Dreaming of a dish that captures summer in every forkful? This Tomato Burrata Salad is the answer to your cravings! Picture juicy heirloom and cherry tomatoes, their colors as dazzling as a sunset, mingling with creamy, cloud-like burrata, and kissed with fragrant basil. The simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze lets every ingredient shine. It’s the kind of salad you’ll want to serve at every gathering, whether it’s a breezy picnic or a quick dinner at home—fresh, vibrant, and impossibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With Tomato Burrata Salad, every ingredient plays an important role—no fillers here, just real, bold flavors and textures. The magic comes from picking top-quality produce and letting their natural beauty and taste steal the show.
- Heirloom tomatoes (3 large, sliced): Choose a mix of colors and shapes for a salad that’s both photogenic and delicious.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Their tangy sweetness adds juicy bursts to every bite.
- Burrata cheese (8 oz): Creamy, delicate and rich, this is the star that turns a simple salad into a show-stopper.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds luxurious smoothness and ties all the flavors together.
- Balsamic glaze (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle brings sweet tang and shine, elevating every ingredient.
- Flaky sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top, it emphasizes the tomatoes’ natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth to balance the creaminess of the burrata.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, torn): Their aromatic freshness is the final, fragrant flourish.
How to Make Tomato Burrata Salad
Step 1: Arrange the Tomatoes
Begin by laying the sliced heirloom tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes on a spacious serving platter. Don’t worry if things look a little rustic—variance in color and size will give the salad personality. Let some slices overlap while others peek out to show off their vibrant hues.
Step 2: Add Burrata
Gently tear the burrata cheese with clean hands (or a small spoon) and nestle generous pieces throughout the tomatoes. Burrata is delicate, so take your time to spread its creamy goodness evenly, ensuring each serving gets both the soft center and the outer shell.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Now, slowly drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and burrata, letting it pool and glisten. Follow with a delicate lacing of balsamic glaze—the interplay of sweetness and acidity wakes up every bite.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Sprinkle the salad with flaky sea salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Finish by scattering torn basil leaves over the top, letting their aroma and color make the Tomato Burrata Salad truly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This salad is at its best when served right away, while the tomatoes are juicy and burrata is cloud-soft. Arrange your plate, grab a fork, and dive in!
How to Serve Tomato Burrata Salad
Garnishes
With a salad this beautiful, a few thoughtful garnish touches can make it even more enticing. A pinch of microgreens, an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts all add a touch of flair. If you’re feeling zesty, try a tiny scatter of crushed red pepper flakes or a whisper of fresh lemon zest for an added burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Tomato Burrata Salad pairs perfectly with a warm loaf of crusty sourdough or focaccia to help mop up every delicious drop. It’s also wonderful alongside grilled proteins like chicken, seafood, or even a platter of antipasti—think marinated olives, artichokes, or roasted peppers—for a complete, Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy spin, try serving the salad in individual jars or small bowls for a picnic, or layer the tomatoes and burrata atop grilled bread for a bruschetta twist. You can even thread small tomato and burrata portions onto skewers for a playful appetizer centerpiece. Tomato Burrata Salad can truly be the canvas for your creative presentation ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which rarely happens!), transfer the Tomato Burrata Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. The tomatoes will continue to release juices, and the burrata may soften further, but the flavors still shine through beautifully.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well—the tomatoes lose their texture and the burrata becomes watery when thawed. For the ultimate Tomato Burrata Salad experience, enjoy it fresh and avoid freezing.
Reheating
This is a no-cook, chilled salad, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your salad has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to restore the tomatoes’ true flavor and bring out the creamy burrata’s best texture.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Mozzarella can work in a pinch if burrata isn’t available, but keep in mind that burrata’s creamy center really sets Tomato Burrata Salad apart. Mozzarella provides a lovely soft texture, but you’ll miss out on that extra luxuriousness.
What’s the best way to slice heirloom tomatoes?
Use a sharp serrated knife to gently slice through heirloom tomatoes without crushing their flesh. Aim for thick slices—about half an inch—so they hold their shape and showcase their gorgeous colors in the salad.
Can I prepare Tomato Burrata Salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients (slice the tomatoes, tear the basil) up to an hour ahead. Wait to assemble with burrata, olive oil, and balsamic glaze right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Is there a vegan alternative to burrata?
Yes! Look for plant-based burrata or make a quick cashew cream to dollop onto the tomatoes. While the taste won’t be identical, you’ll capture the creamy essence that makes Tomato Burrata Salad so satisfying.
Which type Salad
Aged balsamic reductions or store-bought balsamic glaze both work well. Choose one with a balanced sweetness and tang, and try to avoid overly sugary versions for a truly special Tomato Burrata Salad.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t fallen in love with Tomato Burrata Salad yet, now is the perfect time to give it a try. Every bite celebrates fresh, simple ingredients at their best. So grab some gorgeous tomatoes and luscious burrata, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a bit of summer on a plate—you’re going to love it!
