Make Burrata Tomato Salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata, basil, and zesty dressing. A colourful, fresh, and easy recipe for any occasion.
Burrata Tomato Salad is the kind of dish that proves spectacular food does not have to be complicated. Juicy, ripe tomatoes, luxuriously creamy burrata, fragrant basil, lemon zest, and a bright olive-oil dressing come together to create a plate bursting with colour, freshness, and irresistible Mediterranean-inspired flavour. If you love a good tomato burrata salad, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favourite.
Inspired by the simple seasonal philosophy behind the original Apron & Whisk recipe, this version brings that vibrant combination to the 9ja Kitchen table with a generous serving size and practical instructions for home cooks. The original recipe highlights a mixture of colourful tomatoes, burrata, lemon, basil, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper, with an emphasis on preparing the salad shortly before serving so the tomatoes remain fresh rather than watery. This Burrata Tomato Salad follows that same spirit while giving you a polished, easy-to-follow recipe for six people.
What makes this Burrata Tomato Salad particularly exciting is the contrast of textures. The tomatoes are juicy and lightly crisp, while the burrata is wonderfully soft and creamy. A lemony dressing cuts through the richness, fresh basil adds an aromatic finish, and flaky salt brings every flavour into focus. Whether served as a starter, lunch, side dish, or centrepiece for a relaxed gathering, this Burrata Tomato Salad is colourful enough for a celebration and simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍅 Bursting With Freshness: This Burrata Tomato Salad lets ripe tomatoes take centre stage, making it a brilliant choice when you want a fresh tomato salad packed with natural flavour.
- 🧀 Creamy and Luxurious: Soft burrata cheese creates a gorgeous contrast against juicy tomatoes, making this a memorable burrata cheese salad.
- 🌿 Bright Mediterranean Flavours: Basil, oregano, lemon, and extra-virgin olive oil give the dish the character of an elegant Mediterranean salad.
- ⏱️ Quick and Easy: There is no complicated cooking involved. This easy salad recipe can be assembled in around 15–20 minutes.
- 🌈 Naturally Colourful: Use red, yellow, orange, green, and heirloom tomatoes for a spectacular presentation.
- 🥗 Perfect For Entertaining: Arrange everything on a large platter and you have an impressive vegetarian salad recipe with very little effort.
- ☀️ Ideal For Warm Days: This easy summer salad is refreshing, satisfying, and wonderfully light.
- 🍋 Simple Dressing: The lemon and olive-oil dressing enhances rather than hides the fresh ingredients.
🛒 Ingredients Needed – Serves 6
- 🍅 750g Mixed Ripe Tomatoes: Choose a colourful mixture of heirloom, plum, beef, cherry or salad tomatoes. Different varieties provide contrasting shapes, colours and textures.
- 🧀 225g Burrata Cheese: Use fresh burrata for its soft outer shell and creamy centre. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- 🫒 3 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality olive oil because its fruity flavour will be noticeable in the finished salad.
- 🍋 Juice of ¾ Lemon: Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a lively acidity that balances the richness of the burrata.
- 🌿 1½ Teaspoons Dried Oregano: Oregano adds a gentle Mediterranean savouriness to the dressing.
- 🌿 1½ Teaspoons Dried Basil: This reinforces the fresh basil flavour throughout the dressing.
- 🧂 ¾ Teaspoon Fine Salt: Salt helps bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Adjust according to taste.
- ⚫ ¾ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Pepper adds gentle warmth and depth.
- 🌿 A Generous Handful Of Fresh Basil Leaves: Tear or leave the smaller leaves whole for an aromatic, colourful finish.
- 🍋 1 Teaspoon Finely Grated Lemon Zest: Sprinkle over the finished salad for a fragrant citrus lift.
- 🫒 1 Extra Tablespoon Olive Oil: Use this for the final drizzle immediately before serving.
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 🔪 Sharp Chef’s Knife: Use it to slice large tomatoes cleanly without crushing their flesh.
- 🪵 Large Chopping Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing the tomatoes and basil.
- 🥣 Small Mixing Bowl: Use it to whisk together the lemon, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- 🥄 Small Whisk or Fork: Helps emulsify the dressing so the oil and lemon juice combine evenly.
- 🍽️ Large Serving Platter: Gives the Burrata Tomato Salad plenty of space for an attractive presentation.
- 🧀 Serving Spoon: Useful for distributing the creamy burrata without damaging the tomatoes.
👩🍳 Step-By-Step Guide: How To Make Burrata Tomato Salad
Cooking Instructions:
Follow these detailed steps carefully to make perfect Burrata Tomato Salad every single time.
🍅 Step 1: Choose And Prepare The Tomatoes
- Select ripe tomatoes that feel firm but yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Wash all the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water.
- Dry them carefully with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing excess water is important because too much surface moisture can dilute the dressing.
- Slice large tomatoes into wedges or thick rounds.
- Halve smaller tomatoes such as cherry or baby plum varieties.
- Leave very small tomatoes whole if you want additional visual variety.
- Arrange the prepared tomatoes on your serving platter.
For the most attractive Burrata Tomato Salad, mix colours and shapes rather than arranging each tomato variety separately. The combination of red, yellow, orange and green creates a restaurant-style finish.
🍋 Step 2: Make The Zesty Dressing
- Add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to a small mixing bowl.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk vigorously with a fork or small whisk until the dressing is well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
The dressing should taste bright and slightly tangy. That acidity is essential because it balances the richness of the burrata in this Burrata Tomato Salad.
🌿 Step 3: Dress The Tomatoes
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the sliced tomatoes.
- Gently turn or nudge the tomatoes with a spoon so the dressing reaches different pieces.
- Avoid vigorous tossing because very ripe tomatoes can break apart easily.
- Allow the tomatoes to sit for only a few minutes while you prepare the burrata.
Keeping the preparation close to serving time is one of the most important secrets to an excellent Burrata Tomato Salad. The source recipe similarly recommends preparing it shortly before serving to help prevent excess liquid and sogginess.
🧀 Step 4: Add The Burrata
- Remove the burrata from its packaging and drain any excess liquid.
- Place the whole burrata in the centre of the tomatoes, or gently tear it into large chunks.
- If you want a dramatic presentation, keep the burrata mostly whole and allow diners to break into the creamy centre at the table.
- For easier sharing, tear the burrata into generous pieces and distribute them across the tomatoes.
Do not overwork the cheese. Its soft, creamy texture is one of the defining pleasures of a Burrata Tomato Salad.
🌿 Step 5: Finish And Serve
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and burrata.
- Finely grate the lemon zest across the top.
- Add a final drizzle of olive oil.
- Finish with a small pinch of flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately while the tomatoes are fresh and the burrata is creamy.
Your Burrata Tomato Salad is now ready to impress!🎉
✨ Tips For A Perfect Result
- 🍅 Use The Ripe Tomatoes You Can Find: Tomato quality makes the biggest difference. Choose fragrant, colourful, and properly ripened tomatoes for the best flavour.
- 🌈 Mix Tomato Varieties: Combining heirloom tomato salad-style wedges with cherry tomatoes creates an attractive combination of colours and textures.
- 🧀 Choose Fresh Burrata: The fresher the burrata, the creamier and more luxurious your Burrata Tomato Salad will be.
- 🌡️ Avoid Serving the Burrata Ice-Cold: Let it sit at room temperature briefly before assembling the salad for a softer texture and fuller flavour.
- 🍋 Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice can taste flat. Freshly squeezed lemon provides the clean acidity needed for the dressing.
- 🫒 Use Good Olive Oil: Since the dressing is simple, a fruity extra-virgin olive oil can noticeably improve the finished dish.
- 🧂 Season Gradually: Tomatoes benefit from salt, but adding too much too early can draw out excess moisture.
- ⏰ Assemble Close To Serving: For the best texture, prepare this Burrata Tomato Salad shortly before eating.
- 🔪 Slice Tomatoes With A Sharp Knife: A blunt knife can crush delicate tomatoes and release unnecessary juice.
- 🌿 Add Basil At The End: Fresh basil is most aromatic when added immediately before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion
- Serve this Burrata Tomato Salad as a vibrant starter alongside crusty sourdough, toasted ciabatta or warm flatbread. It also works beautifully beside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, grilled fish or a simple pasta dish.
- For lunch, pair the Burrata Tomato Salad with crusty bread and a handful of rocket leaves. For a dinner party, place the platter in the centre of the table and allow everyone to help themselves.
- If you are building a collection of easy salad recipes, this dish deserves a place near the top because it works equally well for casual lunches and elegant entertaining.
🌈 Variations
- 🍅 Heirloom Tomato Version: Use mostly heirloom tomatoes for a beautiful heirloom tomato salad with exceptional colour and texture.
- 🍒 Cherry Tomato Version: Replace some of the larger tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a sweeter cherry tomato salad.
- 🌿 Basil-Forward Version: Add extra fresh basil for an especially fragrant basil tomato salad.
- 🥒 Mediterranean Version: Add cucumber, olives, and a little red onion for a fuller Mediterranean salad.
- 🥑 Avocado Version: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and a more substantial lunch.
- 🌶️ Spicy Version: Add thinly sliced fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes for gentle heat.
- 🍑 Summer Fruit Version: Add peaches or nectarines for a sweet-and-savoury twist.
- 🌱 Rocket Version: Add peppery rocket leaves to create a larger green salad.
- 🧀 Mozzarella Alternative: If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used, although it will not have the same creamy centre.
- 🍯 Sweet-Tangy Dressing: Add a tiny drizzle of honey to the lemon dressing for a slightly sweeter finish.
⏱️ Recipe At A Glance
- 🥗 Recipe: Burrata Tomato Salad
- 👨👩👧👦 Serves: 6
- ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 0 minutes
- ⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes
- 🍽️ Course: Starter, Side Dish Or Light Lunch
- 🌍 Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired / Italian-Style
- 🌱 Diet: Vegetarian
- 🔥 Approximate Calories: 190 kcal per serving
- 🌶️ Difficulty: Easy
Burrata Tomato Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Large Chopping Board:
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Whisk or Fork:
- 1 Large Serving Platter –
- 1 Serving Spoon:
Ingredients
- 750 g mixed ripe tomatoes
- 225 g burrata cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – extra-virgin
- Juice of ¾ lemon
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- A generous handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 extra tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
🍅 Step 1: Choose And Prepare The Tomatoes
- Select ripe tomatoes that feel firm but yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Wash all the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water.
- Dry them carefully with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing excess water is important because too much surface moisture can dilute the dressing.
- Slice large tomatoes into wedges or thick rounds.
- Halve smaller tomatoes such as cherry or baby plum varieties.
- Leave very small tomatoes whole if you want additional visual variety.
- Arrange the prepared tomatoes on your serving platter.
🍋 Step 2: Make The Zesty Dressing
- Add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to a small mixing bowl.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk vigorously with a fork or small whisk until the dressing is well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- The dressing should taste bright and slightly tangy. That acidity is essential because it balances the richness of the burrata in this Burrata Tomato Salad.
🌿 Step 3: Dress The Tomatoes
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the sliced tomatoes.
- Gently turn or nudge the tomatoes with a spoon so the dressing reaches different pieces.
- Avoid vigorous tossing because very ripe tomatoes can break apart easily.
- Allow the tomatoes to sit for only a few minutes while you prepare the burrata.
🧀 Step 4: Add The Burrata
- Remove the burrata from its packaging and drain any excess liquid.
- Place the whole burrata in the centre of the tomatoes, or gently tear it into large chunks.
- If you want a dramatic presentation, keep the burrata mostly whole and allow diners to break into the creamy centre at the table.
- For easier sharing, tear the burrata into generous pieces and distribute them across the tomatoes.
🌿 Step 5: Finish And Serve
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and burrata.
- Finely grate the lemon zest across the top.
- Add a final drizzle of olive oil.
- Finish with a small pinch of flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately while the tomatoes are fresh and the burrata is creamy.
Notes
📝 Recipe Note
- 🍅 Use Ripe Tomatoes: Choose colourful, juicy, and fully ripe tomatoes for the sweetest flavour and best texture.
- 🧀 Choose Fresh Burrata: Use fresh burrata for the creamiest centre and allow it to come close to room temperature before serving.
- 🌿 Add Fresh Basil: Tear or scatter fresh basil leaves over the salad just before serving for maximum aroma and freshness.
- 🍋 Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the dressing a brighter, more refreshing flavour.
- 🫒 Choose Quality Olive Oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil enhances the simple ingredients and adds a smooth, fruity finish.
- 🧂 Season Carefully: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually so the natural sweetness of the tomatoes remains balanced.
- ⏰ Serve Immediately: Assemble the Burrata Tomato Salad shortly before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming watery and the burrata from losing its delicate texture.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- 🥗 Best Served Fresh: This Burrata Tomato Salad is at its best immediately after assembly.
- 🧊 Store Leftovers Carefully: If necessary, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours.
- 🍅 Expect Extra Liquid: Tomatoes naturally release water after being cut and salted, so the texture may soften during storage.
- 🧀 Keep Burrata Refrigerated: Fresh burrata should be stored according to the package instructions and kept chilled until ready to use.
- ☀️ Store Whole Tomatoes Correctly: Whole ripe tomatoes are generally best kept at room temperature away from direct sunlight rather than refrigerated, as refrigeration can negatively affect their texture and flavour.
📊 Nutritional Information – Approximate Per Serving
The figures below are estimates based on the listed ingredients and six servings. Actual values vary according to tomato variety, burrata brand, and the amount of olive oil used. USDA FoodData Central provides food-composition data for nutrient amounts and is a useful reference for checking individual ingredients.
| Nutrient | Approx. Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal | 10% |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% |
| Total Fat | 15 g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g | 3% |
| Fibre | 2 g | 7% |
| Sugars | 5 g | — |
| Sodium | 330 mg | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 430 mg | 9% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. These figures are estimates, not laboratory analysis. For detailed ingredient-specific nutrient data, consult USDA FoodData Central↗.
💚 Health Benefits And Advice
- 🍅 Provides Vitamin C: Tomatoes contribute vitamin C, an antioxidant nutrient that supports normal immune function and overall health.
- 🌿 Includes Plant-Based Foods: The tomatoes and fresh herbs add vegetables and plant compounds to the meal.
- 🫒 Contains Unsaturated Fat: Extra-virgin olive oil contributes predominantly unsaturated fat.
- 🧀 Provides Protein And Calcium: Burrata contributes protein and calcium, although it also adds saturated fat.
- 🥗 Naturally Moderate In Carbohydrates: The salad can fit comfortably into many balanced eating patterns.
- ⚖️ Enjoy As Part Of A Balanced Diet: Burrata is rich and creamy, so sensible portions are useful if you are watching saturated fat or total calorie intake.
- 🧂 Adjust The Salt: If you need to limit sodium, reduce the added salt and rely more heavily on lemon, herbs, and black pepper for flavour.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I Make Burrata Tomato Salad Ahead Of Time?
👉 You can prepare the dressing and slice the tomatoes shortly before serving, but it is best to add the burrata and final seasoning immediately before eating.
Q2. What Tomatoes Are Best For Burrata Tomato Salad?
👉 Ripe heirloom, beefsteak, plum, cherry, baby plum, and other sweet, juicy tomatoes all work beautifully. A mixture gives the most colourful result.
Q3. Can I Use Mozzarella Instead Of Burrata?
👉 Yes. Fresh mozzarella is a practical substitute, although burrata provides a softer, creamier centre and a more luxurious finish.
Q4. Is Burrata Tomato Salad Vegetarian?
👉 Yes, provided the burrata and other ingredients are suitable for your dietary requirements, this recipe is vegetarian.
Q5. Can I Add Balsamic Vinegar?
👉 Absolutely. A small drizzle of good balsamic vinegar can add sweetness and acidity, although the original-style lemon dressing keeps the salad particularly fresh.
Q6. Can I Use Dried Basil Instead Of Fresh Basil?
👉 Dried basil can be used in the dressing, but fresh basil is strongly recommended for the final garnish because it provides a brighter aroma.
Q7. How Do I Stop My Tomato Salad Becoming Watery?
👉 Dry the tomatoes after washing, avoid excessive salt before serving, and assemble the salad shortly before eating.
Q8. Is Burrata Tomato Salad Suitable For A Dinner Party?
👉 Definitely. Arrange the tomatoes attractively, place burrata in the centre, scatter basil and lemon zest over everything, and finish with olive oil for an impressive platter.
Q9. Can I Make This A More Filling Meal?
👉 Yes. Serve it with crusty bread or add chickpeas, avocado, grilled chicken, or another suitable protein for a more substantial meal.
Q10. Why Is Burrata So Good With Tomatoes?
👉 Tomatoes provide acidity, sweetness, and freshness, while burrata contributes richness and creaminess. The contrasting flavours and textures make the combination exceptionally satisfying.
🌟 Final Thought
There is something wonderfully joyful about a dish that looks this impressive while requiring so little effort. Burrata Tomato Salad is all about celebrating good ingredients rather than hiding them beneath complicated sauces or lengthy cooking techniques. Ripe tomatoes provide the colour and natural sweetness, creamy burrata brings indulgence, and lemon, basil, and olive oil pull everything together.
What makes Burrata Tomato Salad particularly special is its versatility. You can serve it as an elegant starter at a dinner party, enjoy it with warm bread for lunch, or place it beside grilled dishes as a colourful side. Once you understand the simple formula, you can easily adapt it to whatever tomatoes are in season or available at your local market.
So, the next time you want a fresh dish that looks spectacular on the table, reach for this Burrata Tomato Salad. Gather your ripest tomatoes, choose a beautiful burrata, whisk together the zesty dressing, and finish everything with fresh basil and lemon zest. In just a few minutes, you will have a vibrant, creamy, and refreshing plate that proves simple salad recipes can be truly unforgettable. Enjoy every colourful bite!
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