If you adore fresh, vibrant flavors paired with creamy indulgence, this Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe is the perfect dish to brighten any meal or gathering. It combines the luscious creaminess of burrata cheese with the sweet, concentrated flavor of oven roasted cherry tomatoes, elevated by fragrant basil and a touch of balsamic glaze. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that feels both rustic and refined, making it a standout on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe right starts with simple, fresh ingredients that shine in their natural glory. Each item adds an essential layer to the dish’s vibrant colors, textures, and tastes, ensuring every mouthful is a delightful experience.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The creamy, rich centerpiece that melts in your mouth and contrasts beautifully with roasted tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and perfect for roasting to deepen their natural sugars and flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and bright, basil adds a fresh herbal punch that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of fruity, high-quality oil to enrich and tie all the flavors together.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a tangy sweetness with a glossy finish, enhancing the salad’s complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that awaken and highlight each ingredient’s natural taste.
How to Make Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Roasting
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften, caramelize, and develop that lovely slightly charred edge that forms the backbone of the salad.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes
Wash your cherry tomatoes thoroughly and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting with juices and have a slight char. This roasting step intensifies their sweetness and creates a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with burrata.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Basil
Once your tomatoes are roasted and still warm, transfer them to a large bowl. Tear fresh basil leaves by hand and gently fold them in with the tomatoes. The warmth helps release the basil’s fragrant oils, infusing the salad with fresh herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Dress
Carefully place the fresh burrata cheese on top of the tomato and basil mixture. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and generous swirls of balsamic glaze. These final touches add richness and a sweet tang, rounding out the flavors brilliantly.
How to Serve Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt can add an extra burst of flavor just before serving. If you want to get playful, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano add a delightful crunch and savory dimension.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or appetizer, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping in those juicy, flavorful tomato juices. Serve alongside grilled meats or fresh seafood for a refreshing counterpart that balances richer main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad on a large rustic wooden board or a bright white platter to make the colors pop. Alternatively, arrange the roasted tomatoes and basil in a circular pattern with the burrata in the center for a visually striking centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep burrata wrapped tightly in the fridge and refrigerate tomatoes and basil in an airtight container. This helps preserve the freshness and texture, especially since burrata is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
This Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe does not freeze well. Burrata’s delicate creamy texture and fresh basil will not hold up under freezing conditions, and the tomatoes’ juicy quality will be compromised.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the roasted tomatoes again, gently warm them in the oven or on the stovetop before adding fresh basil and burrata. Avoid reheating the burrata itself; simply add it fresh at serving time for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal because of their sweetness and size, you can use grape tomatoes or even small heirloom varieties. Just adjust roasting time accordingly to prevent overcooking larger pieces.
Is there a substitute for burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative, though it lacks burrata’s luscious creaminess. You might consider adding a dollop of ricotta to mimic that creamy texture.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute burrata with a plant-based creamy cheese or marinated tofu. The oven roasted tomatoes and basil will still provide plenty of flavor and freshness.
How long should I roast the tomatoes?
Roast cherry tomatoes between 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on them to achieve a perfect balance of juicy softness and slight charring without becoming too mushy.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can roast the tomatoes a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated, but add fresh basil and burrata just before serving to preserve their textures and flavors at their best.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any season. The marriage of smoky sweet tomatoes and creamy burrata is a celebration of simple ingredients that taste extraordinary together. Don’t hesitate to make it soon and impress yourself and your loved ones with every bite!
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Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and flavorful Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad combining creamy burrata cheese with sweet, slightly charred oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for a light and elegant appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they become slightly charred and juicy, which intensifies their natural sweetness.
- Combine Basil and Tomatoes: Once the tomatoes have roasted, gently transfer them to a large bowl and add the torn fresh basil leaves, mixing carefully to combine the flavors.
- Assemble Salad: Place the fresh burrata on top of the tomato and basil mixture. Drizzle additional olive oil and the balsamic glaze over the burrata and tomatoes. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality burrata for the best creamy texture.
- For a more intense flavor, you can balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar until thick.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the fresh texture of the burrata.
- This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste; consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
