Name: Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200 g fresh burrata cheese; 500 g cherry or grape tomatoes (about 4 cups); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp eschalot, finely chopped (about 1/2 small shallot); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp sherry vinegar; 1/4 cup basil pesto, preferably homemade; 1/2 tsp salt flakes (or half the quantity if using kosher salt); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for finishing); Few fresh basil leaves (for sprinkling); Warmed crusty bread (for mopping)

If you're craving something fresh, creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine juicy roasted cherry tomatoes hugging luscious burrata cheese, all drizzled with fragrant basil pesto and sherry vinegar—simple, yet so decadent.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a layer of bright red roasted cherry tomatoes soaked in golden olive oil. On top, there is a large, smooth, white ball of burrata cheese with a creamy texture breaking open slightly. The dish is sprinkled with dollops of green pesto sauce and fresh green basil leaves scattered around. To the side of the bowl, there are two toasted slices of white bread resting partly in the bowl and on the surface, with a piece of torn bread nearby. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl among the tomatoes and cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this salad for friends because it looks so elegant but comes together with almost no fuss. Plus, the flavors are beautifully balanced — creamy, tangy, fresh, and just a touch savory. It’s like summer on a plate!

Effortless elegance: A quick prep time means you’re enjoying this delightful dish in just 20 minutes total (plus a little wait for the burrata).
Perfect balance: Roasted burst tomatoes with creamy burrata create a luscious texture contrast your taste buds will adore.
Versatile serving: Works brilliantly as a fancy appetizer or a light vegetarian meal any day of the week.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the mild creaminess of burrata combined with the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this salad is a joy—you’re looking for fresh, vibrant ingredients with big flavor. Don’t skimp on the burrata; its creaminess is the star of the show. And while homemade basil pesto makes all the difference, a good store-bought version will do just fine in a pinch.

Flat lay of a whole fresh burrata cheese with white creamy outer layer, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green basil pesto, a handful of shiny red and yellow cherry tomatoes still on a vine, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a few whole unpeeled shallots with purple-tinged skins, a small white bowl containing coarse pink salt flakes, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl holding amber sherry vinegar, and a few fresh basil leaves scattered naturally, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh burrata cheese: The creamy heart of this salad, best when soft and at room temperature to maximize lusciousness.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Small, sweet, and perfect for roasting until they burst, delivering juicy bursts of flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used both for roasting and finishing, it adds richness and enhances all the flavors.
Eschalot (finely chopped): Adds a subtle mild onion flavor; if you can’t find eschalots or shallots, mild onion or scallions are fine substitutes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Sherry vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness that lifts the whole salad.
Basil pesto: Brings fresh herbaceous notes and a lovely green color; homemade is preferred but store-bought is perfectly acceptable.
Salt flakes: Used for finishing to add a delicate crunch and flavor burst, though kosher salt at half the quantity works too.
Fresh basil leaves: For garnish—adds aroma and a pop of vibrant color.
Warmed crusty bread: Because you absolutely need something to mop up those luscious juices and creamy cheese.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to tweak it based on what’s fresh and handy in your kitchen, or to suit your personal taste. Don’t be shy about adding your own twist—the balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors offers plenty of room for creativity!

Variation: I love switching up the pesto to arugula or walnut pesto for a peppery or nutty edge—it’s a subtle change that perks up the whole dish wonderfully.
Seasonal tweak: When heirloom tomatoes are in season, swapping out cherry tomatoes adds color and a deeper sweet flavor, making the salad even more vibrant and special.
Dietary option: For a lighter version, try using a bit less olive oil or omit the pesto; the roasted tomatoes and burrata still shine on their own.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe

The image shows a thick white slice of toasted bread holding a scoop of soft white cheese on the bottom layer, topped with bright red cooked cherry tomatoes and fresh green herb sauce in the middle and upper layers. The cheese looks creamy and slightly melting, while the cherry tomatoes are shiny and juicy. There is a drizzle of olive oil pooling around the bread on a white marbled surface, giving a glossy effect. In the background, blurred greenery can be seen, adding freshness to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: De-chill the burrata

Start by taking your fresh burrata out of the fridge and leave it in its water-filled container on the counter for about 30 minutes. This simple step lets the burrata warm up to room temperature, which is key to unlocking that irresistibly creamy, luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 2: Prepare and season the tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, toss 500 grams (about 4 cups) of cherry or grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped eschalot (or shallot), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Make sure every tomato is lightly coated in that olive oil and seasoning—it’s where the magic of roasting begins!

Step 3: Roast the tomatoes until bursting

Spread the seasoned tomatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tomatoes start to burst open, releasing their juicy essence, but still hold their shape. The roasting brings out a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy burrata.

Step 4: Assemble the salad beautifully

Place your beautifully de-chilled burrata right in the center of a serving plate. Then spoon the warm roasted tomatoes all around and over the cheese, letting the vibrant tomato juices mingle with the creamy center. This creates a rich, flavorful pool that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Dress with vinegar, olive oil, and pesto

Drizzle 2 teaspoons of sherry vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt flakes, and 1 tablespoon of your best quality extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad. Add generous dollops of basil pesto over the burrata and tomatoes to bring that fresh herbal perfume and an extra dimension of flavor. This finishing touch elevates the dish from simple to spectacular.

Step 6: Garnish and serve with crusty bread

Scatter a few fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and aroma. Serve your Burst Tomato Burrata Salad immediately alongside some warmed crusty bread to mop up the luscious juices. This is where the magic happens—every bite is a perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, savory, and fresh flavors.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the best texture and flavors out of your Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe, making your experience both delicious and foolproof.

Bring Burrata to Room Temperature: Letting your burrata sit out for 30 minutes before serving really elevates its creaminess and keeps the salad luscious.
Roast Tomatoes Just Right: I learned that roasting cherry tomatoes for exactly 10 minutes at 400°F results in that perfect juicy burst without turning mushy.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference, especially when drizzled at the end—it adds brightness and depth to the dish.
Don’t Skip the Bread: Serving crusty warmed bread isn’t just tradition; it’s essential for mopping up those vibrant tomato juices and pesto, making every bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe

A metal bowl filled with bright red cherry tomatoes, each covered with small pieces of white chopped onions and a sprinkling of pepper, showing a slightly shiny and fresh texture. A black spatula with a light wooden handle rests inside the bowl on the right side, touching the tomatoes gently. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft light reflecting off the metal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a fragrant, peppery pop that complements the creamy burrata and roasted tomatoes beautifully. For some visual and flavor contrast, a few flakes of sea salt finish it off nicely. If you want to get a little fancy, a light drizzle of aged balsamic glaze or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can bring wonderful texture and sweetness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with a crisp, lightly chilled white wine or sparkling rosé. For sides, think simple and rustic: a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled asparagus, or even a light pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. Of course, don’t forget plenty of crusty bread—it’s your best friend for soaking up all those juicy, pesto-infused juices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately for best results. Keep the burrata tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and place the roasted tomatoes in an airtight container. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. The pesto and bread should be stored separately at room temperature or refrigerated accordingly.

Freezing

This Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh—freezing is not recommended because the burrata's creamy texture and the delicate roasted tomatoes will not thaw well and can become watery or grainy.

Reheating

If you need to reheat the roasted tomatoes, do so gently in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to avoid breaking down the texture further. Never microwave the burrata; instead, serve it at room temperature for that perfect creaminess. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?

Absolutely! While cherry or grape tomatoes roast beautifully and burst perfectly, you can also try small heirloom tomatoes cut into halves or quarters. Just adjust roasting time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Why is it important to de-chill the burrata before serving?

Taking burrata to room temperature softens the cheese inside, making it creamier and allowing its delicate flavor to shine. Serving it cold straight from the fridge can dull the texture and taste.

Can I make the basil pesto ahead of time?

Yes! Homemade pesto can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored tightly in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before using and add a drizzle of olive oil on top to keep it fresh.

Is this salad suitable for special diets?

Yes, this Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free if you serve it without the bread or choose a gluten-free variety. It’s also naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with protein and healthy fats.

Final Thoughts

This Burst Tomato Burrata Salad Recipe is one of those simple dishes that feels like a little celebration every time you serve it. The juicy bursts of roasted tomatoes paired with the creamy richness of burrata, highlighted by fresh pesto and bright basil, offer a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re entertaining or looking for a quick, satisfying meal, this salad brings that warm, rustic Italian charm to your table with minimal fuss but maximum joy. So take your time with the burrata, savor every bite, and don’t forget the crusty bread — it’s the magic mop that makes it all come together.