Tomato Burrata Salad in 3 Easy Moves to Impress

Tomato Burrata Salad That Bursts with Summer Flavor

As Chef Andrew, I have spent countless summers chasing the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication in a salad. This Tomato Burrata Salad delivers just that. If you crave something fresh, creamy, tangy, and worthy of a beautiful plate on your patio table, you’ve come to the right place.

Imagine a dish where sweet roasted cherry tomatoes meet the silky richness of burrata cheese, topped with aromatic pesto and drizzled with golden olive oil. The vibrant colors alone will draw your guests in, but one bite seals the deal. This salad is more than just a side. It’s a showstopper. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or looking for a light dinner that satisfies, this one has all the answers.

Unlike other salads that need a lengthy list of ingredients or over-the-top dressings, this recipe relies on fresh, quality components. Tomatoes are gently roasted to enhance their natural sweetness. Burrata is gently placed to preserve its luscious texture. A touch of pesto and basil brings everything together in a symphony of flavor.

You don’t need to be a professional chef to create restaurant-worthy results. This dish is proof that elegance can be achieved with minimal effort. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a few thoughtful steps. Let’s dive into the magic of combining burrata and tomatoes in a way that is pure, fresh, and unforgettable.

Tomato Burrata Salad in 3 Easy Moves to Impress

Andrew BELLETT

This vibrant Tomato Burrata Salad comes together in 3 easy steps, bursting with juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a swirl of fresh pesto. It’s the ultimate summer appetizer or side dish that will wow your guests with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4 people

Calories 305 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1 burrata cheese 200g, chilled then rested at room temperature
• 1/4 cup basil pesto preferably homemade

For the Roasted Tomatoes

• 500 g cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp finely chopped eschalots or shallots
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

For Serving

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
• fresh basil leaves for garnish
• crusty bread warmed, for serving

Instructions

 

• Remove the burrata from the fridge and let it rest in its water at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 200°C or 400°F.
• Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, chopped eschalots, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes until slightly softened.
• Gently push tomatoes to one side of the tray and drizzle sherry vinegar over them. Do not stir.
• Transfer roasted tomatoes to a serving plate, creating a base. Carefully place the burrata in the center.
• Drizzle with more olive oil, spoon pesto around, and sprinkle with salt flakes and torn basil leaves.
• Serve immediately with warm crusty bread. Break open the burrata and enjoy with every bite.

Notes

To prep ahead, roast tomatoes and store them separately. Assemble just before serving. Burrata is best served at room temperature.

Keyword burrata salad, Summer Salad, tomato salad

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Tomato Burrata Salad”

This Tomato Burrata Salad isn’t just another side dish. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles to the table and impresses without trying too hard. Here’s why it will become your new go-to:

• Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep
• Features simple, high-quality ingredients you likely already have
• A perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy in every bite
• Great for summer lunches, elegant dinner parties, or quick weekday meals
• It’s visually stunning and packed with Mediterranean flair

What makes this version stand out is how the warm, burst-roasted tomatoes gently melt into the creamy burrata, creating a natural sauce you’ll want to mop up with crusty bread. The drizzle of bold olive oil, spoonfuls of fragrant basil pesto, and just a pinch of salt elevate this humble dish into something gourmet.

You won’t need to fuss with fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This salad embraces the beauty of seasonal simplicity. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it feel indulgent without being heavy.

It’s a recipe built for sharing, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a solo meal in the sun. One bite and you’ll understand why this combination of tomatoes and burrata is beloved around the world.

Ingredients Needed for Tomato Burrata Salad

This recipe is all about celebrating fresh, quality ingredients. Below is everything you’ll need, grouped for simplicity and with extra tips to make your prep easier.

For the Salad Base

• 1 fresh burrata cheese ball (200g or 6 oz) – Keep it chilled in its water until ready to serve. Look for a brand with a soft, creamy center for the best result.
• 1/4 cup basil pesto – Homemade is preferred for the freshest flavor, but store-bought works fine too.

For the Roasted Tomatoes

• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (500g or 1 lb) – Choose ripe, sweet ones for a juicy burst.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Use a good-quality oil to bring richness to the roast.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped eschalot (or shallot) – Adds a mild oniony flavor without overpowering the tomatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or cooking salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar – Adds a subtle tang. You can substitute apple cider or red wine vinegar if needed.

For Tomato Burrata Salad Serving

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes – These give a nice finishing touch and delicate crunch.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – A finishing drizzle of high-quality oil elevates the dish.
• A few fresh basil leaves – Tear gently for aroma and color.
• Warm crusty bread – For scooping up all the juicy goodness left on the plate.

These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor that are both rustic and elegant. Keep reading for how to bring them all together into one stunning dish.

How to Make Tomato Burrata Salad

This salad is quick to assemble but bursts with restaurant-quality flavor. Here’s how to prepare it from scratch:

Step 1: Bring the Burrata to Room Temperature

• Take the burrata out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
• Leave it submerged in its original liquid as it comes to room temperature.
  Why this matters: This step enhances the creaminess and brings out the full flavor of the cheese.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or 180°C if using a fan oven.
2. In a bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with the finely chopped eschalot, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them evenly on a baking tray without overcrowding.
4. Roast for 10 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften but don’t collapse.
5. Once out of the oven, drizzle the sherry vinegar over one side of the tray. There’s no need to stir — the warm tomatoes will soak in the flavor naturally.

Step 3: Plate and Assemble

1. Transfer the roasted tomatoes carefully to a serving plate. Spread them out in a single layer.
2. Gently drain the burrata, then roll it onto your hand and place it on top of the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously across the plate.
4. Add pesto in small spoonfuls around the tomatoes and cheese.
5. Sprinkle sea salt flakes and fresh basil leaves over the top for that final pop of flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately with slices of warm crusty bread on the side.
• When it’s time to eat, break into the burrata with a spoon and let the creamy center flow over the tomatoes. Scoop it all up onto bread and enjoy every bite.
  Pro tip: The juices left on the plate are flavor-packed — don’t let them go to waste.

This dish comes together effortlessly yet, looks and tastes like something served at a fine dining bistro.

Serving and Storage Tips of Tomato Burrata Salad

Serving Suggestions:

• Best served fresh: Tomato Burrata Salad is at its most delicious when served immediately after assembly. The creamy burrata, juicy roasted tomatoes, and fresh basil come together beautifully at room temperature.
• Pair with bread: Serve it alongside slices of warm crusty bread to scoop up every bit of cheese, oil, and tomato juice. Sourdough or a toasted baguette works exceptionally well.
• Perfect starter or centerpiece: This salad makes a stunning appetizer or a light main course, especially during summer months or at dinner parties.
• Optional drizzle: For an extra gourmet touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze or chili oil to elevate the flavor profile.

Storage Tips:

• Keep components separate: If you plan to make ahead, store the roasted tomatoes, pesto, and burrata separately in airtight containers.
• Refrigeration: The roasted tomatoes will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the burrata should be consumed by its expiration date and kept submerged in its liquid.
• Reheating: Avoid reheating. Instead, allow the tomatoes to come back to room temperature naturally if prepared in advance.
• Pesto care: If using homemade pesto, cover it with a thin layer of olive oil in the jar to prevent browning.

Travel Tip:

• Bringing it to a gathering? Transport the components separately and assemble them just before serving. This keeps the cheese creamy and the tomatoes vibrant.

Helpful Notes of Tomato Burrata Salad

• Choose high-quality burrata: Not all burrata cheeses are created equal. Look for ones with a truly creamy, runny center. Premium brands often deliver the best ooze and flavor.
• Tomato tip: Roasting cherry or grape tomatoes intensifies their sweetness. Choose ripe, vibrant-colored tomatoes for maximum flavor.
• No fresh basil? Substitute with dried oregano or an Italian herb mix. Add it during roasting for the best infusion of flavor.
• Pesto or not: While pesto adds an herbal richness, the dish still shines without it. If you skip it, double down on the basil and drizzle extra olive oil for balance.
• Extra virgin olive oil matters: Use a flavorful, peppery olive oil for finishing. It enhances the salad’s depth and complements the cheese beautifully.
• Don’t skip the salt flakes: They add a lovely crunch and bring out the natural flavors of both the tomatoes and burrata.
• Serving spoon strategy: When serving, nominate someone to break the burrata. Cutting it open just before serving ensures a dramatic presentation and preserves the creamy interior until the last second.
• Leftovers: This salad is best fresh, but leftovers can be enjoyed the next day if stored properly. Do not microwave. Bring components to room temperature before enjoying again.

Conclusion of Tomato Burrata Salad

If you’re searching for a salad that feels luxurious without being fussy, this Tomato Burrata Salad is your answer. It blends creamy burrata, sweet roasted tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto into a plate that impresses both visually and flavorfully. Every bite delivers a contrast of textures and a medley of flavors that’s hard to beat.

What truly sets this salad apart is its simplicity paired with elegance. You don’t need elaborate techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, it’s about using fresh produce, quality olive oil, and letting the burrata shine. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a romantic dinner, or treating yourself to a satisfying solo meal, this dish delivers that “wow” factor effortlessly.

And don’t forget the bread. Once that creamy cheese oozes and mingles with tomato juices and olive oil, every swipe of crusty bread becomes a moment worth savoring.

If you tried this Tomato Burrata Salad, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below and share your rating. Did you add your own twist? Maybe a balsamic glaze drizzle or a handful of arugula?

Share your masterpiece on Pinterest or tag it on Instagram or Facebook. Let your friends see what they’re missing and inspire others to enjoy the creamy, roasted magic of this unforgettable salad.

Now go ahead and grab that burrata. This is the kind of salad that turns an ordinary day into something truly delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Tomato Burrata Salad