If you have ever craved a burst of freshness paired with creamy indulgence, this Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe will absolutely win your heart. It’s a celebration of vibrant heirloom and cherry tomatoes combined with luxuriously soft burrata cheese, fragrant basil, and a perfect balance of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Every bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels both elegant and effortlessly simple. Whether you’re looking for a stunning starter, a light lunch, or an impressive salad to share, this dish brings farm-to-table freshness right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component enhances the dish with its unique taste and texture, from the juicy sweetness of fresh tomatoes to the creamy richness of burrata and the aromatic touch of basil.
- Heirloom tomatoes (3 medium): Their colorful, juicy slices create the foundation and add gorgeous texture and flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Halved to offer sweet pops of freshness and a nice contrast to the larger slices.
- Fresh basil leaves (30 leaves): Chopped finely to infuse an herbal brightness that lifts the entire salad.
- Burrata cheese (6 oz): Soft and creamy, this cheese melts gently in your mouth, elevating every bite.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat for balance.
- Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Drizzled generously to tie all the ingredients together with richness and smoothness.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 Tbsp): Provides a tangy depth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes impeccably.
How to Make Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice and Arrange Heirloom Tomatoes
Start by slicing the heirloom tomatoes into approximately one-third inch thick rounds. Carefully arrange these colorful slices on your serving dish, creating a vibrant base that immediately draws the eye and prepares you for the burst of flavor to come.
Step 2: Halve Cherry Tomatoes and Layer
Next, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and scatter them evenly over the heirloom slices. Their small size adds delightful pops of sweetness and visual interest, creating lovely contrast with the larger tomato slices.
Step 3: Chop and Sprinkle Fresh Basil
Chopping the fresh basil leaves finely ensures that their fragrant aroma is evenly distributed throughout the salad. Sprinkle the basil generously over the tomatoes for a fresh, herbal lift that brightens every forkful.
Step 4: Tear and Add Burrata Cheese
Use your hands or a knife to gently tear the burrata into bite-sized morsels and place them atop the salad. The creamy, lush texture of burrata creates a luscious, indulgent feel that perfectly complements the freshness of the tomatoes and basil.
Step 5: Season and Drizzle Dressings
Finally, sprinkle the entire salad with ground black pepper and sea salt to taste. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top, followed by the balsamic vinegar, which adds a tantalizing tang. Serve this masterpiece immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and most vibrant.
How to Serve Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a few fresh basil leaves whole on top for garnish, or a light drizzle of aged balsamic reduction for a sweet, glossy finish. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add an extra dimension of crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread to scoop up every creamy, juicy bite. It also makes an excellent companion to grilled meats, seafood, or light pasta dishes, enhancing your meal with its vibrant freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, layer the ingredients in individual glass bowls or on long wooden boards for a rustic, shareable experience. Alternatively, serve the salad over a bed of baby arugula or mixed greens to add a peppery undertone and more texture variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s ideal to consume leftovers within one day for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh nature of both the tomatoes and burrata, freezing the salad is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture, especially of the burrata, and the tomatoes will become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is designed to be served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. Simply prepare fresh each time to enjoy the crispness and creaminess at their peak.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella works in a pinch, burrata offers a creamier, richer texture that really makes this salad shine. If you want that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth feel, burrata is definitely the way to go.
What type of balsamic vinegar should I use?
A good quality aged balsamic vinegar brings sweetness and depth without overwhelming the salad. Avoid cheap vinegars which might be too harsh or acidic.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can slice the tomatoes and prep the basil a few hours ahead, but add the burrata and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe includes burrata cheese, which is dairy-based, so it’s not vegan. For a vegan alternative, consider using creamy cashew-based cheese or marinated tofu instead.
What’s the best way to select heirloom tomatoes?
Look for firm yet slightly yielding tomatoes with rich, vibrant colors and fragrant aromas. The more fragrant, the better the flavor they will impart to your salad.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes with just a few fresh, quality ingredients. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself to something special. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection for effortless, elegant meals.
Print
Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Tomato Burrata Salad featuring heirloom and cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy burrata cheese, and a flavorful dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this no-cook salad highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes paired with rich burrata for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 3 medium heirloom tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Herbs
- 30 fresh basil leaves
Dairy
- 6 oz burrata cheese
Seasoning & Dressing
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or add more to taste)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or drizzled to taste)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Slice Heirloom Tomatoes: Slice the heirloom tomatoes into â…“-inch thick slices and arrange them neatly on a serving dish to form the base layer of the salad.
- Prepare Cherry Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves and scatter them evenly on top of the heirloom tomato slices, adding bursts of sweetness and color.
- Add Fresh Basil: Chop the fresh basil leaves into small pieces or tear them gently, then sprinkle over the tomatoes to infuse the salad with aromatic freshness.
- Place Burrata Cheese: Cut or tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and place them generously on top of the tomatoes and basil, adding creamy richness to the dish.
- Season and Dress: Lightly season the salad with sea salt and ground black pepper, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to enhance flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and tastes.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe, fresh heirloom tomatoes and high-quality burrata cheese.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar based on your taste preference.
- You can substitute fresh basil with other fresh herbs like mint or oregano for a different twist.
- This salad is best served fresh and should be eaten soon after assembling to prevent the tomatoes from becoming watery.
- To keep burrata soft, store it in the refrigerator and take out just before serving.
