If you are looking for a salad that bursts with freshness and creamy indulgence, the Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This vibrant dish perfectly marries the juiciness of ripe tomatoes with the luscious creaminess of burrata cheese, enhanced by a simple yet flavorful dressing. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a symphony of bright, herbaceous notes that feel like a celebration of summer. It is quick to prepare but tastes like you spent hours crafting it, making it an irresistible choice for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe so enchanting is how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen, these ingredients come together to deliver a salad that’s bursting with color, taste, and character.
- 1 1/2 pounds ripe mixed tomatoes: A combination of cherry tomatoes halved and sliced heirloom or Roma tomatoes gives the salad its vibrant color and juicy burst.
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2 balls): Creamy and delicate, burrata adds luscious richness and an unforgettable milky flavor.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, silky base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar): Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the tomatoes and cheese beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): A splash of brightness to lift the whole salad and balance the richness.
- 1 small garlic clove (finely grated): Infuses the dressing with a subtle, savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Sweetens the dressing slightly if your tomatoes need an extra touch of magic.
- 3/4 teaspoon flaky salt (plus more to taste): Essential for drawing out tomato juices and seasoning the entire salad perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (torn): Brings that unmistakable herbal freshness that screams Italian summer.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds earthiness and a lovely green contrast.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little gentle heat to spice things up.
- Optional crunchy topper: 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios: Adds texture and a nutty aroma to finish the salad with a delightful crunch.
- Optional for serving: toasted baguette slices or crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy burrata and those bursty tomato juices.
How to Make Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Tomatoes
Start by slicing your mixed tomatoes—halving the cherry tomatoes and slicing the heirloom or Roma varieties into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a wide serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This crucial step encourages the tomatoes to release their juices, creating that irresistible “bursty” effect at the bottom of the bowl. Let them sit for 10 minutes to maximize juiciness and deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, finely grated garlic, black pepper, and honey if you’re using it. Adding fresh lemon juice is optional but highly recommended for a vibrant lift. Whisk everything together until well blended, then taste and adjust the balance of acidity and sweetness until it sings.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Tomatoes
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and gently toss to coat them evenly without crushing their delicate flesh. This gentle movement helps the flavors meld while preserving the tomatoes’ structure. Allow the salad to rest for another 5 minutes, so the dressing is absorbed beautifully, enriching every bite.
Step 4: Add the Burrata
Tear the burrata into large, voluptuous pieces and nestle them lovingly over the dressed tomatoes. Displaying the cheese this way invites everyone to savor its creamy texture and milky goodness. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, sprinkle with the remaining flaky salt, and finish with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Crunch
Scatter torn basil leaves and chopped parsley over the entire salad, adding bursts of vibrant green and aromatic fragrance. For extra texture and flavor contrast, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios over the top. This final flourish brings an irresistible crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft burrata.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe right away alongside toasted bread or baguette slices. This makes for the perfect vehicle to scoop creamy cheese and luscious juices, ensuring you enjoy every last bite at its freshest.
How to Serve Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this salad into something truly special. A handful of microgreens, edible flowers, or a few more basil chiffonades can add bursts of color and flavor. A final drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil right before serving adds that glossy, inviting finish.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a star side dish alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak, or even as a light main paired with a crusty loaf of bread. It also complements a Mediterranean-style spread with olives, hummus, and roasted vegetables, providing brightness and creaminess to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, assemble the salad on a large wooden board layered with basil leaves, tearing burrata over the tomatoes for a rustic, inviting look. Alternatively, use individual small bowls or clear glass cups to create charming portions for guests, showcasing the beautiful layers of bursting tomatoes and creamy cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this salad are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the burrata separate if possible, as it can become watery when mixed with the tomatoes. When ready to eat, bring the burrata to room temperature before serving to regain its creamy texture.
Freezing
This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the delicate nature of burrata and ripe tomatoes. Both ingredients lose their texture and flavor quality after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh, no-cook salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata in this recipe?
While fresh mozzarella can be a good substitute, burrata offers a creamier, richer texture that truly defines the Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe. Using mozzarella will still be tasty but less decadent.
What type of tomatoes work best for this salad?
Using a mix of cherry, heirloom, and Roma tomatoes provides the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and texture. Look for fully ripe tomatoes to ensure the best “bursty” effect and flavor complexity.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! The Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you skip the bread or serve with gluten-free options.
Can I make this salad vegan?
The star of this salad is the burrata cheese, which is dairy-based. To make a vegan version, you might substitute with a creamy cashew cheese or tofu-based cheese alternative, though it won’t have the same classic flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best assembled just before serving. However, you can prep the tomatoes and dressing up to a few hours ahead, keeping the burrata separate until the last minute for the freshest taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make the Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe, it feels like a small celebration of fresh ingredients and simple pleasures. Creamy burrata paired with juicy, explosion-of-flavor tomatoes and that perfectly balanced dressing offers such a deeply satisfying experience. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this salad soon—you’ll find it’s just as delightful as sharing a favorite secret recipe with a close friend.
Print
Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad is a refreshing, no-cook Italian-inspired dish featuring ripe mixed tomatoes paired with creamy burrata cheese, drizzled with a flavorful balsamic and olive oil dressing. The salad showcases a beautiful contrast of textures and bright, fresh flavors, finished with fresh herbs and optional crunchy nuts, perfect as a light lunch or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds ripe mixed tomatoes (cherry tomatoes halved plus sliced heirloom or Roma)
Cheese
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2 balls)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove (finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon flaky salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios
Optional for Serving
- Toasted baguette slices or crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Slice and halve the tomatoes as needed and place them in a wide serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let sit for 10 minutes so the juices start to burst and pool.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar), grated garlic, black pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk in lemon juice (if using) and taste for balance.
- Toss Tomatoes: Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and gently toss. Let the salad rest for 5 minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Add Burrata: Tear the burrata into large pieces and nestle it over the tomatoes. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining salt (to taste), plus red pepper flakes if using.
- Garnish: Finish with torn basil (and parsley if using). Add toasted nuts if you want extra crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately with toasted bread to scoop up the creamy burrata and the bursty tomato juices.
Notes
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the sweetest, juiciest salad.
- Salting the tomatoes first is the secret to that “bursty” sauce at the bottom of the bowl.
- If your tomatoes are less sweet, keep the honey in the dressing.
- Burrata is best served at cool room temperature, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before assembling.
