If you’re craving a salad that bursts with freshness, creaminess, and a touch of elegance, the Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful Italian-inspired dish combines juicy, lightly cooked cherry tomatoes with the luscious creaminess of burrata cheese, enhanced by fragrant basil and a tangy balsamic glaze. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a vibrant side, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple. It’s one of those salads that instantly brightens up any meal and is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the juicy burst of the tomatoes to the creamy softness of the burrata, and the fresh basil that adds a splash of color and herbaceous aroma.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes—halved or whole if they’re small—to give the salad its vibrant, bursty texture.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and gives a silky richness to the dish.
- Salt: Just the right amount to bring out the tomatoes’ flavor without overpowering their freshness.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and slight pungency to balance the salad’s sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the tomatoes with an aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Balsamic Glaze: Its sweet acidity adds a beautiful finishing touch and visual contrast.
- Burrata Cheese: The star ingredient—soft, creamy, and delicate—melts slightly upon contact with the warm tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn fresh basil introduces herbal brightness and a pop of green color.
- Crusty Bread (optional): Perfect for scooping up every juicy bit of this salad, making it a more filling option.
How to Make Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Tomatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your cherry tomatoes along with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cooking them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes causes the tomatoes to soften and burst, releasing their luscious juices—this bursty quality is what sets the salad apart. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, and once the tomatoes look tender and flavorful, take the skillet off the heat to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble Your Salad
Transfer the warm tomatoes and their juices onto a pretty serving plate or a shallow bowl. Carefully nestle your burrata cheese on top—it will start to soften and ooze its creamy interior once it touches the warm tomatoes. Drizzle everything with the tangy balsamic glaze, which adds a beautiful depth and contrast to the vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Garnish with Fresh Basil
Finish off by sprinkling torn basil leaves over the salad. The fresh aroma and slight peppery note of basil perfectly complement the rich burrata and juicy tomatoes, making every bite taste like summer in Italy.
How to Serve Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the fresh basil and balsamic glaze called for in the recipe, feel free to enhance your presentation with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added glossy finish. A few chili flakes can also bring a gentle kick, giving this fresh salad a bold personality.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread for scooping, or alongside grilled meats like chicken or seafood. It also works wonderfully as a vibrant side to pasta dishes or as a light, elegant starter at any dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe in individual bowls or hollowed-out tomatoes for a charming single-serve presentation. Layering it over a bed of arugula or mixed greens can add a peppery crunch and extra freshness. Another lovely option is to drape it over toasted baguette slices for a sophisticated bruschetta-style appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—which might be rare—store the salad components separately. Keep the tomatoes and their juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but store the burrata cheese on its own to maintain its creamy texture. Combine them just before serving to preserve the salad’s bursty, fresh character.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the delicate texture of the burrata and fresh tomatoes will change dramatically once thawed, losing that wonderful creaminess and fresh taste you love.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the tomatoes warm again, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Add the burrata and garnishes fresh right before serving to keep that perfect contrast of textures.
FAQs
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweet burst and size, grape tomatoes or small heirloom varieties can also work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best results.
Is burrata cheese hard to find?
Burrata has become more common in many grocery stores, especially those with good cheese selections. Check your local specialty shops or Italian markets if you can’t find it at your regular store.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can substitute burrata with a creamy vegan cheese, such as cashew-based mozzarella, but the texture and flavor will be different. The tomatoes and basil still keep it fresh and delicious!
What’s the best way to serve this salad at a party?
Serve it in small individual cups or on crostini as a bite-sized appetizer. This way, guests can enjoy the flavors without mess, and you can prepare the components ahead of time for easy assembly.
Can I add other herbs or seasonings?
Definitely! Fresh oregano, thyme, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can complement the flavors nicely. Just be careful not to overpower the lovely simplicity of the tomatoes and burrata.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of making and sharing this Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe with loved ones on a sunny afternoon or as a quick, impressive addition to any meal. It’s fresh, satisfying, and effortlessly elegant—a perfect dish to celebrate the flavors of summer or elevate a simple weeknight dinner. Give it a try and watch how those bursty tomatoes and creamy burrata turn an ordinary salad into something spectacular!
Print
Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and creamy Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad featuring warm, juicy cherry tomatoes cooked in garlic and olive oil, topped with soft burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect as a quick appetizer or light meal with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved or left whole if small)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (torn)
Optional
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan for cooking the tomatoes.
- Cook the cherry tomatoes: Add the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes burst and release their juicy flavors.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly: Take the skillet off the heat and allow the tomatoes to cool for a moment, letting the flavors settle.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the warm bursty tomatoes along with their juices to a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Add burrata cheese: Gently place 8 ounces of burrata cheese on top of the tomatoes, ensuring it remains creamy and intact.
- Finish with balsamic glaze and basil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the cheese and tomatoes, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of torn fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, optionally with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine vinegar or a few chili flakes to the tomatoes during cooking.
- This salad is best served warm or at room temperature to fully enjoy the creamy burrata with the bursty tomatoes.
- Pair with crusty bread for a more filling appetizer or light meal.
