Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe

Get ready to meet your new summertime obsession: Tomato Burrata Salad. This dish is a love letter to the color and flavor of fresh ingredients, with creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil all coming together in one fabulous salad. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just want something effortlessly gorgeous for lunch at home, this salad delivers a perfect combination of rich, tangy, and herby notes on every plate. It’s a festive, fresh celebration in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a stellar Tomato Burrata Salad relies on a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s velvetiness, brightness, zing, or a pop of vibrant color—to this irresistible plate. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness and juicy snap are essential for the foundation of the salad. Go with a mix of colors for a more beautiful presentation!
• Burrata Cheese: The star ingredient, burrata is lusciously creamy and turns every bite into a decadent moment.
• Basil Pesto: Provides a fragrant herby punch and gorgeous green ribbons throughout the salad.
• Lemon (freshly squeezed): Adds a hint of acidity to brighten everything up and balance the richness of burrata.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and giving your salad that irresistible savoriness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For even more aroma and a fresh, peppery layer of flavor—plus, it makes the whole salad look extra inviting!

How to Make Tomato Burrata Salad

Step 1: Arrange the Tomatoes

Start by halving your grape or cherry tomatoes, and then scatter them on salad plates or across a big serving platter. This isn’t just salad prep; it’s your chance to show off those gorgeous colors—let those little red, orange, and yellow jewels shine!

Step 2: Add the Burrata

Nestle the balls of burrata cheese among the tomatoes. For a dramatic effect, try slicing each ball in half so the creamy center oozes out a bit, or leave them whole if you want big, impressive clouds of cheese.

Step 3: Dollop with Pesto and Lemon Juice

Generously spoon drops of basil pesto over the tomatoes and burrata. Then, squeeze half a lemon right over everything. The citrusy zing will wake up all the other flavors and add a fresh layer of brightness.

Step 4: Season It Up

Sprinkle your salad with salt and several good cracks of freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy—it makes all the difference in drawing out the natural flavors from the creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes!

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil

Crown your Tomato Burrata Salad with lots of fresh basil leaves. You can tear them, chop them, or simply leave them whole for a lush look and punchy herbal aroma. It’s the perfect finishing touch that seals the summer mood.

How to Serve Tomato Burrata Salad

Garnishes

For a knockout presentation and even more flavor, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil is absolutely lovely on top. If you feel adventurous, toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or a scatter of microgreens for that extra bit of crunch and color.

Side Dishes

This Tomato Burrata Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread (think rustic sourdough for mopping up the creamy cheese and juices), crisp crackers, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Want to keep things veggie-forward? Serve alongside buttery green beans or roasted asparagus.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get a little fancy! Try layering the tomato halves and burrata on a large wooden board for a stunning centerpiece, or pile the salad into individual ramekins or glasses for a party. You could even thread tomato and burrata cubes onto skewers for picnic-friendly bites that are irresistibly cute.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with some leftover Tomato Burrata Salad (lucky you), cover it tightly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day, as the tomatoes and burrata are at their tastiest when freshest. The flavors will continue to mingle and develop, so the next-day salad can be just as delightful—if a bit softer.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this isn’t a dish that loves the freezer. The texture of burrata and tomatoes changes dramatically after freezing and thawing, so it’s best to enjoy your Tomato Burrata Salad fresh and skip the freezer altogether.

Reheating

The beauty of this salad is in its freshness and cool temperature, so there’s no reheating required. If you do end up with leftovers, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?

You can use mozzarella in a pinch, especially the softer, fresher varieties, but burrata brings an unbeatable creaminess that truly elevates this Tomato Burrata Salad. If you substitute, try to find the creamiest mozzarella available.

What’s the best way to make homemade basil pesto?

A classic homemade pesto combines fresh basil, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and a dash of lemon juice. Simply blitz everything in a blender or food processor until smooth. Homemade pesto gives your Tomato Burrata Salad an unbelievable burst of fresh flavor!

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

Not at all! The skin on grape and cherry tomatoes is thin and tender, adding beautiful color and nice texture to the salad. Just make sure to rinse them well before halving.

Can I make Tomato Burrata Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the tomatoes and pesto ahead, but don’t combine everything until right before serving. This keeps the burrata velvety and the tomatoes juicy—not watery. Assemble at the last minute for best results.

What’s the best way to pick burrata at the store?

Look for burrata that’s packed in water for maximum freshness. It should feel soft to the touch and have no sour smell. Check the “best by” date and try to use it as close to purchase as possible for the creamiest texture in your Tomato Burrata Salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Tomato Burrata Salad before, this is your sign to dive in. It’s easy, it’s gorgeous, and every bite is absolutely packed with summer flavors. I genuinely can’t wait for you to treat yourself or your loved ones to this show-stopping dish—let your kitchen (and your taste buds) celebrate along with you!

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