Name: Burrata Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, and Toasted Ciabatta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 ounces (1/4 loaf) ciabatta bread, torn into bite-sized pieces; 3 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced about 1/4-inch thick; 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces (2 balls) burrata cheese, at room temperature; 20 fresh basil leaves, torn; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for ciabatta bread); 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This vibrant Burrata Salad combines creamy cheese with fresh heirloom tomatoes and crunchy toasted ciabatta. It’s a simple, elegant dish perfect for warm weather or a light lunch.

The dish is arranged on a white plate with a base layer of red and yellow tomato slices, appearing fresh and juicy with a smooth texture. On top of the tomatoes, there are uneven dollops of soft white cheese, which looks creamy and fluffy. Scattered across the cheese and tomatoes are evenly spaced golden-brown croutons, crisp and square-shaped, adding a crunchy texture. Small torn pieces of green basil leaves are sprinkled throughout the dish, giving bright green pops of color. The entire salad is lightly drizzled with a dark balsamic glaze, adding a glossy finish. The plate sits on a smooth white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 ounces (1/4 loaf) ciabatta bread (torn into bite-sized pieces)
3 medium heirloom tomatoes (sliced about 1/4-inch thick)
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes (halved)
8 ounces (2 balls) burrata cheese (at room temperature)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for ciabatta)
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
20 fresh basil leaves (torn)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Drizzle some olive oil over the torn ciabatta pieces, spread them on a baking sheet, and toast for about 10 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
Step 2: Arrange the heirloom tomatoes and cherry tomatoes on a serving plate. Gently tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place on top.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the tomatoes and burrata, then scatter the torn basil leaves on top.
Step 4: Serve the toasted ciabatta bread on the side or atop the salad for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use the ripest tomatoes you can find to maximize sweetness and flavor.
For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.
Substitute ciabatta with crusty baguette if preferred.
Try adding a handful of arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.

Storage

This salad is best served fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep the components separate: store burrata and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Toasted bread should be kept at room temperature in a sealed bag and added just before serving. Reheat bread briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A white oval plate holds a vibrant dish with three layers: the bottom layer is a mix of red, yellow, and orange tomato slices showing soft, juicy textures; the middle layer is dollops of creamy white cheese spread unevenly over the tomatoes, with some browned spots and drizzle of golden oil; the top layer consists of golden brown, crispy bread cubes scattered across along with small pieces of fresh green basil leaves. Around the plate on the white marbled surface are additional golden bread cubes on a white plate, a clear glass jug filled with golden oil with a cork stopper, a small bowl with cherry tomato halves, and a bowl with creamy white cheese and a spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?

Yes, but burrata’s creamy interior gives a richer texture that complements the salad beautifully. Mozzarella will work but the experience will be less indulgent.

How do I know when the tomatoes are ripe enough?

Look for tomatoes that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and vibrant in color. Ripe tomatoes bring the best flavor to this fresh salad.