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

Unlock the Ultimate Summer Flavors: Your Guide to Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

Are you searching for a dish that embodies freshness, bursts with flavor, and looks as stunning as it tastes? In the quest for the perfect light yet satisfying meal, especially as the weather warms, many home cooks wonder: “What’s the best way to elevate simple ingredients for maximum impact?” The answer lies in the beautifully balanced Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. This recipe is a testament to the power of quality ingredients treated with respect. Imagine sun-ripened tomatoes, plump and juicy, bathed in a zesty marinade, then crowned with creamy, dreamy burrata and a whisper of sweet, tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a symphony for your senses and surprisingly easy to achieve, making it an ideal appetizer, light lunch, or elegant side dish. Forget complicated techniques; we’re focusing on vibrant tastes and textures that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

The Stars of the Show: Ingredients for Your Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

The magic of this salad is its simplicity, allowing the quality of each ingredient to shine. We’ve chosen components that offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

• Tomatoes: 1.5 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes, mixed varieties (e.g., cherry, grape, beefsteak), cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sensory Description: Look for tomatoes that are firm yet yield slightly to pressure, with vibrant colors indicative of ripeness. The variety offers a spectrum of sweetness and acidity.
  • Substitution: If heirloom varieties are unavailable, a mix of high-quality Roma or even good-quality vine-ripened tomatoes will work. The key is freshness and ripeness.
• Burrata: 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh burrata cheese.
  • Sensory Description: A fresh burrata ball should feel soft and yielding. When pierced, the creamy stracciatella filling should ooze out luxuriously.
  • Substitution: Fresh mozzarella (preferably bufala) is the closest alternative. While it won’t have the same creamy interior, it will still provide a wonderful milky flavor and texture.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  • Sensory Description: Thin slices offer a mild, crisp bite with a subtle sweetness and vibrant color without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Substitution: Shallots can be a good substitute, offering a milder, more delicate onion flavor. Soaking sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes can also reduce its sharpness.
• Fresh Basil: 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped.
  • Sensory Description: Fragrant, vibrant green leaves with a distinct peppery, sweet anise aroma.
  • Substitution: Fresh mint or a small amount of fresh oregano can add a different herbaceous note, though basil is classic here.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling.
  • Sensory Description: A good quality EVOO should have a fruity aroma and a pleasant peppery finish.
  • Substitution: While EVOO is preferred for its flavor, a mild extra virgin olive oil is best to not overpower the delicate cheese.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons for marinade, plus 1/2 cup for glaze.
  • Sensory Description: A good balsamic vinegar should have a complex sweet-and-sour profile.
  • Substitution: Red wine vinegar can be used in the marinade if you’re absolutely out of balsamic, but it won’t yield the same depth of flavor needed for the glaze.
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
  • Sensory Description: Freshly minced garlic offers a pungent aroma and sharp, spicy notes that mellow when cooked or marinated.
  • Substitution: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same vibrant, fresh flavor. Use about 1/4 teaspoon.
• Sea Salt: To taste.
  • Sensory Description: Enhances all other flavors and adds a subtle crunch.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
  • Sensory Description: Adds a gentle warmth and aromatic complexity.

Time Well Spent: Recipe Timing

Compared to many complex salads, this Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad is relatively quick to assemble. The active prep is minimal. The marinating time is crucial for developing flavor, and while the balsamic glaze is cooking, you can tidy up or chill any drinks. It fits well within an hour, making it achievable even on a weeknight if you have good quality tomatoes on hand.

Crafting Your Delight: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

Begin by washing and drying your tomatoes. If you’re using larger varieties like beefsteak, cut them into bite-sized wedges or chunks. For cherry or grape tomatoes, you can halve them or leave them whole if they are small. Place all the prepared tomatoes into a medium-sized mixing bowl. This initial step ensures even marination.

Step 2: Marinate the Tomatoes

To the bowl with the tomatoes, add the thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes and onions are well coated. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to release some of their juices. This marinating period is key to transforming simple tomatoes into something truly special.

Step 3: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

While the tomatoes are marinating, it’s time to make the luscious balsamic glaze. Pour 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it reduce slowly, stirring occasionally. This process will take about 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the vinegar to thicken to a syrupy consistency, coating the back of a spoon. Be patient; if the heat is too high, it can burn. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once your tomatoes have marinated and the balsamic glaze has cooled slightly, it’s time to bring it all together. Carefully transfer the marinated tomatoes and onions (along with any accumulated juices) to your serving platter or individual plates. Gently tear or arrange the fresh burrata cheese over the top of the tomatoes. Don’t worry about perfection; a slightly rustic presentation adds to its charm.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the slightly cooled balsamic glaze generously over the burrata and tomatoes. Scatter the torn fresh basil leaves all over the salad. Finish with an extra drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a final pinch of sea salt and black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately while the burrata is at its creamiest and the tomatoes are at their freshest.

A Glance at Nutrition

This salad is a delightful balance of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and some protein. Exact nutritional values can vary based on the size of your tomatoes and the specific brands of cheese and olive oil used. However, a typical serving provides:

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 kcal per serving (can vary widely based on burrata and oil).
• Healthy Fats: Primarily from olive oil and burrata.
• Carbohydrates: Mainly from tomatoes and balsamic glaze.
• Protein: From the burrata cheese.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, and antioxidants from tomatoes and basil.

Lighter Options, Same Great Taste

While this salad is already quite healthy, here are a few ways to make it even lighter without sacrificing flavor:

• Reduced Oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and be mindful of the amount used in the marinade and for drizzling. Focus on vibrant tomatoes for flavor to compensate.
• Lighter Cheese: While burrata is unique, you could opt for fresh mozzarella balls that are lighter in fat, or even a good quality Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of cream cheese for a different kind of creamy element (though this dramatically changes the flavor profile).
• Reduced Glaze Sweetness: If you’re watching sugar intake, you can slightly reduce the amount of balsamic glaze, ensuring it’s still concentrated enough for flavor.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions

This Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad is incredibly versatile:

• Appetizer: Serve it on a small platter with crusty bread for scooping up the delicious juices.
• Light Lunch: Pair it with a simple side salad or a slice of grilled chicken or fish.
• Side Dish: It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, pasta dishes, or even a hearty minestrone soup.
• Bruschetta Topping: Toast slices of baguette, rub them with garlic, top with the marinated tomatoes and a piece of burrata, then drizzle with glaze.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Watch Out For

To ensure your salad is perfect every time, steer clear of these common errors:

• Using Unripe Tomatoes: The flavor foundation is your tomatoes. Always use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste.
• Over-Marinating: While marinating is good, overdoing it can make the tomatoes mushy and the onions too pungent. 30 minutes is usually ideal.
• Burning the Balsamic Glaze: Patience is key when reducing balsamic vinegar. Low and slow is the mantra to avoid a burnt flavor.
• Using Cold Burrata: Allow the burrata to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Not Seasoning Adequately: Tomatoes and burrata need sufficient salt and pepper to bring out their best flavors.

Making it Last: Storing Your Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers:

• Marinated Tomatoes: Store the marinated tomatoes (without the burrata) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld further.
• Burrata: Burrata cheese does not store well once opened and should be consumed the same day.
• Balsamic Glaze: Store leftover balsamic glaze in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will thicken when cold, so you may want to warm it slightly before using again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy the Simplicity and Sophistication

The Marinated Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s proof that with a few high-quality ingredients and a little bit of care, you can create something truly extraordinary. The interplay of sweet tomatoes, creamy burrata, sharp onion, fragrant basil, and the tangy-sweet balsamic glaze makes every bite a delight. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Give it a try and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors!

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