Best Tomato Burrata Salad

Introduction

Best Tomato Burrata Salad is a silky, summer-fresh masterpiece, perfect for al fresco lunches, elegant starters, or caprese upgrades. This classic recipe, featuring creamy burrata nestled in juicy heirloom tomatoes with a basil-oil drizzle, delivers Italian-trattoria-quality results with a luscious, oozy center. Presented on a rustic white platter, optionally garnished with balsamic pearls and microgreens, this Best Tomato Burrata Salad recipe offers a charming, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any gathering. This recipe provides a simple no-cook assembly method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to salad that brings luxurious, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• 5 minutes to wow: Slice, tear, drizzle—elegance without effort.
• Peak-season stars: Tomatoes + burrata = pure summer in a bowl.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep components; assemble at serving.
• Naturally gluten-free: Whole foods, zero fillers.
• Endlessly riffable: Add peaches, prosciutto, or pesto.

Ingredients

Salad Base

• 1½ lbs (680 g) mixed heirloom tomatoes (or best ripe tomatoes), sliced into wedges or rounds
• 8 oz (226 g) burrata cheese (1 large ball or 4 minis)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Flaky sea salt (Maldon)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Basil Oil Drizzle

• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 small clove of garlic
• Pinch of salt

Optional Finish

• 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• Crusty bread for scooping

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp serrated knife
• Blender or immersion blender
• Platter or individual plates
• Microplane (optional for zest)
• Small jar for oil

Step-by-step process

1. Make basil oil: Blend olive oil, basil, garlic, and salt for 30 seconds until vibrant green. Strain through a fine mesh if a smoother texture is desired (optional).
2. Slice tomatoes: Cut into varied shapes—wedges, halves, thick rounds—for visual appeal. Arrange on a platter, slightly overlapping.
3. Season: Sprinkle tomatoes generously with flaky salt and pepper. Let sit 5 minutes—draws out juices.
4. Add burrata: Place burrata in the center (or one per plate). Tear open slightly to reveal creamy interior.
5. Drizzle: Spoon basil oil over tomatoes and burrata. Add balsamic dots or glaze.
6. Garnish: Scatter torn basil, pine nuts, and extra pepper.
7. Serve immediately: With bread for mopping up every drop.

Mistakes to avoid

• Unripe tomatoes: Flavor falls flat—taste before buying.
• Over-blending oil: Turns bitter; pulse lightly.
• Cold burrata: Room temp (30 minutes out) for max creaminess.
• Too much salt early: Burrata adds richness—season tomatoes lightly.
• Crowding plate: Space allows juices to pool beautifully.

Variations of the Best Tomato Burrata Salad

• Peach Burrata: Swap half the tomatoes for ripe peaches + mint.
• Prosciutto Wrap: Drape thin prosciutto over burrata.
• Pesto Swirl: Dollop basil pesto instead of oil.
• Vegan Twist: Cashew “burrata” + nutritional yeast.
• Winter Version: Roasted cherry tomatoes + warm burrata.

Tips for better storage

• Tomatoes: Never refrigerate—dulls flavor; room temp up to 2 days.
• Basil oil: Fridge in a jar up to 1 week; shake before use.
• Assembled salad: Best fresh; hold components separately up to 4 hours.
• Burrata: Buy day-of; once opened, enjoy immediately.
• Revive basil: Submerge wilted leaves in ice water for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• No burrata? Fresh mozzarella works; less creamy drama.
• Gluten-free bread? GF baguette or skip for low-carb.
• Make it a meal? Add grilled shrimp or white beans.
• Balsamic too sweet? Use red wine vinegar + honey.
• Mini servings? Quarter tomatoes; use burrata minis in jars.

Conclusion

Best Tomato Burrata Salad is summer’s love letter on a plate—juicy tomatoes bursting against clouds of burrata, all kissed by emerald basil oil. It’s the dish that makes guests gasp, then silently mop every puddle with bread. Keep good tomatoes and a ball of burrata in your fridge, and instant elegance is five minutes away. Whether you’re hosting brunch, needing a light dinner, or celebrating peak produce, this salad delivers luxury without the fuss. One tear of cheese, one perfect bite, and you’ll understand why simple is always best.