There’s something so delightful about the simplicity of summer salads, especially when they feature vibrant heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese. I remember first falling in love with this Tomato Burrata Salad during a summer trip to Italy. My family and I were dining at a quaint little restaurant tucked away in the rolling hills of Tuscany. The owner, an elderly lady with a warm smile, brought out a dish that looked almost too beautiful to eat. It was this very salad—bursting with color and freshness—that inspired me to recreate it at home.
Back in my own kitchen, I found that this Tomato Burrata Salad quickly became a favorite for family gatherings and weekend lunches. It’s a dish that celebrates the peak-season produce in the most delicious way. Heirloom tomatoes offer a range of colors and flavors, from sweet to tangy, while the burrata adds a luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the fresh basil.
One of the joys of this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak it to your heart’s content—perhaps adding a handful of arugula for a peppery kick or a few slices of avocado for extra richness. Sometimes, I even swap out the balsamic vinegar for a splash of lemon juice for a brighter, zesty flavor. The key is to use the freshest ingredients you can find, as this is what truly makes the salad shine.
I hope this Tomato Burrata Salad brings a bit of that Italian sunshine to your table. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a side, or a light main dish, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who appreciates the beauty of simple, fresh flavors. Enjoy the ease and elegance of this salad, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your summer recipe collection.
Burrata Caprese Salad
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Ingredients
- 6 oz burrata cheese
- 3 medium heirloom tomatoes
- 30 fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or add more to taste)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or drizzled to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
Directions
Slice the heirloom tomatoes into ⅓-inch thick slices and arrange them on a serving dish.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and scatter them over the heirloom tomato slices.
Chop the basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the tomatoes.
Tear or cut the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and place them on top of the tomatoes and basil.
Season the salad with sea salt and ground black pepper.
Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Serve immediately.
FAQs:
What is burrata cheese and where can I find it?
Burrata cheese is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusually soft texture. You can typically find burrata cheese in the cheese section of most supermarkets, especially those with a specialty cheese counter. Additionally, it is often available at Italian delis or gourmet food stores.
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?
Yes, you can use other types of tomatoes for this salad. While heirloom tomatoes add a unique flavor and aesthetic appeal, you can substitute them with any ripe, flavorful tomatoes you have on hand. For example, Roma tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or even vine-ripened tomatoes would work well. However, ensure the tomatoes are fresh and ripe for the best taste.
How do I properly store any leftovers of the Tomato Burrata Salad?
To store leftovers of the Tomato Burrata Salad, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It is best to consume the salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. However, note that the texture of the tomatoes and burrata might change slightly, as the tomatoes can become soggy and the burrata may lose some of its creaminess. For best results, try to prepare only the amount you plan to eat immediately.
Is it necessary to use balsamic vinegar, or can I use another type of vinegar?
While balsamic vinegar adds a distinct sweet and tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes and burrata well, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar if needed. For instance, you can use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a light drizzle of lemon juice. However, keep in mind that each type of vinegar will slightly alter the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Can I prepare the Tomato Burrata Salad in advance?
It is not recommended to prepare the Tomato Burrata Salad too far in advance, as the fresh ingredients can lose their texture and flavor. However, you can prepare some components ahead of time. For example, you can slice the tomatoes and chop the basil a few hours before serving. When you are ready to serve, assemble the salad quickly by adding the burrata, seasoning, and drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This way, the salad remains fresh and flavorful.
Burrata Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 30 fresh basil leaves
- 6 oz burrata cheese
- 3 medium heirloom tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes optional
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or add more to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or drizzled to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes into ⅓-inch thick slices and arrange them on a serving dish.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and scatter them over the heirloom tomato slices.
- Chop the basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the tomatoes.
- Tear or cut the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and place them on top of the tomatoes and basil.
- Season the salad with sea salt and ground black pepper.
- Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Serve immediately.
