Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe
This elegant Italian salad showcases creamy burrata cheese paired with sweet and tangy heirloom tomatoes at their peak ripeness. The combination of tender greens, fragrant basil, and a simple vinaigrette celebrates the essence of summer produce. Burrata with heirloom tomatoes is a classic antipasto that requires no cooking and comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 250g burrata cheese (about 2 balls), room temperature
- 800g mixed heirloom tomatoes (various colors), ripe
- 100g baby arugula or mixed salad leaves
- 15g fresh basil leaves
- 30ml extra virgin olive oil
- 10ml aged balsamic vinegar
- 2.5ml red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1g sea salt
- 0.5g freshly ground black pepper
- 30g pine nuts, lightly toasted (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the tomatoes by rinsing and patting dry. Cut larger heirloom tomatoes into wedges or thick slices, leaving smaller varieties whole or halved. Reserve any juices.
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Whisk together the olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Let sit for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Gently toss the prepared tomatoes with half of the vinaigrette and reserved tomato juices in a large, shallow bowl. Allow to sit for 3-4 minutes so the tomatoes absorb the dressing.
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Arrange the baby arugula or mixed salad leaves across a large platter or individual serving plates as a base layer.
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Place the marinated tomato pieces and their juices over the greens, distributing colors evenly. Leave space in the center for the burrata.
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Carefully place the room-temperature burrata cheese in the center of each plate or in the middle of the shared platter. Handle gently to keep it intact.
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Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette around the burrata and over the salad. Scatter fresh basil leaves across the entire dish.
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If using pine nuts, scatter them over the salad just before serving. Finish with a final crack of black pepper and a pinch of sea salt.
Substitutions
- Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte for a firmer texture
- Replace balsamic vinegar with white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a lighter vinaigrette
- Use regular tomatoes if heirloom varieties are unavailable; choose the ripest, most flavorful ones available
- Omit pine nuts or replace with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor
Tips
- Bring burrata to room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess and flavor
- Select tomatoes at peak ripeness; the best flavor comes from locally grown heirlooms in season
- Assemble the salad no more than 10 minutes before serving to prevent the greens from becoming too soft
- For a more substantial dish, add grilled bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil on the side
This salad represents the Italian principle of simplicity and quality ingredients, where a few perfect items speak for themselves. Burrata, originating in Puglia, has become a cornerstone of modern Italian cuisine, often paired with tomatoes to showcase the best of summer's bounty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe take to make?
Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe takes about 15 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and no cooking — and makes 4 servings.
What can I substitute in Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe?
You can adapt it easily: Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte for a firmer texture; Replace balsamic vinegar with white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a lighter vinaigrette; Use regular tomatoes if heirloom varieties are unavailable; choose the ripest, most flavorful ones available.
How should I store leftover Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently before serving.
How much protein is in Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe?
Each serving of Burrata With Heirloom Tomatoes Recipe has about 12g of protein and 320 calories.
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