If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors paired with creamy indulgence, you’ve landed in the right place. The Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is a heavenly creation that marries the natural sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes with the luscious, velvety texture of burrata cheese. This salad is a celebration of summer’s best bounty, offering a perfect balance of tangy, herby, and savory notes that will have you coming back for more. Simple yet so sophisticated, it’s ideal for impressing friends or elevating your everyday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays its own pivotal role, making the salad not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. The list is straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to bring a harmony of color, texture, and flavor to your plate.
- 6 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: These are the stars, bringing juiciness and a natural sweetness that bursts with every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and a silky finish that enhances both tomatoes and burrata beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the salad and balances the creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Gives an aromatic punch without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn: Offer a fresh, peppery note that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into focus.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the overall dish.
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature: The creamy crown jewel that melts on your tongue, elevating the texture in every forkful.
How to Make Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Roast Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the cherry tomatoes and toss them on a baking sheet with one tablespoon of olive oil, one finely minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the tomatoes soften and their skin begins to wrinkle slightly. This roasting step concentrates their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. Once done, set them aside to cool to room temperature — this cool-down is essential for that perfect contrast with creamy burrata.
Step 2: Prepare Burrata
While the tomatoes roast and cool, take the burrata out of the refrigerator around 15 to 20 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature. This ensures the cheese’s texture is wonderfully soft and creamy. You can gently tear the burrata or slice it, then arrange it artfully on your serving platter. Finish with a drizzle of the remaining olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to highlight its richness.
Step 3: Make Dressing & Assemble
Create a simple yet flavorful dressing by whisking the remaining tablespoon of red wine vinegar with the last minced garlic clove. Season with the rest of the salt and black pepper. Scatter the cooled roasted tomatoes around and atop the burrata on your platter. Drizzle the dressing generously over everything and then sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top to add a burst of vibrant color and aroma. Your salad is now ready to enjoy immediately — the flavors are freshest and most exciting when served right away!
How to Serve Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor even further, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few flakes of flaky sea salt. Both offer delightful textures and a luxurious touch. A final drizzle of aged balsamic glaze can also add a beautiful sweetness and glaze to the salad without overwhelming the core ingredients. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top not only add a pop of color but also enhance the herbaceous freshness that complements each bite.
Side Dishes
This salad shines wonderfully as a light main course, but pairing it with crusty artisan bread like a warm baguette or rustic sourdough makes for a more satisfying meal. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or a simple charcuterie board, allowing the salad to function as a bright and refreshing contrast to richer dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve your Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe in individual small bowls for a charming appetizer plate or layer it in a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase its beautiful colors. Using heirloom tomatoes alongside cherry tomatoes adds stunning visual variety. A scatter of edible flower petals like nasturtiums or violas will not only impress guests but heighten the garden-fresh vibe of the whole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, gently place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Because burrata is delicate, it’s best enjoyed within a day. The tomatoes will keep their flavor but may release some juice, so store them separately if possible to maintain the salad’s intended texture.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well due to the texture changes in both tomatoes and burrata after thawing. The creamy delight of burrata will likely become grainy, and tomatoes will lose their fresh brightness, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this salad. The roasted tomatoes can be warmed gently if needed, but burrata should remain at room temperature or chilled to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
You can substitute mozzarella, but burrata’s creamy center is what makes this salad truly stand out. Mozzarella is firmer and less rich, so while tasty, the experience will be different.
Can I prepare the salad a day ahead?
It’s best to prepare the roasted tomatoes ahead of time, but assemble the full salad just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
What other herbs can I use besides basil?
Fresh oregano or thyme can work nicely, but basil’s bright and slightly peppery flavor pairs best with the tomatoes and burrata.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe centers on burrata cheese, which is dairy-based, so it’s not vegan. However, you can replace burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative if desired.
How should I choose burrata cheese for this salad?
Look for fresh burrata from a reputable source, ideally one that’s soft and creamy without any rubbery texture. Bringing it to room temperature before serving helps achieve that luscious melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about the Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe. Every bite offers a tender balance of juicy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors that feel just like a sunny day on a plate. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this salad is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy sighs. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy this delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Print
Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sun-Kissed Tomato Burrata Salad is a delicious and refreshing appetizer featuring oven-roasted cherry tomatoes that intensify their natural sweetness. Paired with creamy burrata cheese, a tangy garlic and red wine vinegar dressing, and fresh basil, this 4-serving salad perfectly balances rich, savory, and bright flavors. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it makes a perfect starter or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
Seasonings & Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
Instructions
- Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Roast the tomatoes for 15-20 minutes until they soften and develop slight wrinkles, which concentrates their natural sweetness. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Burrata: Remove the burrata cheese from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature. Gently tear or slice the burrata and arrange it neatly on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the cheese and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Make Dressing & Assemble: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, the remaining 1 clove of minced garlic, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to create a simple yet flavorful dressing. Scatter the cooled roasted tomatoes around the burrata on the platter. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Finally, garnish with the chopped or torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the full freshness of the ingredients.
Notes
- For best flavor, use cherry tomatoes that are ripe and sweet.
- Allowing burrata to come to room temperature enhances its creaminess.
- You can substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a slightly different tang.
- This salad is best served immediately to preserve the freshness and texture.
- Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within one day.
