If your taste buds are craving a fresh yet indulgent experience, you are going to love this Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto Recipe. This vibrant salad combines peppery arugula, creamy burrata, and delicate, salty prosciutto for a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will make your mouth sing. With juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil, every bite is a celebration of freshness and richness in perfect harmony. It’s a simple, elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to create a stunning balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the peppery greens to the creamy cheese, and the crispy, flavorful prosciutto, each element plays a crucial role.
- Fresh arugula (4 cups): The peppery, slightly bitter base that wakes up your palate and adds freshness.
- Burrata cheese (8 oz): Creamy and luscious, it brings a rich softness that contrasts beautifully with the greens.
- Prosciutto (4 oz, thinly sliced): This salty, delicate cured ham adds depth and a savory touch.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy pops of color and flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a fruity smoothness to the dressing and highlights the salad’s freshness.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Provides a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of burrata and prosciutto.
- Pine nuts (¼ cup, toasted): Buttery crunch that adds texture and a pleasant nuttiness.
How to Make Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the fresh ingredients
Start by washing your arugula under cold water to ensure it’s crisp and vibrant. Gently pat the leaves dry so the dressing sticks well without watering down the salad. Meanwhile, halve your cherry tomatoes to release their natural juices and add bursts of sweetness throughout the salad.
Step 2: Toast the pine nuts
Toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for around 3 to 4 minutes coax out their rich, buttery flavor and add a lovely golden color. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. This small step elevates the salad’s texture and adds a nutty aroma that complements all the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the greens and tomatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peppery arugula together with the vibrant cherry tomatoes. This combination forms a colorful and fresh base that is bursting with natural flavors and crispiness, laying the foundation for the rest of the components to shine.
Step 4: Add the burrata cheese
Tear the burrata into rustic pieces and gently nestle them over the salad. The creamy cheese oozes luxurious richness in every bite, contrasting perfectly with the lightness of the greens. This tactile addition makes the salad feel indulgent and satisfyingly lush.
Step 5: Top with prosciutto slices
Delicately drape the thinly sliced prosciutto over the salad. Its salty and savory notes harmonize beautifully with the cool, creamy burrata and add a wonderful silkiness, bringing a touch of elegance and depth to the dish.
Step 6: Dress and finish with pine nuts
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the salad to bind all the flavors with a silky finish. Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for a delightful crunch and a nutty accent. Serve immediately to enjoy the textures at their best.
How to Serve Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even more, try adding a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top. A zest of lemon or some shaved Parmesan can also add brightness and complexity, making each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a starter or light main paired with crusty artisan bread or garlic focaccia. It also complements grilled meats, seafood, or a light pasta dish perfectly, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad on large, colorful plates or rustic wooden boards. Arrange the burrata and prosciutto artfully to create visual layers of creamy, salty, and green elements. You can also offer some extra olive oil or balsamic glaze on the side for guests to customize their flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the arugula and tomatoes refrigerated in one container, and burrata wrapped tightly in another. The prosciutto can be kept on a paper towel inside a sealed bag to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of the arugula and burrata. For the best experience, prepare fresh before serving.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and relies on fresh ingredients, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy any leftovers chilled or bring components together again freshly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Absolutely! While arugula gives the salad its signature peppery bite, baby spinach or mixed spring greens can be a mild alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change.
What can I substitute for burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta salata can work well. They have a similar creamy texture but slightly different flavor nuances.
Is this salad suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely! The Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto Recipe has a beautiful presentation and sophisticated flavor that will impress your guests. It’s light enough to whet appetites without being too filling.
How do I toast pine nuts without burning them?
Use a dry skillet on medium heat and stir frequently. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn golden brown and give off a nutty aroma to avoid any burnt taste.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute burrata with a plant-based creamy cheese alternative and omit the prosciutto or replace it with thinly sliced marinated mushrooms or smoked tofu for some savory notes.
Final Thoughts
This Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in an unforgettable way. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself wanting to make again and again for both casual meals and special occasions. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite salad to share with friends and family.
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Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A fresh and flavorful Arugula Burrata Salad featuring creamy burrata cheese, savory prosciutto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy toasted pine nuts, all tossed in a simple balsamic and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups fresh arugula (about 100g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 4 oz prosciutto (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash arugula thoroughly under cold water and pat dry well to remove excess moisture. Halve the cherry tomatoes evenly to enhance their flavor and texture in the salad.
- Toast pine nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large serving bowl, mix the arugula and halved cherry tomatoes gently to distribute evenly. Tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and add it delicately to the bowl to maintain its creamy texture.
- Add prosciutto: Arrange the thin slices of prosciutto on top of the salad for an appealing presentation and to keep them from wilting.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the salad, enhancing all the fresh flavors without overpowering them.
- Finish with pine nuts and serve: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of all ingredients.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh burrata cheese and good-quality prosciutto.
- Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning; stir frequently and watch closely.
- This salad is best served immediately to prevent arugula from wilting and burrata from becoming too soft.
- You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
