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
Scale
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.
