Watermelon Burrata Dish

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

This simple dish combines the sweetness of watermelon with creamy burrata for a great warm-weather option. Basil brings a fresh flavor, while olive oil and balsamic glaze add depth and tanginess. Start by spreading out watermelon pieces, then rip apart the burrata and place on top. Add basil, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, and season with salt and pepper to finish. Serve at once for the best taste and texture.

A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:06:19 GMT
A dish featuring watermelon, cheese, and basil leaves. Pin it
A dish featuring watermelon, cheese, and basil leaves. | tasteofmoms.com

This cool burrata watermelon salad takes basic ingredients and turns them into a fancy dish that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and tangy tastes. I stumbled upon this combo during a terrible summer heat spell and it's now my favorite way to wow friends without sweating in a hot kitchen for hours.

I first brought this to a casual backyard get-together last summer, and my friend who "can't stand watermelon" actually asked me how to make it. The mix of cool, juicy melon with smooth, creamy burrata creates such an interesting texture that even doubters can't resist.

Components

  • Ripe watermelon: Pick one that's heavy for its size and makes a hollow sound when you tap it for the best sweetness
  • Burrata cheese: Don't go cheap here since it's what makes the dish special
  • Fresh basil leaves: Their smell works wonders with both the fruit and cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Grab your nicest bottle as you'll really taste it
  • Balsamic glaze: Gives that sweet-tangy kick that pulls everything together
  • Flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper: Makes all other flavors pop

Easy Assembly Guide

Get the Watermelon Ready:
Slice your watermelon into equal-sized 1-inch chunks for perfect bites. Take out any seeds you spot along the way. Set them in a single layer on your serving dish - don't pile them up so they have space.
Place the Cheese:
Take burrata out about 15 minutes before you'll eat so it warms up slightly. Gently pull each ball into a few pieces, keeping the creamy inside intact. Carefully put these cheese pieces among the watermelon chunks, spreading them out evenly.
Add Final Touches:
Gently pull apart the basil leaves instead of cutting them - this keeps their oils and prevents bruising. Scatter them over everything, then lightly drizzle olive oil across the dish. Add a few swirls of balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes and a bit of ground pepper.
A plate of food with a slice of watermelon and cheese. Pin it
A plate of food with a slice of watermelon and cheese. | tasteofmoms.com

My favorite thing about serving this dish is watching people's faces when they try their first bite. The combo might seem weird at first, but how the soft burrata mixes with the sweet melon creates a rich contrast that tastes way more complex than you'd expect from so few ingredients.

Smart Watermelon Picking

Getting the right watermelon really matters in this dish. Look for one with a big yellow patch showing it ripened properly on the vine. The outside should look matte not glossy, and it should feel heavy compared to its size. When you knock on it, listen for a hollow sound rather than a dull thud - that's how you know you've got a good one. I usually go for seedless types to save time, but if you can get a local heirloom variety, the extra flavor is worth picking out the seeds.

Turn It Into Dinner

While this salad works perfectly as an appetizer, you can bulk it up into a full meal with a couple additions. Try adding thin slices of prosciutto laid around the watermelon for a salty kick. A small handful of toasted pine nuts gives you nice crunch and some protein. For something more filling, serve it with grilled sourdough that's been brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic. I often enjoy this as a simple lunch with a cold glass of Prosecco for the ultimate summer meal.

Switch It Up By Season

This dish celebrates summer produce but can change with whatever's growing. In early summer, try mixing in some strawberries with the watermelon. Late summer? Ripe peaches or fancy tomatoes work great alongside the melon. Come fall, swap the watermelon completely for figs. The burrata and balsamic work with lots of fruits, so feel free to play around based on what catches your eye at the market. My family really loves when I use a mix of yellow and red watermelon chunks if I can find both kinds.

A plate of food with watermelon and cheese. Pin it
A plate of food with watermelon and cheese. | tasteofmoms.com

This easy dish shows that sometimes simple is better: a few fresh items, thoughtfully put together, can make something that looks and tastes amazing without much effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What goes well with burrata and watermelon?

Herbs like mint or basil, a splash of balsamic glaze, and some crusty bread pair perfectly with these flavors.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

It's best served right after making, but you can prepare ingredients in advance and put it all together last minute to keep textures fresh.

→ What sort of burrata should I use?

Use a fresh burrata with a soft and creamy inside for the tastiest result.

→ What balsamic glaze works best?

Pick a good-quality glaze that’s thick and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy to bring out the best flavor.

→ Can I swap basil for another herb?

Yes, mint or even arugula can be a nice substitute, offering their own unique taste to the dish.

Watermelon Burrata Dish

A fresh, easy combo of burrata, watermelon, basil, balsamic glaze, and olive oil. Delicious and quick to make.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (1 serving platter)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 Fresh basil (1/4 cup)
02 2 balls of burrata cheese
03 Cubed watermelon (4 cups)
04 Salt and pepper, optional
05 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

Spread out the cubed watermelon on a big plate or tray.

Step 02

Rip apart the burrata and toss it over the watermelon pieces.

Step 03

Scatter the basil leaves all across the watermelon and cheese.

Step 04

Pour balsamic glaze and olive oil over everything.

Step 05

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and dig in right away.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12.5 g
  • Protein: 6.5 g