Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze: A Fresh, Flavorful Delight

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If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish to elevate your summer meals or add a touch of elegance to your dinner table, the Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is just what you need. This simple yet exquisite combination of creamy burrata cheese, sweet marinated tomatoes, and tangy balsamic glaze creates a dish that is both satisfying and light, making it perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light main course.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about preparing this delicious salad. From ingredient selection to step-by-step instructions, tips for perfection, and answers to your frequently asked questions, this guide will help you create a dish that will impress anyone who tastes it. Plus, it’s not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare—perfect for those who want something both nutritious and indulgent.

What is Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

At the heart of this dish are three core components: marinated tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and balsamic glaze. The marinated tomatoes are the star, soaking up flavors from garlic, red onion, fresh basil, and vinegar, which add depth and freshness to every bite. The creamy burrata cheese, with its rich and velvety texture, is the perfect complement to the tangy and savory tomatoes. Finally, the balsamic glaze adds a sweet contrast, elevating the flavors of the entire dish.

This recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the sharpness of the onion, the creaminess of the cheese, and the tang of the balsamic come together harmoniously to create a meal that feels light yet indulgent. And because the dish requires minimal prep time, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.

Health Benefits and Why You Should Try This Recipe

You might be wondering, “Is this dish healthy?” Absolutely! With ingredients like fresh tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil, this salad offers numerous health benefits. Here’s why you should try it:  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

• Rich in antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage. They’re also a great source of vitamins A and C.
• Healthy fats: The extra virgin olive oil and creamy burrata cheese provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet. These fats support brain health and heart health.
• Light but satisfying: Despite its richness in flavor, this salad is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a side dish without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re eating for health reasons or simply craving something fresh and satisfying, this salad fits perfectly into your meal plans.

Key Ingredients for the Best Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

Fresh Ingredients Make a Big Difference

One of the most important aspects of this recipe is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Since there are only a few elements involved, each one plays a crucial role in bringing the dish together. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to create this marinated tomato and burrata salad:

Marinated Tomatoes

• Tomatoes (1 lb grape or cherry): The sweetness of grape or cherry tomatoes is essential for the dish. These small, bite-sized tomatoes burst with flavor and provide a fresh, juicy base.
• Red onion (¼ cup, finely diced): Red onions add a sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the tomatoes. The key is to dice them finely so they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh basil (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Basil is the perfect herb to pair with tomatoes. It’s aromatic and adds a pop of freshness that balances out the richness of the burrata.
• Coarse sea salt (½ tsp): Salt is crucial in enhancing the flavors of your tomatoes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
• Fresh ground black pepper (¼ tsp): A dash of black pepper adds a mild heat and depth to the salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Olive oil provides a smooth, rich texture while enhancing the overall flavor of the marinated tomatoes.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Garlic adds depth and aromatic quality to the tomatoes, infusing the salad with a savory fragrance.
• Vinegar (1 tbsp, your choice): Vinegar cuts through the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a tangy contrast that complements the flavors. You can use any vinegar you prefer—red wine, balsamic, or white wine all work well.

Burrata Cheese (10 oz)

Burrata is the star of this salad. With its creamy interior and delicate, milky flavor, it pairs beautifully with the tangy marinated tomatoes. Burrata is a fresh cheese, similar to mozzarella, but with a much richer texture due to its creamy center. Its mild, buttery flavor provides the perfect balance to the zesty, vinegary tomatoes.

Toppings and Garnishes

• Olive oil (for drizzling): A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a finishing touch of richness.
• Balsamic glaze (for drizzling): Balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the tomatoes and cheese. It’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
• Fresh basil leaves: Garnishing your salad with whole fresh basil leaves not only adds a vibrant green color but also intensifies the flavor of the salad.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Grape or Cherry Tomatoes	1 lb	Sweet, juicy base
Red Onion	¼ cup, finely diced	Adds crunch and sharpness
Fresh Basil	2 tbsp, chopped	Aromatic, fresh flavor
Coarse Sea Salt	½ tsp	Enhances flavor
Fresh Ground Black Pepper	¼ tsp	Subtle heat
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	2 tbsp	Rich, smooth texture
Garlic	1 clove, minced	Depth of flavor
Vinegar	1 tbsp	Tangy contrast to sweetness
Burrata Cheese	10 oz	Creamy, rich contrast
Olive Oil (for drizzling)	As needed	Adds richness
Balsamic Glaze	As needed	Sweet-tangy finish
Fresh Basil Leaves	A few leaves	Freshness and garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

This salad is incredibly easy to make, with most of the work being in the marination of the tomatoes. Here’s how you can put everything together:

Prepare the Marinated Tomatoes

1. Slice the Tomatoes: Start by slicing your grape or cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. This allows the marinade to soak in better and makes the tomatoes easier to eat.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes with finely diced red onion, chopped fresh basil, coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and vinegar. Stir everything together gently to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Let the Mixture Marinate: Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 3 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours. If you choose to marinate overnight, be sure to let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before serving, so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange the Marinated Tomatoes: Once the tomatoes have marinated, take a platter or a serving bowl and arrange the tomatoes in a single layer. You can also pile them gently in the center of a serving dish.
2. Add the Burrata: Tear open the burrata cheese and place it in the center of the salad, or break it into smaller chunks and scatter it around the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese. Follow up with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a sweet-tangy finish that will perfectly complement the other flavors.
4. Garnish: Finish the salad with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of color and freshness.
5. Serve Immediately: This salad is best served immediately after assembling, though you can also pair it with crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the rich, creamy cheese and absorbs the flavorful marinated tomatoes.

Tips for the Perfect Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

• Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes: The better the tomatoes, the better your salad will taste. Look for firm, ripe tomatoes with no blemishes.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow your tomatoes to marinate for at least 3 hours. The longer they marinate, the more the flavors will deepen and develop.
• Don’t Skip the Burrata: Burrata is a key component of this dish. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor elevate the entire salad, making it indulgent without being overwhelming.
• Customize Your Vinaigrette: You can use different types of vinegar depending on your taste preferences. Red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and white wine vinegar all work well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make This Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the tomatoes and marinade ahead of time, but it’s best to add the burrata and garnishes just before serving. The tomatoes will stay fresh for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

What Type of Bread Pairs Best with This Dish?

A crusty baguette, toasted sourdough, or even focaccia would pair beautifully with this salad. The bread will soak up the marinated tomato juices and creamy burrata.

Can I Use Mozzarella Instead of Burrata?

While burrata provides a creamy and indulgent texture, fresh mozzarella is an excellent alternative if you prefer something firmer. However, burrata is the traditional choice for this dish.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store the marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The burrata should be eaten fresh, as it can lose its creamy texture when stored.

Why You’ll Love This Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

This Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a light meal for yourself, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and delightful flavors. It’s a dish you can make quickly, but one that tastes like it took hours of careful preparation. The balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

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