Burrata Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
This Burrata Salad is a simple yet elegant dish featuring creamy burrata cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, all drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. It's a perfect appetizer or light meal, bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Serve it with crusty bread for an added touch of indulgence.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate or bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon for drizzling
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz burrata cheese ball
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved (or heirloom tomatoes, sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ tsp lemon zest optional, for brightness
- 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts optional, for crunch
- Crusty bread or crostini for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes:
- Wash and dry the tomatoes.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half or slice heirloom tomatoes into wedges.
- Assemble the salad:
- Arrange the tomatoes on a serving plate.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes.
- Add the burrata:
- Place the burrata ball in the center of the plate.
- Gently tear it open to expose the creamy inside.
- Drizzle and season:
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze for added depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Optional: Add lemon zest and toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or crostini for dipping.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means each ingredient should be fresh and flavorful.
Burrata substitution: If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or stracciatella can work.
Make ahead: Prep the tomatoes and basil in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
Enhance flavors: Let the tomatoes sit with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes before assembling to enhance their juiciness.
Burrata substitution: If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or stracciatella can work.
Make ahead: Prep the tomatoes and basil in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
Enhance flavors: Let the tomatoes sit with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes before assembling to enhance their juiciness.