This Burrata Salad recipe is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. Imagine plump, juicy roasted tomatoes bursting in your mouth, combined with creamy, decadent burrata cheese, fragrant basil pesto, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This salad is not only incredibly delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons:
- Simple Elegance: With just a handful of ingredients, this salad offers a sophisticated flavor profile that is both impressive and easy to achieve.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy burrata, and herbaceous pesto creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Delight: Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a flavorful appetizer, or a stunning side dish, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights.
- Showstopper: This salad is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 200g/ 6 oz x 1 fresh burrata cheese (Aus: Paesanella is my go-to, Note 1)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto, preferably homemade, recommended but not essential (Note 2) Roasted Tomato:
- 500g/ 1 lb (4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp eschalot, finely chopped (US: shallot), ~1/2 small (Note 3 subs)
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp sherry vinegar (or apple cider or red wine vinegar) Serving:
- 1/2 tsp salt flakes (or half the quantity for cooking/kosher salt) (Note 4)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, a good one is best, for finishing
- Few fresh basil leaves, for sprinkling (Note 2)
- Warmed crusty bread, for mopping
Preparation:
Step 1: De-chill the Burrata:
Take the burrata out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to remove the chill. This will allow the cheese to reach its optimal creamy texture. Keep it submerged in the water within its tub during this time.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (or 180°C/350°F if using a fan-forced oven). Ensuring the oven is adequately preheated is crucial for achieving perfectly roasted tomatoes.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes for Roasting:
In a bowl or directly on a baking tray, combine the cherry or grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped eschalot (or shallot), 1/2 teaspoon of cooking or kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Roast the Tomatoes:
Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on the baking tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes. The tomatoes should soften slightly without collapsing completely.
Step 5: Add the Vinegar:
Gently push the roasted tomatoes to one end of the baking tray to create some space. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of sherry vinegar (or apple cider or red wine vinegar) over the tomatoes. There’s no need to mix the vinegar in at this point; it will meld with the tomatoes as they cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad:
Carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes to a serving plate, arranging them in a single layer. This will create an attractive base for the burrata and other toppings.
Step 7: Add the Burrata:
Gently drain the water from the burrata tub, being careful not to damage the delicate cheese. Roll the burrata into your hand with utmost care and place it on top of the roasted tomatoes.
Step 8: Finish with Flair:
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil all over the plate, ensuring it coats the tomatoes and burrata. Randomly dollop the basil pesto around the plate, adding pops of vibrant green and herbaceous flavor. Sprinkle the salad with salt flakes (or cooking/kosher salt) and fresh basil leaves for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Burrata Salad immediately with warmed crusty bread on the side for mopping up the delicious juices. Encourage your guests to break into the burrata and enjoy the creamy center with the sweet roasted tomatoes and fragrant pesto.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer with crusty bread.
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a light main course.
- Add to a charcuterie board for a touch of elegance.
- Enjoy as a light lunch with a side salad.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tomatoes; they should be soft but not mushy.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to your liking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting.
- If you don’t have eschalots (shallots), substitute with finely chopped red onion.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving
Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
The Bursty Tomato Burrata Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, making it a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the burst of flavor in every bite. Don’t forget the crusty bread for mopping up all those delicious juices!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry or grape tomatoes?
A: While cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and size, you can certainly use regular tomatoes as a substitute. If using larger tomatoes, be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces before roasting. Roasting time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Q2: Is homemade pesto essential for this recipe?
A: While homemade pesto is highly recommended for its fresh, vibrant flavor, it is not essential. Store-bought pesto can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to choose a high-quality pesto that you enjoy.
Q3: What if I can’t find burrata cheese?
A: Burrata cheese can sometimes be difficult to find, depending on your location. If you can’t find burrata, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella cheese. While it won’t have the same creamy center, it will still provide a similar flavor and texture.
Q4: Can I prepare this salad in advance?
A: It’s best to assemble this salad just before serving to prevent the burrata from becoming soggy and the tomatoes from losing their vibrancy. However, you can roast the tomatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Bring them to room temperature before assembling the salad.
Q5: What kind of bread is best for serving with this salad?
A: A crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is ideal for serving with this salad. The crusty texture is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the tomatoes and burrata. You can also lightly toast the bread for added flavor and crunch.
