Tomato Burrata Salad
Tomato Burrata Salad is a luxurious, simple, and vibrant dish where the star ingredients — juicy ripe tomatoes and creamy, dreamy burrata cheese — are allowed to shine. Finished with a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, fresh basil, and sometimes a hint of balsamic, this salad captures the essence of summer on a plate. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for everyday dining.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
2 balls of fresh burrata cheese (about 8 oz total)
3–4 medium heirloom tomatoes (or ripe vine tomatoes), sliced or wedged
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for color and texture)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (high quality)
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)
Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) or kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Slice the large tomatoes into thick rounds or wedges.
Halve the cherry tomatoes if using.
Lightly season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt to draw out their juices.
2. Arrange the Salad:
Spread the tomatoes onto a large serving platter or plate.
Tear the burrata balls gently and place chunks evenly over the tomatoes (or leave whole for a more dramatic presentation).
3. Add Basil and Seasonings:
Tuck fresh basil leaves around the tomatoes and burrata.
Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Finish with flaky salt and freshly ground pepper.
4. Serve Immediately:
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, while the tomatoes are juicy and the burrata is creamy.
Notes & Tips:
Tomato choice: Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Heirloom tomatoes add beautiful color and texture.
Burrata tip: Burrata is best served at room temperature — remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Olive oil matters: Good-quality, peppery extra virgin olive oil elevates the whole dish.
Balsamic glaze: This adds a sweet tangy finish, but you can skip it if you want a purer taste of the tomatoes and burrata.
Additions: Thin slices of red onion, arugula, or toasted pine nuts can add another layer of flavor and texture if desired.
Serving idea: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is burrata exactly?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside is filled with stracciatella and cream, making it incredibly soft and creamy.
2. Can I substitute burrata with something else?
Yes! If burrata isn’t available, you can use fresh mozzarella (especially mozzarella di bufala), though it will be less creamy inside.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can slice the tomatoes ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving so the burrata stays fresh and the tomatoes don’t get too watery.
4. What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it immediately at room temperature with a side of toasted sourdough or baguette.
5. How long does this salad last?
It’s best eaten right away. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a day but the burrata texture changes and the tomatoes will release a lot of liquid.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 400mg
Vitamin C: 25% DV
Vitamin A: 30% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 6% DV
The Tomato Burrata Salad is a rustic yet elegant, minimal-ingredient dish bursting with freshness. Perfect for warm weather dining, it celebrates peak-season tomatoes and creamy burrata with little fuss and maximum flavor.