![- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 8 oz burrata cheese, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) To create a marinated tomato and burrata salad, start with fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes. They provide sweetness and juiciness. I love using basil for its fresh aroma and vibrant color. The balsamic vinegar adds tanginess, while extra virgin olive oil gives richness. Honey balances the flavors perfectly, enhancing sweetness without overpowering. Burrata cheese is a star ingredient. It’s creamy, rich, and melts in your mouth. You can use sea salt and black pepper to taste. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. They give the dish a spicy kick. What are the benefits of tomatoes? Tomatoes are full of antioxidants. They have vitamins C and K, which help your body stay strong. They also support heart health. What are the advantages of basil? Basil has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce swelling. Plus, its strong flavor makes dishes taste better without extra salt. What is the nutritional profile of burrata cheese? Burrata offers protein and calcium. It helps build strong bones and muscles. While it’s rich, just a little goes a long way in flavor. 1. Begin by placing the halved cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves into a large mixing bowl. 2. Gently combine them to ensure even distribution. 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, a pinch of sea salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. 4. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. 5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the bowl of tomatoes and basil. 6. Using a large spoon, carefully toss the ingredients together. Ensure all the tomatoes and basil are coated in the dressing. Marinating is key to this salad. It helps the tomatoes soak up the dressing. This step enhances the taste and unites the flavors. Letting the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes makes a big difference. If you have more time, an hour is even better. Just before serving, take the burrata cheese and gently tear it into rustic pieces with your hands. Nestle the torn burrata on top of the marinated tomatoes in the bowl. If you want an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top. This adds a nice spice. For the finishing touch, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the salad. You can also sprinkle with a little more sea salt if you like. This will really elevate the flavors before serving. Enjoy this fresh and zesty salad with your friends and family. - Choosing the right tomatoes: For this salad, I love using cherry tomatoes. They are sweet and juicy. Look for bright colors and smooth skin. You want them fresh and firm. If you can, choose local or organic tomatoes for the best taste. - Selecting high-quality olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil. It brings a rich flavor to the dish. Look for a bottle with a harvest date. Fresh oil is always best. A good oil can make a big difference in taste. - Timing for marination: Marinating is key to this salad. Let the tomatoes sit in the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix well. If you marinate too long, the tomatoes can become mushy. Aim for a balance. - Serving in an elegant dish: A shallow serving bowl works wonders for this salad. It allows everyone to see the colors. Arrange the tomatoes and burrata artfully. This creates a beautiful centerpiece for your table. - Garnishing for visual appeal: Fresh basil leaves can add a pop of color. Sprinkle them over the top for a fresh look. You can also drizzle a little more olive oil. This not only looks good but adds flavor too. - Over-marinating: Keep an eye on the marination time. If you leave the tomatoes too long, they lose their crunch. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes max for the best texture. - Using low-quality ingredients: This salad shines with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Avoid cheap tomatoes or oils. Using better ingredients will elevate your dish and make it truly special. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can mix and match flavors in your marinated tomato and burrata salad. Adding fruits like peaches or avocados brings a juicy touch. The sweetness of peaches pairs well with the tangy tomatoes. Avocados add a creamy texture that complements the burrata. You can also throw in nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for crunch. They add a nice contrast to the soft burrata. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can brighten the dish. These herbs bring a fresh burst of flavor that lifts the whole salad. If you want a vegan option, you can swap burrata for vegan cheese. There are many good brands that mimic the creamy texture. You can also use tofu, which works well with the dressing. For gluten-free needs, this salad is already a great choice. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You can enjoy it without any worries, making it a perfect dish for everyone. Want a spicy kick? Just add more red pepper flakes to your salad. This small change can turn a mild dish into a bold one. You can also try different vinegars or dressings. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a citrus vinaigrette can change the whole flavor profile. Experimenting with different combinations will help you find the perfect mix for your taste. To keep your marinated salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. Make sure the burrata stays separate until you're ready to eat. This keeps it creamy and delicious. You can add it right before serving for the best taste. You can enjoy this salad for up to three days. After three days, the tomatoes may become mushy. Look for signs of spoilage. If the tomatoes smell sour or look slimy, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Don't let leftovers go to waste! You can turn your salad into tasty sandwiches or wraps. Spread some leftover salad on crusty bread. Add some greens for crunch. You can even mix it with pasta for a delightful dish. Get creative and enjoy every bite! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Marinating the tomatoes enhances their flavor. However, add the burrata just before serving. This keeps it fresh and creamy. If you can't find burrata, you can use fresh mozzarella. It has a similar taste and texture. Ricotta can also work, but it will be creamier and less stretchy. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes. Look for ones that are bright and firm. Gently press them to check for ripeness. You can also sprinkle salt on them to enhance their natural sweetness. Yes! Adding protein can make this salad heartier. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great options. They pair well with the flavors of the tomatoes and burrata. Yes, this Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad is gluten-free. It uses fresh ingredients without any gluten-containing products. Enjoy it without worry if you follow a gluten-free diet. For the complete recipe, check out the full recipe. This blog post shared an easy and tasty marinated tomato and burrata salad recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, their health benefits, and step-by-step instructions for preparation. I also gave tips for perfecting your salad and ideas for variations. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference. Keep these tips in mind as you try this delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure and trust you'll impress your guests!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/82b5ed18-ff0e-45af-b49e-e66a088bf0bf-300x300.webp)
- Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad
Create a refreshing masterpiece with this Marinated Tomato and Burrata Delight! Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and aromatic basil, this simple salad is elevated by a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for any occasion, it's sure to impress your guests. Discover the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delicious dish. Click through to explore how to whip up this vibrant, flavorful salad today!