Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes: A Simple Yet Elegant Summer Dish

 

Have you ever tasted a dish so simple yet so transcendent that it changed your perception of what good food can be? That’s the magic of Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes – a celebration of summer’s bounty that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the creamy decadence of burrata cheese with the vibrant, sweet-tart complexity of heirloom tomatoes. When these ingredients are at their peak freshness, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

The beauty of heirloom tomato salad with burrata lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time, you can create a dish worthy of the finest restaurants. Let’s dive into this summer staple that will transform your dining experience.

Ingredients List

Save

• 8 oz (225g) burrata cheese – Look for fresh, high-quality burrata. Substitute: Fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable, though you’ll miss the creamy center.
• 1½ lbs (680g) heirloom tomatoes – Choose a variety of colors and sizes for visual appeal and flavor complexity. Substitute: In-season vine-ripened tomatoes.
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil – Use the best quality you can afford; it makes a difference! Substitute: A lighter olive oil with a fruity finish.
• 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar – The thick, syrupy kind works best. Substitute: Balsamic glaze or reduced regular balsamic vinegar.
• Flaky sea salt – Maldon or fleur de sel adds texture and bursts of salinity. Substitute: Kosher salt.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Grind it just before serving for maximum aroma.
• Fresh basil leaves – About 10-15 leaves, torn or chiffonade. Substitute: Fresh mint or oregano.
• Optional: 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced – For a subtle kick. Substitute: A pinch of red pepper flakes.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Resting Time (optional): 15-30 minutes

Total Time: 10-40 minutes

This dish comes together in just 10 minutes of active preparation—75% faster than most cooked appetizers. The optional resting time allows the flavors to meld, but you can serve immediately if pressed for time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Save

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Wash and dry your heirloom tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into varying thicknesses—some into wedges, some into rounds—to create textural interest. For cherry-sized heirlooms, simply halve or quarter them. This variety in cutting technique creates a more visually appealing and texturally interesting dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Base

Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a serving platter, distributing colors and sizes evenly. Season generously with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will begin drawing out the tomatoes’ juices, creating a natural dressing that mingles with the olive oil later.

Step 3: Add the Burrata

Remove the Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes from its liquid and gently pat dry with paper towels. Place the burrata ball(s) in the center of the arranged tomatoes. For a more dramatic presentation, wait to cut into the burrata until you’re at the table, allowing guests to witness the creamy center spill onto the tomatoes.

Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over both the tomatoes and burrata. Follow with a lighter drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Scatter the fresh basil leaves across the dish, and if using, distribute the thinly sliced garlic. Finish with another light sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

For the best flavor development, allow the dish to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting period isn’t mandatory but enhances the melding of flavors. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the incredible juices that form on the plate.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: Approximately 320
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 27g (primarily healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 25% of daily recommended value
• Vitamin C: 30% of daily recommended value
• Vitamin A: 20% of daily recommended value

This dish provides significant nutritional benefits, including lycopene from tomatoes (linked to heart health and cancer prevention) and calcium from the burrata. The olive oil adds heart-healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins present in the tomatoes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes is already relatively healthy, here are some modifications to suit different dietary needs:

• Lower-fat option: Substitute the burrata with a smaller portion of fresh ricotta or cottage cheese, reducing the fat content by approximately 40%.
• Lower-sodium version: Reduce the added salt and use a low-sodium mozzarella instead of burrata.
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace burrata with avocado slices or a cultured cashew cheese for a completely plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Higher protein variant: Add 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for additional protein and a pleasant textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• As an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, served with thin slices of toasted sourdough bread
• For a complete lunch, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner
• Transform it into a main course by adding cooked farro or quinoa and additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini
• For a brunch option, serve on toasted sourdough as an elevated avocado toast alternative

For a truly memorable experience, serve this dish al fresco on a warm summer evening with a chilled glass of Vermentino or Pinot Grigio. The bright acidity of these wines perfectly complements the creaminess of the burrata.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using cold ingredients: Always bring tomatoes and burrata to room temperature before serving. Cold temperatures mute flavors by up to 30%, according to food science research.
2. Over-salting: Start with less salt than you think you need. The burrata already contains salt, and you can always add more.
3. Using low-quality olive oil: This simple dish relies on the quality of its ingredients. A premium extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
4. Preparing too far in advance: While a short rest improves flavor, preparing this dish hours ahead can result in soggy tomatoes and diluted flavors.
5. Cutting tomatoes too thin: Overly thin tomato slices will release too much liquid and become mushy. Aim for 1/4-inch thickness at minimum.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare components ahead:

• Slice tomatoes up to 2 hours before serving and store at room temperature. Refrigeration diminishes their flavor.
• Keep burrata in its original liquid in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before serving.
• If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The texture will change, but the flavors will remain delicious.
• Repurpose leftovers by chopping and mixing with cooked pasta for a quick pasta salad, or blend into a creamy tomato soup.

For meal prep, you can wash and dry tomatoes in advance, but wait to slice them until closer to serving time to preserve their texture and prevent excess moisture release.

Conclusion

The beauty of Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes lies in its celebration of exceptional ingredients with minimal intervention. This dish reminds us that when we start with perfect components—creamy burrata, sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and quality olive oil—simplicity becomes the ultimate sophistication.

Have you tried making this summer classic? I’d love to hear about your experience or any creative variations you’ve discovered! Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tag us in your creations on social media. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other seasonal favorites that showcase summer’s bounty at its best.