Tomato Burrata Salad

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This Tomato Burrata Salad turns the traditional Caprese salad on its head in the best way possible by serving the ultra creamy burrata over a bed of marinated tomatoes and onions, then drizzling fresh basil pesto over top. It's fresh and delicious. I promise — this is the only thing you'll want to eat on those hot summer nights!

Tomato Burrata Salad is made with ultra creamy burrata over a bed of marinated tomatoes and onions and a drizzle of fresh basil pesto on top. So fresh! | aheadofthyme.com

When the temperatures spike in the summer, I practically live off fresh tomatoes. They're so refreshing and can easily be turned into an entire meal with some bread and cheese. This tomato burrata salad recipe starts with that simple inspiration but does not stay there. It's truly the height of luxury with this silky smooth fresh Italian cheese, the freshest tomatoes, the best olive oil, and a generous dollop of pesto. It's truly the most perfect summer salad, and you'll find yourself dreaming of it during the depths of winter!

Why You'll Love This Tomato Burrata Salad

Perfectly balanced. This simple summer salad is all about balance. The tangy, savory tomato mixture and pesto add tons of flavor, and the creamy burrata mellows them all out. You just need the crunchy toast to bring the whole dish together!
Incredibly simple to make. This burrata caprese salad is made with very simple ingredients: fresh tomatoes, red onion, a little oil and vinegar, creamy burrata cheese, basil, and pesto. Letting the tomatoes marinate takes a little time, but this is a very low-effort recipe that anyone can follow!
Great appetizer or side dish. This simple recipe is a true summer favorite — full of flavor yet incredibly light and refreshing. It's the perfect appetizer for a special dinner party with some grilled chicken or fish, but I also love it as a simple summer dinner on the hottest nights.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Tomato Burrata Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

cherry tomatoes - slice these in half to let the marinade work its way in. Check your local farmer's market for the most flavorful heirloom cherry tomatoes, if you can.
red onion - chop a small red onion it into very small pieces.
marinade - drizzle extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the tomatoes and onions.
fresh burrata cheese - it's important to use real burrata cheese for the best texture and flavor. It's often available at high-end grocery stores. Make sure you let the cheese come to room temperature first!
basil pesto - use either homemade basil pesto or grab a jar at the store — whatever is more convenient!
basil - add a few fresh basil leaves as a garnish.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large bowl, cutting board and knife, and a large serving platter.

How to Make the Best Tomato Burrata Salad

Marinate tomatoes. In a large mixing bowl, add tomatoes, onion, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss well to coat. Marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to overnight in the fridge).

Assemble. Carefully transfer the marinated tomatoes onto a large serving plate and top with ball of burrata cheese. Drizzle with basil pesto and garnish with fresh basil.
Serve. Serve as is or with some toasted bread on the side. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.

Recipe Variations

Use different tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes have a bright, slightly sweet flavor that really works well with the balsamic vinegar. You can also use the freshest heirloom tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or your favorite garden tomatoes.
Try mozzarella cheese. This recipe is all about creamy burrata, but if you can't find it, try serving very soft, fresh mozzarella cheese instead. It's not exactly the same, but a good swap.
Add some fruit. There's something so satisfying about adding fresh fruit to savory summer salads. Add thin slices of fresh peaches, strawberries, cherries, or even watermelon for a sweet contrast.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze. For an even stronger punch of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the tomato salad right before serving.

How to Serve

This Tomato Burrata Salad is delicious served on its own or with some toasted French baguette slices on the side. It's also delicious served with a light summer meal including some of our favorites:

For more recipe inspiration, see our 60+ Summer Dinner Ideas.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use the best quality ingredients. Since this burrata tomato salad uses such simple ingredients, each one really stands out. Use the freshest tomatoes, the best olive oil, that special balsamic vinegar, etc. Let it be a little luxurious. You're worth it!
Let the burrata come to room temperature. This is one of the most important things to remember! The burrata's texture will be firmer and more like mozzarella when cold. It needs to come to room temperature for about an hour to get that super smooth, creamy texture on the inside. Don't skip this step!
Don't rush the marinade. The goal is to get the oil and vinegar flavor all the way inside of the tomatoes and onions. Give yourself at least 30 minutes for this process, if not longer. I often like to make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge until dinner.
Use good bread. Technically, you can use any type of bread as long as it has a little bite, but some options are better than others. I like to use Italian bread, baguettes, or even homemade sourdough bread. Use a nice, crusty bread for the best texture.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Any leftover burrata tomato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Everything will meld together, and it won't have quite the same presentation, but it will still taste wonderful.

FAQ

What's the difference between burrata salad and caprese?

Honestly, very little. The main difference is the type of cheese. Classic caprese salad is made by layering slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on a serving platter, then adding a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. This burrata salad twists that a bit by marinating cherry tomatoes with red onion in the olive oil mixture, adding basil pesto, and, of course, choosing the ultra-creamy burrata instead of mozzarella. It's a bit more decadent and a fun twist on a classic.

What are the main ingredients in a burrata tomato salad?

The ingredients will vary depending on the particular recipe you're following, but I like to use a marinated mixture of cherry tomatoes and red onion with fresh basil leaves, pesto, and burrata. It's a really simple preparation with just so much flavor.

How do you prepare storebought burrata?

Although many of us are used to eating cheese cold from the fridge, it's always best to serve cheese at room temperature, and burrata is no exception. At room temperature, it's slightly chewy on the outside with a lusciously creamy center. For the softest, creamiest burrata, let it sit on the counter for an hour or two before serving.

More Salad Recipes with Tomatoes

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