If you are looking for a dazzling yet simple way to celebrate fresh, vibrant flavors of summer, this Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the juiciest, ripest tomatoes and the most luxuriously creamy burrata cheese, all uplifted by fragrant basil and a drizzle of golden olive oil. This salad is a beautiful harmony of textures and colors that feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. Trust me, once you try this Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish that balances freshness, creaminess, and a hint of peppery brightness. So gather these essentials to build this irresistible salad.
- Fresh Ripe Tomatoes (2-3 cups): Use a mix of heirloom, beefsteak, or cherry tomatoes for the most colorful and flavorful bite.
- Burrata Cheese (8 ounces): Creamy and luscious, this cheese adds a rich texture that contrasts with the bright tomatoes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2-3 tablespoons): Choose a cold-pressed, high-quality olive oil to impart fruity, peppery notes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup): Tear them by hand just before serving to release their aromatic oils.
- Sea Salt (a pinch): Enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of the tomatoes.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked for a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
How to Make Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes
Start by choosing the freshest tomatoes you can find, then rinse them gently under cold water. Pat them dry carefully so they hold their juices and don’t become watery in the salad.
Step 2: Chop the Tomatoes
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, making sure each piece is ready to soak up the flavors from the dressing and basil. Transfer them into a large mixing bowl where all the magic will come together.
Step 3: Slice the Burrata Cheese
Delicately slice the burrata in half, exposing the creamy, decadent interior. Set it aside for an impressive presentation on top of your salad.
Step 4: Dress the Tomatoes
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil lovingly over the chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper by eye, adjusting to your taste and highlighting each fresh tomato’s natural sweetness.
Step 5: Toss to Combine
Gently toss the tomatoes to ensure every piece is coated beautifully with olive oil and seasoning. Avoid overmixing so the tomatoes maintain their shape and texture.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil
Tear the basil leaves by hand, releasing their fragrant oils, and fold them into the tomato mixture with care. This adds bursts of herbal freshness that brighten every bite.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place the halved burrata on top of the dressed tomato basil salad. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the creamy cheese as it softly melds with the juicy tomatoes.
How to Serve Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a scattering of microgreens for an extra touch of crunch and visual appeal. A drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze can also elevate the flavor beautifully, adding a slightly sweet tang.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or sourdough, perfect for scooping up every delightful bit. It also complements grilled meats or seafood, making it a versatile starter or side that brightens any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual glass bowls for an elegant touch or layered on a large platter for sharing. Arranging the tomatoes in concentric circles with burrata halves nestled in the center makes for a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the burrata separate or recombine just before serving, as the cheese is freshest when added last and can soften the tomatoes over time.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of burrata and fresh tomatoes, freezing this salad is not recommended. The ingredients lose their freshness and texture once thawed, so enjoy this salad at its peak just after making.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, uncooked salad, reheating is unnecessary and would detract from the flavors and textures. Instead, serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella works in a pinch, burrata’s creamy center is what truly makes this salad special. It provides richness and texture that mozzarella just can’t match.
What types of tomatoes are best for this salad?
A mix of heirloom, beefsteak, and cherry tomatoes offers a great balance of sweetness, acidity, and color, making the salad visually stunning and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds fruity, peppery notes that elevate the entire dish and complement the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can replace the burrata with a creamy plant-based cheese or avocado, keeping the fresh tomato and basil components intact.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
Prepare the tomato and basil mix up to a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Add the burrata just before serving to maintain its fresh, creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is a celebration of simple, honest ingredients coming together in pure harmony. It’s easy to make, bursting with freshness, and perfect for warm days or any time you crave something light and flavorful. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it impresses everyone at your table!
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Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and elegant Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad featuring ripe heirloom and cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This no-cook salad highlights simple, fresh ingredients perfect for a light appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2–3 cups Fresh Ripe Tomatoes (Diced; mix of heirloom, beefsteak, or cherry tomatoes)
- 8 ounces Burrata Cheese (Creamy cheese housed in a delicate mozzarella shell)
- 2–3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Good quality, cold-pressed for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (Torn by hand before serving)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (To taste; enhances sweetness of tomatoes)
- Black Pepper (Freshly cracked to taste)
Instructions
- Select and Rinse Tomatoes: Begin by selecting your tomatoes. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
- Chop Tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even mix of the different varieties.
- Prepare Burrata: Carefully slice the burrata cheese in half horizontally and set aside, handling gently to preserve its creamy texture.
- Season Tomatoes: Drizzle the tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the tomatoes to evenly combine them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, being careful not to crush the pieces.
- Add Basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand and add them to the tomato mixture, mixing gently to distribute the aromatic herb.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the halved burrata cheese on top of the tomato salad and serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Use a variety of tomatoes to add color and depth of flavor to the salad.
- Burrata is best served fresh and at room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- The salad should be served immediately after assembly to enjoy the fresh textures.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze just before serving.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
