Print

Grandma’s Heavenly Tomato Burrata Salad

Grandma’s Heavenly Tomato Burrata Salad

Imagine standing amidst sun-drenched Italian fields where the earth exudes warmth and every breath fills your lungs with the scent of ripening tomatoes. Grandma’s Heavenly Tomato Burrata Salad encapsulates this idyllic scenario, transporting you directly to those fertile lands with each mouthwatering bite. This dish is the epitome of elegance in simplicity, bringing together ripe tomatoes and creamy burrata in a way that lets each ingredient shine. Whether enjoyed under the sun on a patio or gathered with family around the dinner table, this salad promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients

Scale

The soul of culinary finesse lies in the choice of ingredients, and Grandma’s Heavenly Tomato Burrata Salad is a testament to the power of fresh, high-quality components. Each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.

Tomatoes:
For this recipe, you’ll need four ripe tomatoes. Opt for those that are firm yet slightly yielding to the touch, bursting with juices and packed with that quintessential sun-kissed flavor.

Burrata Cheese:
The recipe requires 250g of burrata cheese. This luxurious cheese perfectly balances the salad with its soft shell and creamy, indulgent interior.

Fresh Basil Leaves:
A handful of basil, amounting to about 1/4 cup, adds an aromatic burst of freshness and color, elevating the dish.

Olive Oil:
Use 1/4 cup of high-quality olive oil to drizzle over the salad, bringing a rich, fruity undertone that melds the flavors together.

Balsamic Vinegar:
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar introduces a subtle tanginess, accentuating the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the burrata.

Salt and Pepper:
Season to taste with salt and pepper, just enough to highlight the ingredients without overpowering them.

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes

Begin by slicing the tomatoes. Aim for slices that are neither too thick nor too thin to maintain a balance between juiciness and texture. Arrange these slices artfully on a serving plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Burrata

Handle the burrata cheese with care, tearing it gently. Nestle these pieces lovingly over the tomato slices. The creamy center will start to ooze out, creating an inviting appearance.

Step 3: Add Fresh Basil

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and burrata. This not only adds color but enhances the fragrance of the dish, making it as delightful to smell as it is to taste.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Vinegar

Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar generously over the assembled salad. This will enhance the depth of flavors, ensuring each bite is a well-rounded experience.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad to taste. Serve immediately, allowing each ingredient to shine in its peak state of freshness. Share and enjoy with the ones you cherish most.

Notes

Choosing the Best Tomatoes

Opt for tomatoes that are as fresh as possible, perhaps even from your local farmers’ market. The taste truly hinges on the quality of the tomatoes; they should be ripe, juicy, and vividly colored. Heirloom varieties are a wonderful choice for their myriad flavors and colors, offering visual appeal and depth in taste.

Handling Burrata Cheese

Burrata is a delicate cheese and should be handled with care. Always keep the cheese chilled until moments before use to ensure it maintains its lovely creamy texture. Its contrasting outer firmness and internal creaminess add a delightful complexity to the dish.

Olive Oil Selection

When choosing olive oil, prioritize extra virgin varieties for their robust and fruity flavors. The quality of olive oil can significantly impact the overall flavor profile, making the selection critical for a dish where it is one of the key components.

Balancing the Balsamic Vinegar

A high-quality balsamic vinegar can bring an extraordinary depth of flavor to this salad. Look for one that is rich and slightly sweet to complement the creamy burrata and tangy tomatoes. Be careful with the quantity; too much can overwhelm the dish.

Storing and Serving

While this salad is best served fresh, if you must prepare it in advance, keep the components separated until just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures the burrata remains creamy rather than drying out.