Delicious Burrata Salad Recipe with Tomatoes

Burrata Salad with Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs

Introduction:
This Burrata Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the creamy richness of burrata cheese, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the freshness of aromatic herbs. Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese, has a delicate outer shell and a creamy, luscious center that pairs perfectly with the sweet acidity of tomatoes and the earthy fragrance of basil and other herbs. It's an ideal salad for warm weather, light lunches, or as a sophisticated starter to any meal. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a stunning salad on your plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of Burrata cheese (about 200-250g)

• 4-5 ripe tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, or vine-ripened work best)

• 1 small red onion (optional, thinly sliced)

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (whole or torn)

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (optional)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:

• Slice the Tomatoes: Wash and dry the tomatoes. Depending on the variety, slice the tomatoes into thick rounds or wedges. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in halves or quarters for a more bite-sized experience.

• Season the Tomatoes: Place the sliced tomatoes in a bowl and lightly season them with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let them sit for a few minutes to bring out their juices and enhance the flavor.

2. Prepare the Burrata:

• Drain and Place on Plate: Gently remove the burrata from its packaging and drain off any excess liquid. Place the ball of burrata in the center of your serving platter or individual plates.

• Gently Cut Open (Optional): You can leave the burrata whole or make a small slit in the top to let the creamy interior spill out, creating a beautiful presentation.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• Layer the Tomatoes: Arrange the seasoned tomato slices or wedges around the burrata. You can be artistic in your arrangement, creating a circular or casual rustic pattern around the cheese.

• Add the Herbs: Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and burrata. If you’re using thyme or oregano, sprinkle those herbs around as well for added fragrance and flavor.

4. Dress the Salad:

• Drizzle Olive Oil: Pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese. This adds richness and complements the creamy burrata.

• Optional Balsamic Glaze: If you like a tangy-sweet contrast, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the salad. It’s not necessary, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.

• Final Seasoning: Add a light sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

• Serve the salad immediately while the tomatoes are fresh and juicy, and the burrata is at room temperature (it should be creamy and soft). This salad can be served as a light appetizer or paired with a crusty baguette or grilled bread for a more filling meal.

Tips:

• Tomato Variety: Mix different types of tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, grape, or even yellow) to add color and variety to the dish.

• Herb Variations: Feel free to play with the herbs. You could add some fresh mint, tarragon, or chives to personalize the flavor.

• Add a Crunch: For extra texture, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, crushed almonds, or crispy prosciutto shards over the salad.

• Serving with Bread: To complement this salad, serve it with slices of crusty bread or grilled sourdough for dipping into the creamy burrata and juices from the tomatoes.

Why This Salad Works:

This burrata salad is a perfect balance of creamy, fresh, sweet, and savory. The combination of smooth, milky burrata with the juicy, tangy tomatoes creates a heavenly contrast, while the herbs bring vibrant freshness. It’s a true celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients that are bursting with flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or light lunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.