it was simply fantastic. I wish i had discovered Burrata before. It’s the most delicious cheese I’ve ever tasted.
This salad is amazing! Made twice in the past week and was a hit with the family. Thanks heaps
Oh my! I have been addicted to this salad. Happy to hear 🙂
This burrata salad is heavenly deliciois. I didn’t have watermelon so i used some strawberries and it was wonderful
Strawberries are a great swap!! Appreciate your feedback!
This salad is so refreshing! The combination of flavors is divine!
My go to summer salad! It’s so refreshing and the burrata is a wonderful addition