Oh, you are going to LOVE this one! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that screams summer freshness without a whole lot of fuss, the Irresistible Marinated Tomato And Burrata Salad Recipe is your answer. It’s honestly one of my go-to’s when I want something that feels fancy but takes mere minutes to pull together. The stars of the show? Juicy, vibrant tomatoes all marinated up in a simple dressing, and that impossibly creamy burrata cheese that just melts in your mouth. I’ve made variations of this salad for years, and every single time, it’s a total hit. There’s just something magical about simple, quality ingredients shining through, you know?
Why This Irresistible Marinated Tomato And Burrata Salad Recipe Is a Must-Try
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this salad! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Super Speedy: Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need a delicious meal ASAP.
- Effortlessly Elegant: It looks so fancy, right? But the reality is, it’s incredibly easy to make. The burrata makes it feel special without you breaking a sweat.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of marinated tomatoes with that creamy burrata is just heavenly. It’s bright, fresh, and honestly, addictive.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck, a picnic, or a sophisticated appetizer, this salad fits right in. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Irresistible Marinated Tomato And Burrata Salad Recipe
Alright, so for this absolute stunner of a salad, you don’t need much, which is part of its charm! Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- Cherry Tomatoes: About a pint sounds about right. Make sure they’re nice and ripe! You’ll want to halve these little guys.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of a good extra virgin olive oil will do the trick here.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Just one tablespoon is perfect for that lovely tang.
- Garlic: One clove, minced super fine. It adds that little punch!
- Salt and Pepper: A quarter teaspoon each should do it, but you know your taste best!
- Burrata Cheese: You’ll need a nice big 8-ounce ball. The creamier, the better!
- Fresh Basil: A handful for garnish. It just makes everything look and smell so fresh!
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Irresistible Marinated Tomato And Burrata Salad Recipe
Okay, let’s get this beautiful salad made! It’s really as simple as it sounds, but paying attention to a couple of little things makes all the difference.
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Marinate those Tomatoes: First things first, grab a nice bowl. Toss in your halved cherry tomatoes. Now, drizzle in that olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it all a gentle toss – you don’t want to mash those beautiful tomatoes! You just want everything coated nicely.
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Let the Magic Happen: This is the crucial part, so don’t skip it! Let those tomatoes hang out at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This little bit of time lets all those flavors meld together. Honestly, if you can let them marinate for 30 minutes, even better! Trust me on this one.
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Prep Your Burrata: While the tomatoes are doing their thing, get your burrata ready. Gently place the whole ball of burrata onto your serving platter or a nice shallow bowl. You want it centered and looking inviting.
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Assemble the Salad: Now for the grand finale! Spoon those lovely, plump marinated tomatoes all over and around the burrata cheese. Don’t be shy with the juices from the bowl – that’s where so much of the flavor is!
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Add Freshness: Grab your fresh basil leaves. Tear them a bit or leave them whole, whatever looks prettiest to you. Scatter them over the top. It adds such a wonderful aroma and a pop of color.
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Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed right away while the burrata is at its creamiest and the tomatoes are at their freshest. You can even peek at this classic Caprese salad for inspiration on presentation!
Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Marinated Tomato And Burrata Salad Recipe
Okay, so I’ve made this probably a hundred times, maybe more! And over those times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really take this salad from good to absolutely *unforgettable*. You really want to nail it, right?
Picking the Best Burrata
This is honestly half the battle! When you’re at the store, try to pick up the burrata that feels a little… plump. You want that outer mozzarella shell to be soft and yielding, not tough. If you can gently squeeze the package and it feels a bit loose, that’s a good sign. And honestly, don’t be afraid to ask the deli counter if they have any freshly arrived. Trust me, the difference in creaminess is HUGE.
Don’t Skimp on Marinating Time!
I know, I know, you’re hungry and you want to eat! But those tomatoes? They need a little bit of chill-out time to really soak up all those delicious flavors from the olive oil, balsamic, and garlic. I’ve found that at least 15 minutes is essential, but if you can stretch it to 30 minutes, or even an hour if you’re prepping ahead, your taste buds will thank you SO much. It really infuses every single bite. It’s similar to how we let ingredients meld in these marinated cucumber and tomato salads, you just gotta let them hang out!
Flavor Boosters to Consider
While the basic recipe is SO good, sometimes I like to jazz it up a little. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinating tomatoes adds a surprising little kick that’s just lovely. Or, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right on top just before serving makes everything pop. Thinking about something similar to the crunch we get on perfect bruschetta makes it even better!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Tomato and Burrata Salad
Even though this salad is absolutely divine just as it is, I’m all about playing around and making it your own! Sometimes I like to switch things up just a little, and there are so many ways to do it. Think of it as a canvas for your kitchen creativity!
Get Creative with Add-Ins
If you want to add more texture or flavor, try tossing in some thinly sliced red onion – I find a quick soak in cold water first mellows out the bite nicely. Kalamata olives are amazing too, giving it that little briny punch. And for the herbs, while basil is classic, a little fresh oregano or even some mint can be a delightful surprise! You could even try a touch of lemon zest mixed in with the tomatoes before marinating for an extra zing.
Pairing It for the Perfect Meal
This salad is a star on its own, for sure, but it also makes a killer side dish. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a real treat, serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. It’s also a perfect starter for a pasta night or even alongside a light pizza. Honestly, anything that needs a burst of fresh flavor!
Storing and Reheating Your Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad
Okay, so this salad is absolutely best when it’s fresh, warm-weather perfection. Burrata is like that – it’s happiest when it’s eaten soon after assembling. But, life happens, right? If you happen to have any leftovers, here’s what I usually do. The key is to store the components separately if you can. Those marinated tomatoes will keep just fine in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. The burrata, though? Hmm, it doesn’t really love being stored once it’s out of its liquid. Usually, I suggest just enjoying it all fresh! If you *do* have leftover burrata, you can try popping it back in its liquid or serving it with a different dish, but trying to reheat it means you lose that lovely creamy magic.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Irresistible Marinated Tomato And Burrata Salad Recipe
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
You absolutely can! While burrata brings that extra creamy, dreamy factor, fresh mozzarella (like a ball of mozzarella or even nicely sliced bocconcini) works beautifully too. It won’t have that oozy center, but the flavor combination with the marinated tomatoes is still classic and delicious. You might just miss that little pop of creaminess!
How long should I really marinate the tomatoes?
Honestly, the longer the better within reason! I mentioned at least 15 minutes, and that’s the minimum for the flavors to start melding. If you have the time, letting them sit for 30 minutes to an hour while you get other things ready will really deepen the flavor. Just make sure they’re at room temperature so the oil and vinegar can do their magic. Don’t marinate them for *days*, though, or they’ll get a bit too soft.
What’s the secret to picking good burrata?
Oh, this is key! You want your burrata to be plump and feel a little soft when you gently squeeze the package. A super firm ball might mean it’s a bit older or drier. Look for burrata that’s swimming in its liquid – that’s a good sign it’s fresh and creamy. When you open it, you should see that lovely stracciatella filling peeking out, and it should be totally luscious!
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is practically begging for you to play with it. Thinly sliced red onion adds a nice sharp bite, or some finely chopped cucumber can bring extra freshness. Kalamata olives are a fantastic addition if you like a bit of saltiness, and a few grilled zucchini slices or some peppery arugula would be pretty amazing too.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, this is an estimate, okay? The actual numbers can change depending on the exact brands you use and how much of that lovely marinade you end up spooning over. But generally, for about a quarter of this Irresistible Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad, you’re looking at roughly 350 calories, around 28g of fat (with 12g saturated), and about 12g of protein and 15g of carbs. It’s a good balance of creamy goodness!
Print
Irresistible Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and fresh salad featuring marinated tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes.
- Let the tomatoes marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Arrange the burrata cheese on a serving platter.
- Spoon the marinated tomatoes and their juices over and around the burrata.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- You can add other ingredients like thinly sliced red onion or Kalamata olives to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: tomato burrata salad, marinated tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, easy salad, summer salad, appetizer