Watermelon Burrata Salad

5 from 2 votes

This fresh and delicious Watermelon Burrata Salad with balsamic dressing highlights the best of summer! Sweet and juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy burrata cheese are an irresistible combo, especially when sprinkled with crunchy hazelnuts. This show-stopping salad is as beautiful as it is delicious!

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 120

Author Jessica Kwon

Ingredients

1½-2 tightly packed cups baby arugula about 1½ oz
1 Persian (mini) cucumber thinly sliced
Several leaves fresh basil roughly torn or cut into strips; about 2 tbsp
2 cups seedless watermelon diced into ½" cubes; about ¼ watermelon
½ ounce roasted hazelnuts roughly chopped; about 2 tbsp
6-8 ounce burrata 1-2 balls
Kosher salt and pepper

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon diced shallot
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add balsamic vinegar, shallot, garlic powder, dijon mustard, olive oil, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified. Season to taste and set aside.
To assemble the salad, spread arugula onto a large serving plate. Arrange cucumber, basil, and watermelon on top. Sprinkle all over with hazelnuts, then place burrata on top. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Right before serving, sprinkle salad lightly with salt and pepper, particularly the burrata. Give the dressing another shake before drizzling all over. Serve immediately.

Notes

Arugula: If you can find it, use baby arugula. It has a milder, more delicate peppery flavor and softer texture that won't overpower the fruit in this salad.
Cucumber: Persian or mini cucumbers are my favorite because they're easily portioned out and have a thin skin with few seeds. You could also use English cucumbers, which are larger.
Watermelon: Either remove all the black seeds or use a seedless watermelon. You could also purchase pre-cut watermelon but I prefer to save money by cutting my own.
Hazelnuts: If you can't find pre-roasted hazelnuts at the grocery story, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes first. Let cool before chopping and adding into the salad.
Substitutions:
- If you can't find burrata, replace it with fresh mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. You can also use stracciatella if you can find it - it's the filling inside burrata cheese.
- Replace basil with mint, or use both.

Nutrition