Quick and easy Summer salad recipe

This tomato burrata salad recipe is the perfect appetizer, side dish, or main when the warmer months tend to keep us out of the kitchen. With no cooking required, and just 10 minutes worth of prep time, you’ve got a deliciously fresh summer salad with plenty of Mediterranean flavors.

The dressing is super easy to make and requires only a food processor or nutribullet. We love the added spice the raw garlic gives to the dressing, but if you’re not a fan of garlic, this ingredient can be easily omitted. 

Use the freshest basil you can find, or if you can’t find basil, substitute it for flat-leaf parsley instead. 

What is burrata?

Burrata is a type of soft Italian cheese that’s made with Mozzarella, cream, and butter. If you’ve not tried burrata before, it’s quite similar in appearance to mozzarella, although it is much softer and creamier. 

Burrata is carefully crafted by hand and relies on experienced makers to establish the desired texture. Burrata is popular throughout Italy and Spain, as well as other countries dotted around the Mediterranean Sea. 

Curds are formed and crafted into a paste where they are then weaved and pulled into a small ball. The curd ball is then formed into a soft pouch around the size of a fist and carefully packed with strings of Mozzarella and cream before being shut at the top. 

The result is a delicate ball with a soft gooey center that’s rich and creamy with a subtle tart aftertaste. 

Burrata is best and most flavorsome when enjoyed within days of being made. You’ll usually find it in small tubs in the chilled section of supermarkets. 

Before consuming burrata, remove it from the fridge for 30 minutes.

Are there different types of burrata?

There are several variations of burrata: Bufala burrata is a pulled-curd cheese in a rounded shape, and tied together with vegetal string, where a layer of cow/buffalo cheese hides a central filling of butter (burrata). This is considered superior to burrata made with cow’s milk which is more commercially available and can be found in most supermarkets. 

For this recipe, we used BelGioioso Burrata Mozzarella which you can find on Amazon or in any good specialty foods store or supermarket. 

Substitutes for burrata

Mozzarella is a reasonably good substitute for burrata. Good quality mozzarella will look similar and is easier to plate, although it lacks the delicate texture and flavor of fresh burrata.

Looking for another Burrata recipe? Check out this amazing Burrata with Serrano Ham and Roasted Peppers recipe. It is made in under 5 minutes with no cooking involved. 

Best tomatoes to use

Choose the freshest tomatoes you can find when making this tomato burrata salad recipe. We opted for large ripe on-vine Roma tomatoes as they were in season. You can mix tomatoes too, and this recipe will work with any tomato variety. 

Here are a few tomato varieties to consider:

• Cherry tomatoes – Usually much smaller and sweeter than other tomatoes, cherry tomatoes work great in tomato salads, either on their own or mixed with other types of tomato (add some green, red, and yellow cherry tomatoes for a splash of color). 
• Heirloom tomatoes – Sweet and bursting with color, heirloom tomatoes are ideal for cooking and throwing into summer salads. You’ll find plenty of cultivars from heirloom tomatoes, including: Aunt Ruby’s German Green, Banana Legs, Big Rainbow, Black Krim, Brandywine, Cherokee Purple just to name a few.

Here are some more tomato salad recipes you’ll love: 3-Minute tomato and tuna salad recipe, 5-Minute tomato salad recipe (with ground fennel), and Mediterranean tomato salad with manchego and pesto. 

2-minute salad dressing

When the temperatures soar, the last thing you feel the need for is standing near a hot stove or oven and this is where quick and easy salads become the perfect way to escape the heat.

Of course, no salad is complete without a tasty salad dressing and we opted for a basil and garlic dressing that’s made in under 2 minutes. 

This 2-minute salad dressing is made with just 4 ingredients: garlic, basil, white wine vinegar, and some good quality extra virgin olive oil.

FAQs

How long does tomato burrata salad take to make?

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: none
• Total time: 10 minutes

What is burrata salad made of?

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients including Roma tomatoes, Burrata cheese, red onion, and capers. For the dressing: garlic, basil, olive oil, and white wine vinegar. 

What is the best way to serve burrata cheese? 

Serve at room temperature for the best results. Burrata is sold refrigerated in small tubs in a brine. To serve, take the tub from the fridge and let it sit for around 30 minutes before you start your prep. 

Is burrata healthier than mozzarella? 

Short answer, no. While burrata and Mozzarella are comparable in fat and calorie content, burrata is slightly higher in both counts. Burrata has 9 grams of fat and is 90 calories per ounce/28 grams. 

Do you peel burrata?

Burrata is covered in an edible skin or pouch and it is not necessary to peel. To serve burrata, carefully remove it from the brine and serve.