If you’re craving a salad that bursts with freshness, creaminess, and just the right hint of tangy sweetness, then the Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. This vibrant salad beautifully combines juicy, marinated tomatoes with luxuriously soft burrata cheese, all elevated by a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze and fragrant basil. Whether you’re throwing together a quick lunch or impressing at your next dinner party, this recipe is as simple as it is stunning, delivering layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the best dishes are made with the simplest ingredients, and this salad is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy tomatoes providing fresh acidity to the creamy burrata balancing those bright flavors, all rounded out with a luscious balsamic glaze that ties everything together.
- 4 large ripe tomatoes: These are the star of the salad, offering juicy sweetness and a meaty texture that holds up well to marinating.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a burst of concentrated flavor and lovely pops of color throughout the dish.
- 8 oz burrata cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and decadently soft, burrata adds the perfect luscious contrast to the tangy tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn: Fresh basil imparts an aromatic herbal brightness that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: A good quality olive oil brings richness and helps meld the marinade’s flavors into the tomatoes.
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze: Sweet and syrupy, the glaze adds a delightful depth and eye-catching finish to the salad.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that wakes up the tomatoes and balances the creaminess of the burrata.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Just a hint of garlic adds savory warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
How to Make Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This simple marinade is where the magic begins, infusing every slice of tomato with layers of savory and tangy flavor that make each bite irresistible.
Step 2: Slice and Combine the Tomatoes
Slice the large ripe tomatoes into thick, juicy pieces, then halve the cherry tomatoes and place all of them into a large mixing bowl. This combination gives you varying textures and flavor intensities that keep the salad interesting and dynamic.
Step 3: Marinate the Tomatoes
Pour the marinade over the tomatoes, making sure each piece is generously coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, stirring occasionally to allow the marinade to penetrate evenly. This marination step softens the tomatoes slightly and deepens their flavor, turning simple slices into something truly special.
Step 4: Arrange the Burrata
While the tomatoes soak up all those wonderful flavors, place the burrata cheese on your serving platter. Its creamy texture will beautifully contrast with the tangy, vibrant tomatoes once they’re ready to be combined.
Step 5: Combine and Plate
Once the tomatoes have marinated, spoon them along with the marinade onto the platter with the burrata. This melding of warm, marinated tomatoes and cool, creamy cheese is the heart of the Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe.
Step 6: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the burrata and tomatoes. This final touch adds a glossy, syrupy sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the whole flavor profile beautifully.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil
Scatter torn basil leaves over the salad for a fresh, herbal finish that brightens every bite. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
This salad is best enjoyed immediately to savor the glorious mix of textures and flavors. Gather your favorite company, dig in, and revel in every forkful.
How to Serve Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad, consider sprinkling some flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. A few extra basil leaves or a pinch of chili flakes can also add a lovely finishing touch that enhances flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic focaccia to soak up every last drop of marinade. It also complements grilled meats or seafood perfectly, making it a versatile side or starter for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish twist, layer the salad in a glass trifle bowl or serve individual portions in small bowls for a charming appetizer. You might also arrange the tomatoes and burrata over a bed of arugula or mixed greens to introduce an added peppery dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within a day to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because burrata’s delicate texture and fresh tomatoes will deteriorate and become mushy once thawed. It’s best savored fresh for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served fresh and chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. The fresh tomatoes and cheese are best enjoyed as-is for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ripe large tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are recommended for their texture and sweetness, you can experiment with heirloom tomato varieties for extra color and flavor complexity.
Is there a substitute for burrata if I can’t find it locally?
If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is a suitable substitute, although it won’t have quite the same creamy center. You can also try ricotta for a slightly different texture but similar milky flavor.
How long can I marinate the tomatoes for?
Marinating for at least 15 minutes is ideal to let the flavors meld, but you can extend this up to an hour at room temperature. Avoid marinating much longer or refrigerating for extended periods, as tomatoes can become too soft.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can skip the burrata and replace it with marinated tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. The flavors from the marinated tomatoes and balsamic glaze will still shine beautifully.
Is the balsamic glaze necessary?
While optional, the balsamic glaze adds a wonderful sweetness and a glossy finish that enhances both the taste and appearance of the salad. You can drizzle aged balsamic vinegar if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Final Thoughts
Don’t hesitate to give this Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe a try—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether for a light lunch, an elegant starter, or a refreshing side, it promises to brighten up your table and your day. Trust me, once you taste this combination of creamy burrata, tangy tomatoes, and sweet balsamic, it will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family.
Print
Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad that combines ripe tomatoes marinated in a flavorful garlic and vinegar dressing with creamy burrata cheese, finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze and fresh basil for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese and Herbs
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Marinade and Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to form the flavorful marinade.
- Combine tomatoes: Place the sliced large tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes into a large mixing bowl, ready to absorb the marinade.
- Marinate tomatoes: Pour the prepared marinade over the tomatoes and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure full flavor absorption.
- Arrange burrata: While the tomatoes are marinating, place the burrata cheese on a serving platter as the creamy centerpiece of the salad.
- Assemble salad: Spoon the marinated tomatoes along with any remaining marinade on top of and around the burrata on the platter, combining textures beautifully.
- Add balsamic glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the burrata and tomatoes to add a sweet, tangy finish.
- Garnish with basil: Scatter the torn fresh basil leaves over the salad to introduce a fresh herbal aroma and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Present the salad right away to enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy, acidic, and fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- For best taste, use the freshest, ripest tomatoes available.
- Allowing the tomatoes to marinate longer enhances the depth of flavor.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature based on preference.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze for optimum flavor.
- Optionally, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving for extra texture.
