Name: Burrata Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g / 6 oz fresh burrata cheese; 1/4 cup basil pesto (preferably homemade); 500g / 1 lb (4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp eschalot (shallot), finely chopped (~1/2 small); 1/2 tsp kosher or cooking salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp sherry vinegar (or apple cider or red wine vinegar); 1/2 tsp salt flakes (or half this amount if using kosher salt); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (a good quality for finishing); Few fresh basil leaves (for sprinkling); Warmed crusty bread (for mopping)

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If you have been on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly indulgent dish to brighten your table, the Burrata Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Fresh Basil Recipe will not disappoint. This salad perfectly balances the creamy, dreamy texture of burrata cheese with the sweet burst of roasted tomatoes, all rounded out by the aromatic punch of fresh basil and pesto. It is a celebration of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a luscious lunch, this recipe is a surefire winner that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delightful to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a silver metal bowl filled with bright red cherry tomatoes mixed with small pieces of minced garlic and specks of black pepper. The tomatoes look shiny and fresh, resting at the bottom of the bowl with a smooth texture. A blue silicone spatula with a wooden handle is placed inside the bowl on the right side, touching the tomatoes. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Burrata Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Fresh Basil Recipe thrives on the magic of a few but essential ingredients. Each element contributes not only to flavor but also to a symphony of textures and freshness that makes the salad so irresistible.

Fresh burrata cheese (200g/6 oz): The star of the show with its rich, creamy center that melts in your mouth effortlessly.
Basil pesto (1/4 cup): Adds vibrant herbal notes and a touch of nuttiness; homemade is ideal but store-bought works beautifully too.
Cherry or grape tomatoes (500g/1 lb): Roasting these concentrates their sweetness and softens their bite for a luscious salad base.
Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp total): Used for roasting and finishing, quality oil adds fruity, peppery richness.
Eschalot (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Brings a subtle sharpness and crunch; shallots are a lovely alternative if preferred.
Cooking/kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning tomatoes during roasting.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough for a mild kick that enhances all the flavors.
Sherry vinegar (2 tsp): Introduces a pleasant tang that brightens the roasted tomatoes; red wine or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Salt flakes (1/2 tsp): For sprinkling over the finished salad to add texture and bursts of salty flavor.
Fresh basil leaves (a few): A fragrant garnish that ties the entire dish together.
Warmed crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up the salad and soaking every last drop of luscious juices.

How to Make Burrata Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Fresh Basil Recipe

Step 1: De-chill the Burrata

Begin by taking the burrata out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This little step ensures the cheese is soft, creamy, and ready to ooze its divine center once cut. Keep it in its water in the original container to maintain moisture until you are ready to use it.

Step 2: Prepare and Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss your cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped eschalot, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl or directly on a baking tray. Spread them evenly on the tray and roast for 10 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and their skins begin to wrinkle, but not collapse completely – you want them juicy and still somewhat firm.

Step 3: Add the Vinegar

Carefully nudge the roasted tomatoes to one side of your tray, then drizzle 2 teaspoons of sherry vinegar over them. There is no need to stir; the vinegar will add a lovely acid balance as the tomatoes continue to warm slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Transfer the tomatoes gently in a single layer onto a serving plate. Drain the burrata from its watery container and carefully place it atop the roasted tomatoes. The contrast between the warm tomatoes and the cool, creamy cheese is part of what makes this dish so special.

Step 5: Finish with Olive Oil, Pesto, Salt Flakes, and Basil

Drizzle an additional tablespoon of silky extra virgin olive oil over the entire plate. Then dollop the basil pesto in random spots around the salad – no need to be neat, the rustic look adds to its charm. Sprinkle salt flakes on top for lovely crunch and bursts of saltiness, then scatter fresh basil leaves to finish.

How to Serve Burrata Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Fresh Basil Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of bright red roasted cherry tomatoes, glossy and slightly wrinkled, soaked in a pool of green olive oil mixed with dollops of vibrant green pesto scattered on top. At the center rests a large, smooth ball of creamy white burrata cheese, partially broken open, revealing a soft, milky inside blending with the oil and pesto. Fresh basil leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding a deep green touch. Two slices of toasted bread with golden-brown crusts rest on the edge of the plate, and a silver spoon scoops some tomatoes and cheese to one side. The setting is on a white marbled textured surface, with more basil leaves around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish to complement the generous dollops of pesto and vibrant tomatoes. For an extra touch, a small grind of fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhance every bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone light meal but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread – warmed to soak up all those delicious tomato juices and melted cheese. It also makes a fantastic side dish to grilled meats or fish, adding a refreshing contrast to richer main courses.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try serving the salad on a rustic wooden board or a large white platter so all the colors pop. You can even serve the burrata on individual plates with a smaller portion of the roasted tomatoes and pesto, perfect for dinner parties where you want something elegant but simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, cover the salad before refrigerating and consume within one day. Burrata is best fresh, but the roasted tomatoes will maintain their flavor nicely for a short while. Keep any bread separate to preserve freshness.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as burrata and fresh basil lose their texture and flavor when frozen, and the tomatoes will become mushy. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for maximum enjoyment.

Reheating

If you want to serve the roasted tomatoes warm again, gently reheat them in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving the burrata itself, as it will change the luxurious texture you want to savor cold and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?

While fresh mozzarella can work in a pinch, burrata’s creamy center is what truly makes this salad special. The melt-in-your-mouth quality cannot be fully replicated, so try to get burrata if you can.

Is homemade pesto necessary?

Homemade pesto adds freshness and can be tailored to your taste, but a good quality store-bought pesto is perfectly fine and will still deliver wonderful flavor.

What if I can’t find eschalots?

Shallots are a perfect substitute, or even a small amount of finely diced red onion if that’s what you have on hand. They add a subtle sweetness and crunch to the roasted tomatoes.

Can this salad be made vegan?

The star ingredient, burrata, is a cheese so this recipe is inherently not vegan. However, you could substitute with a creamy plant-based cheese, but the texture and flavor profile will differ.

How do I ensure the best roasted tomatoes?

Use ripe, firm cherry or grape tomatoes and roast them just until softened but not bursting. This balance keeps them juicy and adds a lovely concentrated sweetness that complements the creamy burrata.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the combination in this Burrata Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Fresh Basil Recipe. It brings simple ingredients to life with textures and flavors that sing in harmony. I encourage you to gather these fresh ingredients, prepare it for your next meal, and enjoy every luscious bite. You might just find yourself making it again and again.