Name: Tomato Burrata Salad: Amazing 1-Step Freshness!
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound heirloom or ripe tomatoes, various colors and sizes, sliced or halved; 8 ounces burrata cheese, torn or cut into pieces; 2 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 2 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Tomato Burrata Salad has been my go-to summer dish ever since I first tasted it on a sun-drenched patio in Italy. I remember the burst of fresh tomato, the creamy burrata melting in my mouth, and the fragrant basil that tied it all together. It was a revelation – so simple, yet so incredibly flavorful. This easy Tomato Burrata Salad recipe captures that magic, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean right into my kitchen. I love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal light meal or impressive appetizer. The vibrant colors alone make me happy, and the combination of textures is pure bliss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Burrata Salad

I genuinely believe you’ll adore this Tomato Burrata Salad for so many reasons. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience:

Incredible Taste: The creamy burrata perfectly complements the sweet, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil. Every bite is a burst of fresh, Mediterranean flavors that will transport you.
Lightning-Fast Prep: This is an Easy Tomato Burrata Salad that comes together in mere minutes. No cooking required, just simple assembly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and burrata, it’s a light yet satisfying meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious, healthy option.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of ripe tomatoes, white burrata, and green basil make this salad a showstopper on any table. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few core ingredients, this salad is surprisingly economical. You can often find great deals on seasonal tomatoes, keeping costs down.
Versatile & Adaptable: While it’s an Easy Tomato Burrata Salad, you can easily customize it with different herbs, a sprinkle of nuts, or a dash of balsamic glaze.

Ingredients for Tomato Burrata Salad

To create this amazing Tomato Burrata Salad, you’ll need just a few high-quality, fresh ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, so choosing the best produce is key for truly delicious results. Here are the essential Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad ingredients:

1 pound heirloom or ripe tomatoes, various colors and sizes – I love using a mix of cherry, grape, and larger heirloom tomatoes, sliced or halved, for visual appeal and varied textures.
8 ounces burrata cheese – torn or cut into pieces. This is the star! Its creamy, rich interior is what makes the salad so special.
2 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens – for a peppery base that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn – the aromatic essence that ties all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade) – adds a burst of savory, herbaceous flavor.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – a good quality oil is crucial here for its fruity notes.
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional) – for a touch of sweet and tangy complexity.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – to enhance all the natural flavors.

How to Make Tomato Burrata Salad

Making this beautiful Tomato Burrata Salad is incredibly easy, and you don’t even need to turn on your oven! I love how quickly this fresh dish comes together, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine. Here’s how to make Tomato Burrata Salad in just a few simple steps, bringing that Mediterranean charm right to your table, perfect for a quick lunch or an elegant appetizer.

Step 1: First, prepare your greens. Arrange the fresh arugula or mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates. This creates a lovely bed for our star ingredients. I find the slight peppery kick of arugula really enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Step 2: Next, scatter your colorful tomatoes. Distribute the sliced or halved heirloom or ripe tomatoes artfully over the greens. I love using a variety of colors and sizes; it makes the dish visually stunning and adds different textures.
Step 3: Now for the creamy star! Gently place the torn or cut burrata cheese pieces among the tomatoes and greens. Watching the burrata tear open to reveal its creamy interior is always so satisfying. This is a crucial step in how to make Tomato Burrata Salad truly decadent.
Step 4: Drizzle the pesto evenly over the burrata and tomatoes. The aroma of the basil and garlic from the pesto will start to fill your kitchen, a delightful preview of the flavors to come.
Step 5: Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad. A good quality olive oil makes all the difference here, adding a smooth, rich finish to the dish.
Step 6: If you desire, add a touch of sweetness and tang by drizzling balsamic glaze over the salad. It’s optional, but I often find it adds an extra layer of complexity that I adore.
Step 7: Finally, season your delicious Tomato Burrata Salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it really elevates the flavors.
Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and creamy Tomato Burrata Salad. The best way to savor the delicate creaminess of the burrata and the peak ripeness of the tomatoes is right after assembly.

Pro Tips for the Best Tomato Burrata Salad

I’ve made this salad countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that guarantee a show-stopping result every single time. These expert tips will help you create the most flavorful and visually appealing Tomato Burrata Salad that will impress everyone.

Always choose ripe, in-season tomatoes. Their natural sweetness is the foundation of this dish, so quality really matters.
Let your burrata come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows its creamy interior to be at its most luscious and spreadable.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of basil, like purple basil or lemon basil, for subtle flavor variations.
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving enhances all the flavors beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Tomato Burrata Salad?

The real secret to the Best Tomato Burrata Salad lies in the quality of your ingredients and letting them shine. Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find, and ensure your burrata is at room temperature for that ultimate creamy texture. These simple steps make all the difference.

Can I make Tomato Burrata Salad ahead of time?

While you can slice the tomatoes and prepare the greens a few hours in advance, I don’t recommend assembling the entire Tomato Burrata Salad too far ahead. The burrata is best enjoyed fresh, and the dressing can make the greens wilt over time. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Tomato Burrata Salad?

One common mistake is using cold burrata, which mutes its creaminess. Another is over-dressing the salad, which can make it soggy. Also, avoid using watery, out-of-season tomatoes; they simply won’t deliver the vibrant flavor this Tomato Burrata Salad deserves.

Best Ways to Serve Tomato Burrata Salad

There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy this versatile Tomato Burrata Salad. I often serve it as a light and elegant starter, letting the fresh flavors awaken the palate before a main course. It also makes a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken or fish, adding a vibrant burst of flavor and color.

For a truly delightful experience, try pairing it with crusty artisan bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices and creamy burrata. This also works beautifully as a Simple Tomato Burrata appetizer for guests; just arrange it beautifully on a platter. Sometimes, I even enjoy a larger portion for a refreshing and healthy lunch, especially when the tomatoes are at their peak.

Nutrition Facts for Tomato Burrata Salad

I find it helpful to know the nutritional breakdown of my favorite dishes, especially when aiming for a balanced meal. Here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving for this delicious Tomato Burrata Salad (this recipe makes 4 servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the exact brand of burrata or pesto. This healthy Tomato Burrata Salad recipe offers a good balance of macronutrients.

How to Store and Reheat Tomato Burrata Salad

While this Tomato Burrata Salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh, I understand that sometimes you might have leftovers or want to prepare components ahead of time. Proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness. If you have any salad remaining, gently transfer it to an airtight container. I recommend keeping the burrata and tomatoes separate from the greens if possible, as the dressing can cause the greens to wilt quickly.

Store the salad components in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Unfortunately, burrata does not freeze well; its creamy texture can become grainy upon thawing, so I don’t recommend freezing this dish. If you’re looking for a Quick tomato burrata side dish for a future meal, it’s better to assemble it fresh. For reheating, I suggest bringing the tomatoes and burrata to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, as this enhances their flavor and texture. No actual “reheating” is needed for this fresh salad!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Burrata Salad

What is Tomato Burrata Salad?

A Tomato Burrata Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish that typically features ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze. It’s essentially an elevated Caprese salad, with the luxurious, soft burrata replacing traditional mozzarella. I think it’s one of the most delightful ways to enjoy summer produce.

How is burrata different from mozzarella in a salad?

While both are fresh Italian cheeses, burrata is a soft, creamy cheese with an outer shell of solid mozzarella and an interior of stracciatella (shredded mozzarella curds mixed with cream). This gives a Tomato Burrata Salad a much richer, creamier texture and flavor compared to the firmer, more elastic texture of classic mozzarella. The burst of creaminess from burrata is truly unmatched.

What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?

For the best Tomato Burrata Salad, I always recommend using ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes offer a beautiful variety of colors and flavors, while cherry or grape tomatoes add a lovely sweetness and pop. Mixing different types creates a visually stunning and flavorful dish. It’s all about celebrating the fresh produce!

Can I add other ingredients to my Tomato Burrata Salad?

Absolutely! This salad is wonderfully versatile. I sometimes add thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite, toasted pine nuts for crunch, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. You could also experiment with different herbs like oregano or mint, making your Tomato Burrata Salad uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Variations of Tomato Burrata Salad You Can Try

The beauty of a classic dish like Tomato Burrata Salad is how easily you can adapt it to new flavors and dietary needs. I love experimenting with different Burrata salad ideas to keep things exciting and fresh. Here are a few variations I’ve enjoyed:

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto: For a delightful sweet and savory twist, add slices of grilled peaches and thin pieces of prosciutto to your Tomato Burrata Salad. The smoky sweetness pairs wonderfully with the creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes.
Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. This variation brings an even deeper Mediterranean flavor profile to your delicious salad.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your dressing or scatter some finely chopped jalapeño over the top. This gives your fresh Tomato Burrata Salad an unexpected zing.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Instead of raw tomatoes, try roasting cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini until slightly caramelized. Let them cool, then combine with the burrata for a warm, comforting twist on this classic salad.