If you’re dreaming of a fresh, elegant dish that perfectly captures the essence of warm, sunny days, this Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Combining sweet, ripe figs with the indulgently creamy burrata cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy toasted nuts, this salad is a celebration of texture and flavor that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The drizzle of honey-infused olive oil and balsamic glaze adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy to elevate each bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this salad feels like a little slice of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is refreshingly simple yet packed with ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Each element contributes something essential — from the luscious figs to the bright, peppery greens and the creamy richness of burrata, every bite is a harmony of flavors and textures.
- Fresh ripe figs: Use sweet, juicy figs halved to showcase their beautiful interior and natural sweetness.
- Burrata cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts in your mouth and creates a luscious contrast with the fruits and greens.
- Arugula or mixed greens: Offers a peppery, fresh base that keeps the salad light and vibrant.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty depth, perfectly balancing the creaminess.
- Balsamic glaze: A sweet, tangy drizzle that amplifies the figs’ flavor without overwhelming the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a silky richness and helps marry the salad ingredients together.
- Honey: Infuses a subtle sweetness into the dressing, complementing the natural sugars in the figs.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and perfectly seasons the salad.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick, balancing the sweetness.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fragrant, herbal note that brightens the entire salad.
How to Make Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the greens and figs
Start by washing and drying your arugula or mixed greens thoroughly, then spread them evenly on a serving platter. Nestle the halved figs over the bed of greens, showcasing their luscious interior and making sure every bite has that juicy sweetness.
Step 2: Add the burrata cheese
Gently tear the burrata into small sections and scatter them across the salad. The creamy, delicate texture of the cheese will melt in your mouth and perfectly complement the fresh greens and figs.
Step 3: Sprinkle the toasted nuts
Toast your walnuts or pecans lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, then sprinkle them evenly on top of the salad. These add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that rounds out the softness of the cheese and fruit.
Step 4: Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, honey, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined. This simple dressing will add a subtle sweetness and rich silkiness to the salad without overpowering the natural flavors.
Step 5: Dress and finish
Drizzle the honey-olive oil dressing over the salad, then follow with balsamic glaze drizzled artistically for that sweet and tangy punch. Finish with a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper and, if using, scatter fresh basil leaves for a pop of vibrant green and aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even more, sprinkle some flaky sea salt flakes on top right before serving to add a burst of salty crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or oregano can also layer in another fresh, aromatic dimension. If you love a little extra indulgence, thin slices of prosciutto make a savory surprise that pairs beautifully with the figs and burrata.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a light meal on its own but can also be served alongside crusty artisan bread for tearing and dipping. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon makes this meal feel like a special occasion, perfect for leisurely lunches or elegant dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating this salad in individual shallow bowls for an intimate touch or as a vibrant, colorful centerpiece on a large wooden board. Layering figs and burrata in a glass trifle dish can create a stunning visual for gatherings. Don’t be afraid to play with different shapes and drizzles — presentation is part of the joy with this Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to eat again, toss everything gently just before serving.
Freezing
Because of the fresh greens and delicate texture of burrata, this salad does not freeze well. The ingredients will lose their texture and flavor integrity, so it’s best to prepare this salad fresh to experience its full deliciousness.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad — it’s crafted to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve the freshness of the figs and the creamy goodness of the burrata. Simply pull it out of the fridge, let it sit for a few minutes, and serve.
FAQs
Can I substitute burrata with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! If burrata is not available, fresh mozzarella or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that maintain a creamy texture and mild flavor, though burrata will give the creamiest result.
What variety of figs works best for this salad?
Fresh, ripe figs such as Black Mission or Kadota figs work wonderfully because they offer a good balance of sweetness and firmness that holds up well in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This recipe as written is not vegan due to the burrata cheese. However, you can make it vegan-friendly by substituting the burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative and skipping the honey or replacing it with agave syrup.
Can I add protein to make this a more filling meal?
Yes! Adding thin slices of prosciutto, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas can make this salad heartier while still keeping its fresh and summery character.
How do I make the balsamic glaze at home?
Balsamic glaze is easy to make by simmering balsamic vinegar gently until it reduces and thickens into a syrupy consistency. This homemade version adds a lovely depth and natural sweetness to your Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe is one of those delightful finds that makes you feel like you’re dining at a sunny Mediterranean table, no matter where you are. Its balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements creates a fresh and exciting salad experience that you’ll want to make again and again throughout the season. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover just how effortlessly a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
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Summer Fig Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Summer Fig Burrata Salad is a fresh and elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for warm weather. It combines ripe, juicy figs with creamy burrata cheese, peppery arugula, toasted nuts, and a sweet and tangy honey-olive oil dressing finished with balsamic glaze. Quick to assemble and bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this vegetarian salad makes a perfect light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 fresh ripe figs, halved
- 2 balls of burrata cheese (about 4 oz each)
- 3 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- A few fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange the greens: Spread the arugula or mixed greens evenly on a serving platter as the salad base.
- Add figs: Nestle the halved fresh figs over the bed of greens, distributing them evenly for visual appeal.
- Add burrata: Gently tear the burrata cheese into smaller sections and place them scattered on top of the salad.
- Sprinkle nuts: Evenly sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans over the figs and cheese for added crunch and flavor.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, honey, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined.
- Dress salad: Drizzle the honey olive oil dressing over the assembled salad, coating the ingredients lightly.
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, add freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if using.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, try adding thin prosciutto slices or serve alongside crusty bread.
- If burrata is unavailable, substitute with goat cheese or fresh mozzarella balls.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and should be served immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.
