Oh my gosh, you have to try this watermelon & hot honey burrata salad – it’s summer on a plate! I first made it for a backyard BBQ last July, and now my friends beg me to bring it to every gathering. The juicy sweetness of chilled watermelon against that luscious, creamy burrata? Heaven. But the real magic happens when you drizzle that spicy hot honey over top. It’s this incredible sweet-heat combo that makes everyone go “Wow!” after the first bite. Perfect for when you need something refreshing but still exciting. Trust me, it disappears faster than you can say “seconds please!”
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad
This salad is everything you want in a summer dish – let me count the ways:
- 10 minutes flat – Seriously, that’s all the prep time you need (zero cooking!)
- Flavor fireworks – Sweet melon + creamy burrata + spicy honey = pure magic
- Cooling & refreshing – Chilled watermelon makes it perfect for hot days
- Total crowd-pleaser – Looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler to throw together
- Endless variations – Toss in mint, swap peaches for watermelon… make it yours!
It’s the kind of recipe that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. Promise!
Ingredients for Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this stunning summer salad (measurements matter for that perfect balance!):
- 1 small watermelon – seeded and cubed (about 4 cups) – trust me, chilling it first makes all the difference
- 8 oz burrata cheese – let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes so it gets that dreamy, creamy texture
- 2 tbsp hot honey – adjust to your spice preference (I use Mike’s Hot Honey but any brand works)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – torn by hand for that rustic look
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – the good stuff, please!
- 1/2 tsp sea salt – flaky Maldon salt adds wonderful crunch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked is always best
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No hot honey? No problem! Mix 2 tbsp regular honey with 1/4 tsp chili flakes – let it sit 10 minutes to infuse. If burrata’s hard to find, fresh mozzarella works (though you’ll miss that luscious creamy center). For extra freshness, add 2 tbsp torn mint leaves with the basil. And if watermelon isn’t in season, try this with ripe peaches – completely different but equally delicious!
How to Make Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad
Okay, let’s make this stunning salad together – I’ll walk you through each simple step:
- Prep your base: Arrange those gorgeous watermelon cubes in a single layer on your prettiest serving platter. This isn’t just about looks (though it is gorgeous) – it helps every bite get perfect topping coverage.
- Add the star: Gently tear that room-temperature burrata into uneven pieces with your fingers – no knives here! Scatter the creamy chunks over the watermelon. Those oozy centers will melt into the fruit beautifully.
- Drizzle with love: Here comes the magic! Zigzag that spicy hot honey over everything, then repeat with the olive oil. The combo will pool in all the right places.
- Finish it off: Scatter the torn basil like confetti, then sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper. The salt makes all the flavors pop!
Most important step? Serve immediately! This salad’s all about textures – you want that cold watermelon against the creamy burrata before the honey starts to make everything meld together.
Pro Tips for the Best Salad
Here’s how I take mine from good to “Oh my god, what IS this?!” status:
- Chill your watermelon cubes for at least 30 minutes first – that icy contrast with the creamy cheese is everything
- Always tear burrata by hand – knives make it too neat, and we want those luscious, uneven edges
- Drizzle honey high above the plate – gives you that perfect zigzag pattern for even coverage
- Add a squeeze of lime right before serving if you want an extra zing cutting through the richness
Serving Suggestions for Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad
This beauty deserves the perfect supporting cast! I love serving it alongside grilled shrimp skewers – the smoky char plays so nicely with the sweet-spicy flavors. For a casual gathering, add some crusty bread to sop up all that delicious honey-olive oil dressing pooling at the bottom. And let’s be real – a chilled glass of rosé turns this into instant summer elegance. It’s perfect for pool parties, weekend brunches, or those “I can’t be bothered to cook” nights when you still want something spectacular.
Storage & Reheating Notes
Honestly? This watermelon salad tastes best right after you make it – those textures and temperatures are what make it magical! If you absolutely must store it, keep the components separate (watermelon in one container, burrata in another) for up to 2 hours max. No reheating needed – just assemble when you’re ready to serve!
Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad Nutrition Info
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving of this salad (but remember – estimates vary based on your exact ingredients!):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 16g (8g saturated)
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 8g
Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The watermelon keeps it light while that glorious burrata brings the richness. Just enough good fats to keep you satisfied!
FAQs About Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s what people always ask me about this showstopper salad:
“Can I assemble this ahead of time?” Oh honey, no! (Pun intended.) The magic happens when cold watermelon meets creamy burrata right before serving. If you prep early, you’ll get a soggy mess. But you can cube the melon and drain the burrata ahead – just keep them separate until showtime!
“How spicy is the hot honey?” Totally adjustable! Most brands (like Mike’s) have a gentle kick – think warm tingle rather than fire alarm. For sensitive palates, mix regular honey with just a pinch of chili flakes. Want more heat? Add a dash of cayenne to your drizzle!
“Best watermelon variety?” Seedless is easiest, but any ripe, sweet melon works. I look for that yellow “field spot” – the bigger and creamier it is, the sweeter your salad will be. When it’s peak season, I’ll even use those cute personal-sized melons!
Rate This Recipe
Did you make this dreamy watermelon salad? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop your star rating below and tell me your creative twists in the comments. Tag me on Instagram if you snap a pic – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations!
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Watermelon & Hot Honey Burrata Salad: 10-Minute Bliss You Need Now
A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, creamy burrata cheese, and spicy hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon, cubed
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange watermelon cubes on a serving platter.
- Tear burrata into pieces and place over watermelon.
- Drizzle with hot honey and olive oil.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chilled watermelon for best texture.
- Adjust hot honey quantity to taste.
- Add mint leaves for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
