Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad: The Ultimate Summer Bowl You Didn’t Know You Needed

Sunshine in a salad? Yes, please. If your taste buds are begging for something fresh, vibrant, and just the right kind of indulgent, this Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad will answer the call.

Think juicy, colorful heirlooms paired with creamy burrata that just melts in your mouth. It’s like a garden party on a plate, minus the awkward small talk. Ready for a salad that’s both a feast for your eyes and your belly?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Makes This Special

First off, heirloom tomatoes aren’t your average grocery store tomatoes. These bad boys come in all shapes, sizes, and colors — reds, yellows, purples — like a fruit rainbow throwing a flavor fiesta. Their sweetness and acidity strike a perfect balance you won’t find in those generic supermarket varieties.

Then, add the burrata, a silky, creamy cheese that’s basically mozzarella’s dreamy cousin, and you’ve got an unbeatable combo. The fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil elevate this salad from simple to show-stopper. It’s like the salad version of a mic-drop.

Ingredients Breakdown

• 3-4 heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors and sizes, sliced or roughly chopped
• 1 ball of burrata cheese (about 4-6 ounces)
• Fresh basil leaves, a handful
• Extra virgin olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons
• Balsamic glaze or vinegar, 1-2 teaspoons
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Sea salt, to taste
• Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Rinse and gently pat dry your heirloom tomatoes.

   Slice them into bite-sized chunks or rustic wedges to show off those beautiful colors.

2. Arrange your base: Spread the tomatoes evenly on a large plate or shallow serving bowl.
3. Add the burrata: Tear the burrata into chunks or leave it whole if you’re feeling fancy. Nestle it right on top of or beside the tomatoes.
4. Scatter basil: Tear fresh basil leaves over the salad to release their aromatic oils.
5. Season: Drizzle olive oil generously over everything. Add a light splash of balsamic glaze or a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
6. Finish with salt and pepper: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

   Don’t be shy here; these give your salad life.

7. Add some crunch (optional): If you want more texture, toss on toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
8. Serve immediately: Burrata likes to be enjoyed fresh before it loses its creamy magic.

Storage Tips

This salad was made to be enjoyed fresh and now. Burrata hates chilling — cold temps firm it up and kill that creamy vibe. If you must store leftovers, keep the tomatoes and burrata separately in airtight containers.

Burrata should be consumed within 24 hours of opening — anything later, and you’re sacrificing silky heaven for rubbery sadness. Tomatoes can last a day or two in the fridge but are best at room temp to maintain flavor and texture. Oh, and never dress the salad too far ahead; olive oil and vinegar can break down fresh veggies and wilt basil.

What’s Great About This

• Flavor explosion: The sweet acidity of heirloom tomatoes balances beautifully with the rich, buttery burrata.
• Visual appeal: This salad is an Instagrammer’s dream with its rainbow colors and rustic charm.
• Minimal effort, maximum wow: You don’t have to be a chef to nail this.

  Fresh ingredients do all the heavy lifting.

• Customizable: Want it vegan? Swap burrata for a nut-based creamy cheese. Need crunch?

  Nuts or croutons to the rescue.

• Light yet satisfying: Perfect for hot summer days when heavy meals just won’t cut it.

What Not to Do

• Don’t skimp on the tomatoes: Using bland, flavorless tomatoes is a cardinal sin here.
• Don’t overdress: Too much olive oil or vinegar drowns the delicate flavors instead of lifting them.
• Don’t serve cold: Burrata straight out of the fridge loses its creaminess. Let it come to room temp for the best melt-in-mouth effect.
• Don’t chop basil too finely: It bruises and turns bitter, defeating its fresh, aromatic purpose.
• Don’t overload the salad: Keep it simple — the magic is all about highlighting each star ingredient.

Different Ways to Make This

• Caprese remix: Swap heirloom tomatoes for classic roma tomatoes and add sliced fresh mozzarella instead of burrata.
• Grilled version: Grill the heirlooms lightly for smoky undertones, then pair with burrata and fresh herbs.
• Incorporate fruit: Add slices of ripe peaches or nectarines for a sweet twist.
• Herbal upgrade: Mix basil with mint or tarragon to switch up the aroma.
• Make it a starter: Serve spooned over toasted baguette slices for a bruschetta-style appetizer.
• Spicy kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a chili-infused olive oil for heat.

FAQ

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?

Sure, you can, but IMO, it’s like comparing a blockbuster movie to a low-budget knockoff. Regular tomatoes often lack the depth of flavor and visual appeal that make heirlooms shine in this salad.

What’s the best way to store burrata?

Keep burrata in its original liquid (if it came that way) in an airtight container in the fridge.

Try to use it within 24 hours after opening and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Is there a vegan alternative to burrata?

Absolutely! Try a creamy cashew-based cheese or even coconut yogurt for a similar luxurious texture without the dairy. Just don’t call it burrata — you’d be committing salad blasphemy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend it.

Burrata and fresh tomatoes are best enjoyed immediately. Prepare your ingredients, but assemble right before serving for maximum freshness.

What kind of olive oil should I use?

Extra virgin olive oil is non-negotiable here. It’s fruity, rich, and adds a lot of flavor complexity that a cheaper oil just can’t match.

My Take

Honestly, this Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad is the kind of simple luxury that reminds you why fresh ingredients matter.

It’s effortless to pull together but wow-worthy enough for guests or a cheeky solo dinner upgrade. The contrast of creamy burrata against vibrant, juicy heirlooms is like nature’s perfect harmony. If you’re not making this the star of your summer meal rotation, are you even living?

FYI, once you try it, you’ll be defending your precious heirlooms and burrata like a true foodie warrior. Go ahead, impress yourself (and everyone around you).