Hey there, food lovers! If you’re craving a light, fresh, and mouthwatering salad, this Tomato Burrata Salad is the perfect dish for you. It’s packed with juicy baby plum tomatoes, creamy burrata, and crisp toasted bread that’s simply irresistible. Not to mention, the marinated tomatoes and the fresh basil and parsley take this dish to the next level! It’s great for a healthy lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a perfect appetizer for a dinner party. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful salad!
Method in Detail
1. Preparing the Marinade
Start by preparing the marinade in a large, shallow dish. Begin by whisking together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Add the finely diced red onion (about half a small onion), 2 teaspoons each of finely diced fresh basil and fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. The key to this step is ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful base for the tomatoes. Once the marinade is ready, add the halved baby plum tomatoes into the dish. Gently toss the tomatoes in the marinade, making sure each tomato gets coated in the mixture. After tossing them, cover the dish and refrigerate it, allowing the tomatoes to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating them overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
2. Toasting the Bread
While the tomatoes are marinating, prepare the bread. Slice your baguette to your preferred thickness, keeping in mind that a slightly thicker slice will hold up better when you spread the burrata on it. Lay the bread slices out on a large baking tray and lightly brush both sides with extra virgin olive oil. Place the tray under a grill or in a hot oven to toast the bread. Keep an eye on it, as the bread can go from golden to overly crispy very quickly. Toast both sides until they are golden and crispy. For an extra burst of flavor, rub a peeled garlic clove lightly on one side of each toasted bread slice. This will give the bread a subtle garlic flavor that complements the creamy burrata and marinated tomatoes beautifully.
3. Assembling the Salad
Now that the tomatoes are marinated and the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble the salad. Place the ball of burrata in the center of a large serving plate. The creamy texture of the burrata will be the star of the dish, so be sure to place it prominently in the center. Surround the burrata with the marinated tomatoes, making sure to drizzle any remaining marinade from the dish over the tomatoes. This adds an extra punch of flavor to the salad. For a final touch, sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves over the top for garnish. The bright green basil leaves add a lovely visual contrast and enhance the fresh herbaceous notes of the dish.
To serve, slice open the burrata to reveal its creamy interior. Spread the creamy cheese generously over the crispy bread slices, and then top it with the marinated tomatoes. This will give you a delicious mix of textures the creamy burrata, the juicy tomatoes, and the crunchy toast. It’s like making a fresh and flavorful bruschetta, but with a creamy twist thanks to the burrata. Enjoy the salad immediately, and savor the perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite!
Necessary Tools
- A large shallow dish for marinating
- A grill or oven for toasting the bread
- A baking tray
- A sharp knife for chopping
- A large serving plate
Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings30
minutes5
minutes35
minutesIngredients
Tomatoes:
250g (9oz) Baby Plum Tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
2 tbsp very finely diced Red Onion (about 1/2 small onion)
2 tsp very finely diced Fresh Basil, plus a few small leaves for garnish
2 tsp very finely diced Fresh Parsley
1/4 tsp each: Salt, Black Pepper
To Serve:
1 x 150g (5oz) ball of Burrata (or similar)
1 small Baguette, sliced*
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for toasting the bread)
1 clove of Garlic, peeled (optional)
Directions
- Start by preparing the marinade. In a large shallow dish, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely diced onion, basil, parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Now, add the halved baby plum tomatoes and toss them gently in the marinade. For the best flavor, refrigerate and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (but overnight is even better!).
- While the tomatoes are soaking up the flavors, get your bread ready! Slice the baguette to your preferred thickness and arrange the slices on a large baking tray. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil, then pop it under the grill (or in the oven) to toast both sides until golden and crispy. If you like, rub a peeled garlic clove lightly on one side of each toast for an extra punch of flavor.
- Time to assemble! Place the burrata in the center of a serving plate, and arrange the marinated tomatoes around it. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the tomatoes, and sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. To serve, slice open the burrata to reveal its creamy goodness and spread it onto the crispy bread slices. Top with the marinated tomatoes (kind of like making bruschetta!) and enjoy this perfect balance of flavors!
- *Tip: I recommend using a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta. I used Artisan-style bread here, and it worked wonders with its crispy edges and chewy interior!
Notes
- Be careful when toasting the bread! The slices can turn from golden to burnt in just a minute, so keep an eye on them while they’re under the grill.
- If you’re not a fan of raw garlic, feel free to skip rubbing it on the toasted bread it still tastes amazing without it.
- The tomatoes marinate best when they have enough time, so try to let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, let them marinate overnight in the fridge!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Tomato Burrata Salad as a refreshing starter at your next dinner party.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light but satisfying meal.
- Enjoy it with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, for the ultimate summer vibe.
- This salad also pairs perfectly with a side of roasted veggies or a green salad for a more substantial meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that burrata is actually a fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream? It was invented in southern Italy in the 1900s and is loved for its soft, creamy texture that just melts in your mouth!
Conclusion
This Tomato Burrata Salad is an absolute treat for anyone who loves fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the main attraction, it’s sure to impress your guests (or just yourself!). Enjoy!
