This burrata salad recipe is a delicious summer side dish! A fresh take on Caprese, filled with juicy tomatoes, pesto and creamy burrata cheese.
This burrata salad recipe is easy summer perfection. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, it includes juicy heirloom tomatoes, balsamic-dressed cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of pesto, fresh basil, and crumbled burrata cheese. It’s like an updated version of Caprese salad, with creamy burrata instead of mozzarella and pesto for more basil flavor. I’m a Caprese fan through and through, but I may like this version of burrata even more than the classic one.
I originally made this burrata salad recipe in late spring when we got our first tomatoes of the season in Austin. I can’t count how many times I’ve done it since then. If you have peak-season tomatoes on hand, it’s the perfect side dish: so fresh, so flavorful, and so easy to prepare. Pair it with a great summer pasta or whatever comes off the grill. This Tomato Burrata Salad will take any summer dinner to the next level!
What is burrata cheese?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from cow or buffalo milk. It consists of a bag of mozzarella filled with stracciatella, or small pieces of cheese mixed with cream. On the outside it looks a lot like a ball of fresh mozzarella, but when you cut into it, the milky center oozes out. It adds a delicious richness to this recipe. I love how the creamy center almost dresses the salad as you eat it!
Burrata salad ingredients
Obviously, this burrata salad recipe starts with just that: fresh burrata. Look for it in the cheese section of your supermarket near the fresh mozzarella. You will find it in a container packed in water to keep the delicate bag intact.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- fresh tomatoes – I use a combination of heirloom tomatoes and cherry or grape tomatoes in this salad. I love the contrast of the crunchy, juicy texture of the cherry tomato with the tender traditional heirlooms. Use a variety of colors to make this salad prettier and add depth of flavor.
- balsamic vinegar – I mix it with cherry tomatoes to give it a sweet and spicy flavor. There’s no need to use a fancy balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze; a basic vinegar works well here.
- Extra virgin olive oil – For fruit richness.
- basil pesto – For a bright, nutty basil flavor. Use store-bought products or make this pesto recipe from scratch!
- Fresh basil and/or mint – Its fresh and delicate flavors make this salad excellent! I usually choose whichever one I have the most in my garden or use a mix. Try both or choose your favorite!
- And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors stand out! I like to use flaky sea salt in this salad. It adds a delicate crunch that pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to make burrata salad
This burrata salad with tomato recipe is super easy to prepare:
1. Start by preparing the tomatoes. Cut the heirloom tomatoes into thick slices.
- Pro Tip: I like to do this with a serrated knife, using a sawing motion. This allows you to cut the tomatoes without crushing them and squeeze out their delicious juices!
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and season them with the balsamic vinegar, a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the heirloom tomato slices on a serving platter and sprinkle the cherry tomatoes on top.
2. Add the burrata. Cut the burrata ball into pieces and place them on top of the tomatoes.
3. Add the finishing touches. Pour the pesto over the salad, then drizzle with olive oil and season with more salt and pepper. Finish it off with fresh herbs!
4. Season to taste and serve.
That’s all! This salad is best immediately after making it. If you want to go ahead, you can assemble it up to an hour in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Wait to add the fresh basil leaves and/or mint leaves until just before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe variation
Add peaches! If I have seasonal peaches on hand, this is my favorite way to prepare this salad. Substitute 1 large ripe peach for one of the heirloom tomatoes. It adds an unexpected sweetness and a firmer textural element to the salad. Excellent!
More summer salads to try
If you love this tomato and burrata salad recipe, try one of these fresh summer salads next:
Can’t get enough burrata? Try this burrata appetizer with tomatoes next!
Burrata Salad
serves 4 to 6
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Place heirloom tomatoes on a large serving platter.
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In a medium bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper flakes. Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes over the plate.
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Cut the burrata into pieces and place it evenly on top of the tomatoes. Sprinkle the salad with flaked salt and a little ground pepper.
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Pour the pesto over the salad and then drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with basil, season to taste and serve.
Nutritional data calculated for 1/4 of the recipe
