If you are looking for a dish that effortlessly blends creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a vibrant splash of color, then you have to try this Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe. It’s a celebration of simple yet thoughtfully paired ingredients, where luscious burrata cheese meets beautifully roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. This salad feels like sunshine on a plate and is sure to become a favorite whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or an elegant starter for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy texture of the burrata to the sweet, concentrated flavor of the oven-roasted tomatoes, highlighted by fresh basil and a perfect balance of seasoning. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this stunning dish.
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese: Choose the freshest burrata you can find for that melty, creamy center.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, perfect for roasting and bursting with flavor.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves: Adds freshness and a bit of herbal brightness to the salad.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality oil to enhance the natural flavors and create a silky finish.
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze: This sweet and tangy drizzle elevates the dish with a visually striking and flavorful touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors in the salad.
How to Make Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the cherry tomatoes so they soften yet hold their shape beautifully. Washing them thoroughly ensures a clean, fresh taste in every bite.
Step 2: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over them. Roasting for about 20 to 25 minutes encourages the tomatoes to blister, caramelize slightly, and become bursting with juicy sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Basil
Once the tomatoes are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl and gently toss in the torn fresh basil leaves. The warmth of the tomatoes lightly releases the basil’s essential oils, creating an intoxicating aroma and flavor combo.
Step 4: Add Burrata and Final Touches
To assemble your salad, gently place the whole burrata on top of the roasted tomato and basil mixture. Drizzle a bit more olive oil and finish with a generous splash of balsamic glaze for a beautiful contrast in taste and presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the burrata at its creamiest.
How to Serve Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra pop of color and crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a few chili flakes over the top. A few larger basil leaves on the side can also brighten the plate and enhance the fresh herbal notes that pair so well with burrata and roasted tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to scoop up every bit of creamy cheese and roasted tomato goodness. It’s also excellent alongside grilled chicken or seafood for a light, summery feel or as a fresh counterpoint to a hearty grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad on a rustic wooden board or a large white platter to highlight the vibrant reds, greens, and creamy white burrata. You can also carefully portion the salad into individual glass bowls for a stunning appetizer at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe, store the roasted tomatoes and basil mixture separately from the burrata in airtight containers in the fridge. The burrata can release excess liquid if stored, so keep it wrapped well and only add it right before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Burrata’s delicate texture will degrade, and the tomatoes will lose their roasted charm. Instead, prepare just as much as you need or keep components frozen separately before assembling.
Reheating
If you want to reheat the roasted tomatoes and basil, warm them gently in the oven or on a stovetop over low heat. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture. Add fresh burrata on top just before serving again for that signature creamy richness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes work best because of their size and natural sweetness, grape tomatoes or even sliced plum tomatoes can be used. Just adjust roasting time as needed to achieve that perfect blistered texture.
Is burrata hard to find?
Burrata can typically be found at specialty cheese shops, Italian markets, or well-stocked grocery stores in the fresh cheese section. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella balls are a good substitute but lack the creamy center that makes this salad special.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can roast the tomatoes and tear the basil a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best to add the burrata just before serving to keep its creamy texture smooth and fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
This Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe is not vegan due to the fresh burrata cheese. However, you could explore vegan cheese alternatives that mimic burrata’s creaminess, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
What wine pairs well with this salad?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity rosé complements the creamy burrata and sweet roasted tomatoes perfectly. These wines can refresh the palate between bites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels both light and indulgent, fresh yet comforting, then this Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe is a must-try. With its balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy, it’s an effortless way to impress your guests or just treat yourself to something truly special. Dive in, savor every bite, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your go-to salads for every season.
Print
Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Burrata & Oven Roasted Tomato Salad is a fresh and elegant dish featuring creamy burrata cheese paired with sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes roasted to perfection. Enhanced with fragrant basil, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of balsamic glaze, this salad offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter, it comes together quickly with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Roast Tomatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they become slightly charred around the edges and juicy inside, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Combine with Basil: Remove the tomatoes from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Tear the fresh basil leaves and mix them gently with the warm roasted tomatoes to infuse their aroma.
- Assemble Salad: Transfer the tomato and basil mixture onto a serving plate. Gently place the whole burrata cheese on top of the salad. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic glaze for added richness and tanginess.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the burrata’s creamy texture paired with the warm, roasted tomatoes and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use high-quality burrata for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- To make it vegan, substitute burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity; if unavailable, you can use a reduction of balsamic vinegar or skip it.
- Serve with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
