This Simple Tomato Burrata Salad is the epitome of summer on a plate! It’s a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients: juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fragrant basil pesto, and a bright squeeze of lemon. I love how incredibly easy this salad is to make – it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Italian sunshine!
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Burrata Salad
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata, and basil pesto is a classic Italian flavor pairing.
- Easy to Make: This salad requires minimal prep work and no cooking.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, burrata, and pesto make this salad a feast for the eyes.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a light meal, or a side dish.
Ingredients for Tomato Burrata Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet elegant salad. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (different colors) (Vegetable)
- Burrata cheese (Dairy)
- Basil pesto (Sauce)
- Lemon
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Freshly ground black pepper (Spice)
- Fresh basil (Herb)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
I love this Tomato Burrata Salad as is, but here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the salad for added sweetness and tang.
- Different Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta instead of burrata.
- Add Greens: Serve the salad over a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
- Add Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto for a more substantial meal.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Add other veggies Like sliced avocados.
How to Make Tomato Burrata Salad
Let me show you how incredibly easy it is to make this Simple Tomato Burrata Salad:
Prepare the Tomatoes
- I slice the grape or cherry tomatoes in half.
Arrange on Plates
- I add the halved cherry tomatoes to individual salad plates (or on a single large serving dish).
Add Burrata
- I place the burrata cheese in between the tomatoes. You can either slice each ball of cheese in half or keep it whole – it’s up to you!
Add Pesto and Lemon
- I add droplets of basil pesto on top of the tomatoes and burrata.
- I squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything.
Season and Garnish
- I season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Finally, I top it with fresh basil leaves. You can chop them up or use them whole – I like the look of whole leaves.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Tomato Burrata Salad
Here are my secrets for making this salad truly exceptional:
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Ripe, flavorful tomatoes are essential for this salad.
- Good Quality Burrata: Look for high-quality burrata cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Homemade Pesto (Optional): If you have time, make your own basil pesto for an even more flavorful salad.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This salad is best served at room temperature, so the flavors can fully develop.
How to Serve
This Tomato Burrata Salad is perfect for:
- Appetizer: A beautiful and flavorful starter for a dinner party.
- Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing meal.
- Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
- Bruschetta Topping: Use the tomato and burrata mixture as a topping for toasted bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the tomatoes and pesto ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving.
FAQs about Tomato Burrata Salad
- What if I can’t find burrata?
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta cheese.
- Can I use a different type of tomato?
- Yes, you can use any type of ripe tomato you like, such as Roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes.
- Can I make this without the pesto?
- Yes, you can omit the pesto, but it adds a lot of flavor to the salad. You can drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead.
Enjoy this Simple Tomato Burrata Salad! It’s a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Tomato Burrata Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This simple and elegant Tomato Burrata Salad is a celebration of fresh flavors. Juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata, and vibrant basil pesto combine for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (mixed colors, if available), halved
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1–2 tablespoons)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, whole or chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes.
- Arrange on Plates: Arrange the halved tomatoes on individual salad plates or on a single large serving platter.
- Add Burrata: Place the burrata cheese in between the tomatoes. You can either leave the burrata balls whole or slice them in half for easier serving.
- Drizzle with Pesto: Drizzle the basil pesto evenly over the tomatoes and burrata.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the salad.
- Season: Season the salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (whole or chopped). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Using a mix of different colored tomatoes adds visual appeal to the salad.
- Burrata: Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with a creamy center. If you can’t find it, you can substitute fresh mozzarella.
- Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is delicious as an appetizer, a light meal, or a side dish. It’s also great served with crusty bread for dipping.