Save The first time I made this salad, I was rushing to pull something together for friends who were coming over in twenty minutes. I ended up charring the tomatoes a little longer than intended, but when I tasted one straight from the pan, the blistered skin gave way to this incredibly sweet, smoky juice that I knew would change everything.
My neighbor actually stopped by while I had the tomatoes blistering in the pan and asked what smelled so incredible. When I served it later that evening on her patio, we all stood around the platter with forks, barely speaking, just going back for bite after bite until the burrata was gone.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: These little gems explode with sweetness when they hit the hot pan, and keeping them whole lets them blister beautifully while holding their shape
- Extra virgin olive oil: Youll want the good stuff here because it carries the basil flavor and ties the charred tomatoes to that creamy burrata
- Burrata: The liquid center spills over the warm tomatoes creating its own sauce, and tearing it by hand feels more honest than cutting with a knife
- Balsamic glaze: Adds just enough sweetness and acidity to cut through the rich cheese while echoing the tomatoes natural sugars
- Fresh basil: Two forms, chopped in the dressing and whole leaves for garnish, give you that hit of summer in every bite
- Mixed baby greens: Peppery arugula or tender spinach provide the bed that catches all those delicious juices as they run
Instructions
- Get the tomatoes blistering:
- Heat that tablespoon of olive oil in your largest skillet until it shimmers, then add the cherry tomatoes and let them sizzle undisturbed for a minute before giving the pan a shake
- Char until blistered:
- Cook them for five to seven minutes, shaking occasionally, until you see those gorgeous charred spots and the skins start to burst
- Whisk the basil dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt and pepper until it comes together
- Build your foundation:
- Spread those mixed greens across your prettiest serving platter or divide among individual plates
- Add the charred stars:
- Spoon those blistered tomatoes, still warm, right over the greens so they start to wilt the leaves just slightly
- Top with burrata:
- Use your hands to tear the burrata into rustic pieces and scatter it over the salad, letting that creamy center spill everywhere
- Finish with flair:
- Drizzle the basil dressing over everything, then add fresh basil leaves and finish with flaky sea salt
Save This salad has become my go to for summer dinner parties because it feeds a crowd but feels intimate and special. Last week I made it for my parents who are skeptical of salads as meals, and my dad actually went back for seconds before touching the main course.
Choosing the Best Tomatoes
Ive found that the smaller cherry tomatoes work better than grape tomatoes here because they blister more evenly and release more of those sweet juices when they burst. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and have that slight give when you press them gently.
The Char That Matters
Do not be afraid of getting some serious color on those tomatoes. The darker spots are where all that smoky sweetness concentrates, and they provide the perfect counterpoint to the mild burrata. If your pan is not hot enough, you will end up with steamed tomatoes instead of charred ones.
Make It Your Own
Once you have the basic technique down, this salad becomes a canvas for whatever looks good at the market. The key is keeping that contrast between hot charred elements and cool creamy cheese while letting seasonal ingredients shine.
- Toast some pine nuts or sliced almonds and scatter them over the top for that satisfying crunch
- Try grilling the tomatoes outside on a barbecue for an even smokier flavor profile
- If you cannot find burrata, fresh mozzarella works though you might want to add an extra drizzle of olive oil
Save There is something about tearing into that burrata and watching it spill over the warm tomatoes that feels wonderfully indulgent yet completely honest.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do you char the cherry tomatoes?
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add whole cherry tomatoes, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skins blister and char in spots.
- → Can I grill the tomatoes instead of charring them in a pan?
Yes, grilling the tomatoes adds a smoky flavor and works well as an alternative to pan-charring.
- → What can I substitute for burrata if unavailable?
Mozzarella or goat cheese can be used as creamy alternatives without compromising the salad’s texture.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the dish is naturally gluten-free, but ensure any packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- → What dressing complements this salad best?
A basil-infused olive oil mixed with balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors perfectly.