Fresh Italian Tomato Burrata Salad

Ripe and juicy heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese make up this Fresh Italian Tomato Burrata Salad. It’s colorful, creamy, and has the perfect combination of flavors. Serve it at a BBQ or as a decadent side dish to any weeknight dinner!

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I love spending more time outside during the warmer months and a garden-fresh summer salad only makes the time in my lush backyard so much more enjoyable. This Fresh Italian Tomato Burrata Salad is bursting with crisp vegetables and creamy cheese, takes minutes to put together, and is one of my favorite summer recipes.

Unlike Caprese salad, burrata salad isn’t made with mozzarella or balsamic vinaigrette. Instead, it has salty kalamata olives, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh herbs that heir on the side of Mediterranean. The real star of the show, however, is the creamy and delicious burrata cheese!

You can serve this creamy tomato burrata salad right alongside a juicy Ribeye Steak or a tender piece of Vinegar Chicken for the perfect summer meal. Alternatively, try it as a light appetizer with crispy toasted crostini and a Fizzy Pear Cocktail at your next summer get-together.

What is burrata?

Burrata is a special type of cow’s milk cheese that has an outer casing similar to fresh mozzarella. Inside the white ball of cheese contains stracciatella and cream which has a very soft and creamy texture with a milky fresh mozzarella taste. Burrata can be served as is with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or it can be combined with the fresh flavors of salads or even berries. 

Ingredients you’ll need

• Burrata – This soft cow’s milk Italian cheese adds a creamy texture and light milky taste that pairs well with the vegetables and herbs.
• Tomatoes – The perfect summer vegetable, these juicy red tomatoes give the salad a sweet taste and some added acidity. Make this salad with on the vine heirloom tomatoes or a mix of colorful cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
• Cucumbers – For a healthy crunch and a pop of green.
• Kalamata olives – These small purple olives add a salty and tangy bite to the salad.
• Fresh herbs – You’ll need a combination of fresh basil and dill to make each bite extra herbaceous.
• Extra virgin olive oil – To bring all of the flavors together.
• Lemon juice and zest – Fresh citrus juice and zest add a pop of vibrancy into the dressing.

How to make a salad with burrata

1. Prep the salad ingredients: Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes, then tear the burrata gently into about 8 pieces.
   
2. Assemble the salad: On a large platter, assemble the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, torn burrata, and olives evenly.
   
3. Make the dressing and serve: Lastly, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest together in a small bowl. Drizzle it over the salad, add a generous sprinkle of salt along with the herbs, and enjoy!

Tips and substitutions

• Instead of the vinaigrette, dress the salad with balsamic reduction or homemade pesto instead.
• You don’t have to make this with tomatoes! You can use your favorite greens in this salad to replace the tomatoes such as kale, spinach, or fresh arugula. 
• Can’t find burrata? Use fresh mozzarella packed in water instead.
• Sweeten it up by tossing in sliced strawberries, blackberries, tart cherries, or sliced summer peaches. 
• For a bite-sized salad, use sweet cherry tomatoes chopped in half instead of sliced heirloom or roma tomatoes.
• Spice it up by sprinkling some red chili flakes on the final dish. 
• Make it smoky. Top the dish with flaky smoked sea salt for a slightly smoky flavor.

What to serve with burrata salad

This salad makes a beautiful centerpiece at any dinner or party. For example, you can serve it with fresh herbs and a pinch of salt on top and eat it as is before dinner. Similarly, top the salad on slices of toasted Italian bread for a colorful appetizer.

Burrata salad can be paired with many different appetizers including these favorites: 

• Blistered Shishito Peppers with Garlic Aioli
• Baked Asian Meatballs
• Beet and Dill Cured Salmon
• Steamed Artichokes with Garlic Aioli

More Italian recipes

If you loved making this burrata salad, try making more of my Italian-inspired recipes:

• Italian Meatball Sliders
• Italian Baked Eggs and Sausage
• Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Spinach
• Low Carb Chicken Caprese Bake

If you try this recipe for Fresh Italian Tomato Burrata Salad, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!