There’s something truly magical about the vibrant colors and fresh flavors in the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe. It’s a simple yet stunning dish that celebrates the juiciest, ripest tomatoes paired with creamy burrata and a lively dressing—perfect for brightening any meal or making a light, elegant lunch that feels like a special occasion.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Bursting with seasonal flavor: The fresh heirloom tomatoes provide a colorful medley of tastes, from sweet to tangy, that take center stage.
Elegant yet effortless: This salad looks fancy but comes together in minutes, making it perfect for entertaining or a quick weekday treat.
Creamy burrata bliss: The lush, silky texture of burrata cheese adds a luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the crisp tomatoes.
Flexible and customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add fresh herbs to suit your palate, so it never gets boring.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The key to the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe is fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each component contributes vibrant colors, refreshing textures, and bold flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
- Heirloom tomatoes: Their unique shapes and rich flavors turn this salad into a visual and taste masterpiece.
- Multicolored cherry tomatoes: These add bursts of sweetness and delightful juiciness with every bite.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy and dreamy, it melts a little into the tomatoes, making the salad irresistibly silky.
- Fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and bright, basil enhances the garden-fresh vibe of the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar: This simple dressing ties all the flavors together with a gentle tang and fruity richness.
- Red onion and garlic: A touch of sharpness and warmth that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
How to Make Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes and Arrange
Start by washing your heirloom tomatoes and slicing them into generous wedges. Lay them out in a shallow layer on a beautiful serving platter, creating a vibrant canvas. Halve the multicolored cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the heirlooms—a lovely contrast in both size and color that makes the salad pop.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Basil
Next, sprinkle on the thinly sliced red onion along with the minced garlic, which add a gentle sharpness and hint of warmth. Finally, scatter your fresh basil leaves generously over the tomatoes—this herb brings a fragrance and a fresh punch that elevates the whole salad.
Step 3: Top with Burrata
Grab your fresh burrata cheese ball and tear or gently cut it into pieces using a serrated knife. Arrange the creamy chunks delicately over the top of the tomatoes. This adds an indulgent, silky texture that feels like a luxurious hug for your taste buds.
Step 4: Dress and Season
Drizzle everything with the fruity extra virgin olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar. Then sprinkle on the coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This simple dressing ensures every element shines, marrying the ingredients into a harmonious, crave-worthy salad that’s ready to serve right away.
How to Serve Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider sprinkling a few extra fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of flaky sea salt. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add a beautiful depth and crunch, giving every bite delightful contrasts.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty grilled bread or a warm baguette to soak up the juices. It also complements light Mediterranean mains like grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even a simple pasta dish—making it a versatile addition to any summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or on crisp white plates for an elegant dinner. Layer the tomatoes and cheese stacked high or spread out flat like a colorful garden bed—the presentation is as fun to personalize as the flavors are to savor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind, the fresh tomatoes may soften and release juices, so it’s best enjoyed the same day for maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the fresh tomatoes and burrata will lose their texture and freshness upon thawing. It’s a best enjoyed fresh kind of dish.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad with raw ingredients and creamy cheese, reheating is not recommended. To enjoy, serve it chilled or at room temperature right after preparation.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata is wonderfully creamy and rich, you can swap it for fresh mozzarella balls, creamy goat cheese, or feta for different textures and flavors that still complement the tomatoes beautifully.
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What if I can’t find heirloom tomatoes?
If heirloom tomatoes aren’t available, you can use a mix of ripe, colorful tomatoes such as beefsteak or vine-ripened varieties. The key is choosing tomatoes that are fresh, juicy, and flavorful to keep the salad vibrant.
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Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Because of the delicate nature of burrata and fresh tomatoes, it’s best to assemble this salad shortly before serving to maintain the fresh textures and flavors.
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Are there any good variations I can try?
Yes! Add sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch, or sprinkle in herbs like dill, thyme, or mint to add new layers of flavor while still keeping the salad simple and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe truly captures the essence of summer with every mouthwatering bite. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with fresh flavors that will impress your guests or make any day feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor the magic of fresh tomatoes paired with luscious burrata!
Print
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant heirloom tomato salad featuring a mix of colorful tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata cheese, dressed with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. This easy-to-prepare salad highlights the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes and is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Tomatoes & Vegetables
- 4 medium heirloom tomatoes (1–2 pounds)
- 1 cup multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 20–25 small fresh basil leaves
Cheese
- 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese ball
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and slice the heirloom tomatoes into wedges. Arrange them in a shallow layer on a serving platter. Halve the multicolored cherry tomatoes and scatter them evenly around the heirloom tomato wedges.
- Add Aromatics and Basil: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves evenly over the arranged tomatoes to infuse layers of flavor and freshness.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Tear or carefully cut the fresh burrata cheese ball into pieces using a serrated knife and place them over and around the tomatoes, adding creamy richness to the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar evenly over the tomatoes and burrata. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- Vinegar Substitute: You can substitute lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Seasoning Options: For an herbaceous boost, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning (a blend of rosemary, basil, thyme, and oregano), though the tomatoes are delicious on their own.
- Herb Variations: Fresh dill, thyme, or mint can be used interchangeably with basil to add unique flavors.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer, substitute burrata with feta, goat cheese, or small fresh mozzarella balls for varied textures and tastes.
- Additional Ingredients: Sliced cucumbers pair beautifully with fresh tomatoes and would make a refreshing addition to the salad.
