Zucchini Crudo with Burrata

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Irresistible 8-Minute Zucchini Crudo with Burrata: The Freshest Summer Power-Plate

Looking for a show-stopping starter or light meal that’s as stunning as it is simple? This Zucchini Crudo with Burrata is your answer! With just eight minutes of hands-on time, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with garden-fresh flavor and creamy bliss. This vibrant recipe proves summer’s best dishes require minimal effort, but deliver maximum impact—perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a revitalizing, nutritious bite. Read on for everything you need to make this Zucchini Crudo shine, from pro tips to creative twists.

Why You’ll Love Zucchini Crudo with Burrata

• Captures the essence of summer with fresh, raw zucchini and garden basil
• Super quick to assemble—ready in under 20 minutes
• Features creamy, indulgent burrata cheese for luxe appeal
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, fitting many dietary needs
• Presents beautifully for guests or special occasions
• Can be customized for personal taste and seasonality
• Packs a zesty lemon brightness and layers of texture

Ingredients for Zucchini Crudo with Burrata

To make the ultimate Zucchini Crudo with Burrata, you’ll need basic, quality ingredients that allow each flavor to shine:

• 2 medium zucchini: Choose fresh, firm zucchini for crisp texture. If your garden yields yellow summer squash, add some for color!
• Flaky sea salt: Adds crunch and brings out the zucchini’s sweetness.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Provides subtle heat and balances the creamy cheese.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Adds aromatic, sunshiny brightness.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon: For a gentle acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
• Fresh basil leaves, torn: Basil brings a peppery, aromatic lift and green vibrancy.
• 4 oz burrata cheese, torn: Creamy and indulgent, burrata contrasts the crisp zucchini perfectly.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Go for the highest quality you can; its fruitiness ties everything together.

Every ingredient in Zucchini Crudo with Burrata plays a supporting role for a light, elegant dish that feels decadent and healthy at once.

Necessary Tools

Creating a flawless Zucchini Crudo with Burrata requires just a few key kitchen tools, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels:

• Mandoline slicer or sharp chef’s knife: Essential for slicing zucchini into delicate, even rounds or ribbons. A mandoline ensures ultra-thin, consistent slices—which is crucial for texture.
• Citrus zester or microplane: For getting fine, aromatic lemon zest without bitterness.
• Small mixing bowl: To toss the zucchini slices with salt and let the flavors meld.
• Serving platter: Present your Zucchini Crudo with Burrata attractively so the beautiful colors and textures take center stage.
• Tongs or clean hands: For arranging zucchini and topping with burrata and herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures you get the right amount of lemon juice and olive oil for balanced flavor.

A few thoughtfully chosen tools make all the difference in transforming these simple ingredients into an eye-catching, gourmet creation.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

One of the most rewarding aspects of making Zucchini Crudo with Burrata is how easily the dish can be tailored to your preferences or what’s in your kitchen.

• Swap the cheese: Burrata is luxuriously creamy but not always available. Substitute with fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta, or even whipped feta for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Mix up the herbs: While basil is classic, try adding mint or parsley for a more herbal character. Chives or tarragon can also bring a unique twist.
• Add crunch: For some extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or crushed pistachios over the top.
• Citrus options: Lemon provides freshness, but you can experiment with the zest and juice of limes or even oranges for a sweeter, bolder citrus note.
• Play with veggies: Add paper-thin slices of yellow squash, raw asparagus ribbons, or even thinly sliced radishes for color and character.
• Up the umami: Finish with a light shaving of Parmesan or drizzle with a little aged balsamic vinegar for a flavor boost.
• Make it heartier: Serve Zucchini Crudo with Burrata over a bed of arugula, or alongside grilled sourdough bread for a more substantial appetizer.
• Seasonal substitutions: If zucchini isn’t in season, thinly sliced cucumber can be a refreshing stand-in.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—don’t be afraid to get creative with local, seasonal produce or whatever’s in your pantry!

How to Make Zucchini Crudo with Burrata

Making Zucchini Crudo with Burrata is delightfully simple, yet the results are stunning. You’ll begin by slicing zucchini into delicate rounds, then layering it with fresh citrus, creamy burrata, fragrant basil, and a healthy drizzle of olive oil. Let the ingredients shine individually, coming together in a harmonious, beautifully presented dish.

Step 1: Slice the Zucchini

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, carefully cut the zucchini into 1/8-inch thick rounds or ribbons. Uniform slices help the zucchini soften evenly and absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Arrange & Season

Fan out the sliced zucchini in overlapping circles on your serving platter. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt, and let the zucchini sit for about 10 minutes—this step both seasons the vegetable and draws out moisture, making the texture more supple and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Citrus & Pepper

Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the zucchini, followed by a squeeze of juice from half a lemon. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. The citrus adds brightness and elevates the flavors without overpowering the delicate zucchini.

Step 4: Top with Herbs & Cheese

Tear the basil leaves and scatter them over the seasoned zucchini. Next, gently tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and nestle them among the zucchini and herbs.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, adding a final touch of luxury. Bring the dish to the table immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

How to Serve Zucchini Crudo with Burrata

This dish is meant to be a visual centerpiece as much as a culinary delight. Present Zucchini Crudo with Burrata on a wide, flat platter, letting the vivid green zucchini, creamy white cheese, and glossy olive oil pop against the plate. Serve as an appetizer at a summer dinner party, a light lunch paired with crisp white wine, or as a stylish addition to a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s equally perfect for alfresco dining, picnics, or as part of a larger antipasti spread.

Encourage your guests to scoop a little of everything onto their plate—zucchini, burrata, basil, and olive oil—for the full symphony of flavors in every bite.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Slice zucchini as thinly as possible for the best “crudo” experience—paper-thin rounds absorb seasoning and become deliciously tender.
• Let the seasoned zucchini rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the salt and lemon juice to gently soften and flavor the slices.
• Use only fresh, firm zucchini—older or watery zucchini won’t give you the sweet, crisp bite you want.
• Don’t overload with cheese; a little burrata goes a long way and keeps the dish balanced.
• Try adding freshly shaved Parmesan for extra umami, but keep it subtle—the burrata should remain center stage.
• For a stunning presentation, alternate zucchini with yellow squash or cucumber slices for a burst of color.
• Store olive oil in a cool, dark place to keep its flavor bold and fruity—it’s the finishing touch that makes this dish irresistible.
• If prepping ahead, slice and season the zucchini in advance, but add the basil, burrata, and olive oil right before serving for ultimate freshness.

Storage Instructions

Zucchini Crudo with Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, as the zucchini will continue to soften and lose its crisp texture if stored. However, if you have leftovers, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Note that the cheese will lose some of its creaminess and the basil may wilt. To revive, add a little more fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving. Avoid freezing, as the raw zucchini will become limp and watery.

General Information

Zucchini Crudo with Burrata is rooted in Italian tradition, where “crudo” means “raw” and highlights how delicious vegetables can be when they’re simply sliced, salted, and dressed. This dish shines because it uses the freshest produce—making it ideal for showcasing market or garden zucchini. Burrata, originally from Southern Italy, is mozzarella’s more indulgent cousin. Its outer shell is firm mozzarella, while the inside houses stracciatella and cream for an irresistibly rich texture. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe maximizes natural flavors and vibrant color, embodying the very essence of Mediterranean simplicity.

FAQs

Can I slice the zucchini in advance?

Yes, you can slice the zucchini a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to salt and assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the ideal texture.

Is it safe to eat raw zucchini?

Absolutely! Young, fresh zucchini is mild, sweet, and easy to digest when sliced thinly and served raw. It’s a traditional ingredient in Italian crudo salads.

Can I use pre-grated cheese instead of burrata?

Burrata offers a unique creamy texture, but if unavailable, use hand-torn fresh mozzarella or dollops of creamy ricotta. Avoid pre-grated cheese as it won’t provide the same luxurious mouthfeel.

What wines pair best with Zucchini Crudo with Burrata?

Light, crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry rosé complement the freshness of the zucchini and creaminess of the burrata perfectly.

I’m dairy-free—what’s a good substitute for burrata?

Try a rich cashew-based cheese or a whipped almond ricotta for a vegan-friendly take that preserves the creamy, satisfying texture.

Conclusion

If you crave a light, elegant dish that dazzles every time, Zucchini Crudo with Burrata is a true summer stunner. Its blend of fresh flavors, creamy cheese, and sunny colors makes every bite memorable. Add it to your summer rotation for effortless entertaining or simple, joyful meals—and embrace the art of food that looks and tastes like sunshine on a plate.

Nutritional Information

Zucchini Crudo with Burrata offers a healthy balance of fresh vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. Each serving is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the zucchini and basil, plus the beneficial fats and creamy protein from burrata cheese. Expect roughly 180-220 calories per serving, making this dish a light yet satisfying addition to any meal rotation.