Heirloom Tomato Caprese

There’s nothing quite like a caprese salad to celebrate the beauty of summer produce, and this version elevates it with colorful heirloom tomatoes, rich burrata (or fresh mozzarella), and a touch of presentation flair. Whether you’re serving this as a starter, side, or centerpiece, it’s a dish that feels elegant but couldn’t be simpler to make. The secret? A few thoughtful ingredient choices and a drizzle of infused olive oil for added depth.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 large heirloom tomatoes (red, yellow, or multicolored), sliced

• 8 oz burrata cheese or fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn

• Fresh basil leaves

• Olive oil, for drizzling — plain or infused (see suggestions below)

• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Infused Olive Oil Ideas:

These oils add complexity and can make the whole dish feel a bit more elevated with virtually no extra effort.

• Garlic-infused olive oil for bold, savory flavor

• Basil-infused olive oil for a double-hit of herbaceous freshness

• Pesto olive oil for a punch of umami and richness

• Rosemary-infused olive oil for a woodsy, earthy finish

• Chili-infused olive oil for a subtle kick of heat

Assembly Option 1: Flower Pattern with Mozzarella

1. On a large platter, alternate red tomato slices and slices of fresh mozzarella with yellow tomato slices to create five vertical lines (or “petals”) across the plate.

   
   

2. Drizzle generously with your infused olive oil of choice and a swirl of balsamic glaze.

   
   

3. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

   
   

4. Garnish the center of the platter with a large sprig of basil (leaves still on the stem) to resemble a flower’s center.

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Assembly Option 2: Ring with Burrata Center

1. Arrange tomato slices in a ring around the outer edge of your serving plate, alternating red and yellow slices with fresh basil leaves.

   
   

2. Tear open 1-2 balls of burrata and place in the center of the tomato ring.

   
   

3. Drizzle the entire dish with your chosen infused olive oil and balsamic glaze.

   
   

4. Finish with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

*Notes & Serving Tips:

• Use the best-quality tomatoes you can find—heirloom varieties are ideal for their sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color.

  
  

• If you’re using burrata, serve immediately after assembling so the creamy center doesn’t weep too much on the plate.

  
  

• Want even more flavor? Try a few grinds of lemon zest or a pinch of flaky salt right before serving.

  
  

• Enjoy caprese as-is or with a nice crusty bread loaf for the ultimate appetizer.