This simple Italian salad is dressed authentically with just olive oil, basil, and flaky sea salt (no balsamic vinegar), but has a slight twist using burrata cheese, and a mix of heirloom and grape tomatoes.
3mediumheirloom tomatoessliced crosswise ¼ inch thick
½lbburrata cheese
¼teaspoonfresh ground pepper
Instructions
Place grape tomatoes and half the smallest leaves of basil. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss and set aside.
Arrange heirloom slices on the outer edge of the plate.
Strain the burrata cheese and place it in a sieve for a minute or two to allow any remaining water to drain off. Place in the middle of the plated tomatoes. Tear open the top of the burrata just enough to expose the creamy center.
Season the tomatoes and burrata with a pinch of salt and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Arrange the grape tomatoes around the burrata cheese. Sprinkle with remaining small basil leaves, then finish with salt, olive oil, and a few cracks of black pepper.
To serve, place a few tomato slices and grape tomatoes on a salad plate. Cut a small piece of the burrata and place on the tomatos and spoon some of the cream curds overtop.
Video
Notes
Scroll up to view a visual walk-through of the recipe.Tomatoes: Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are best for this recipe. Heirloom tomatoes provide the most flavor. Look for Brandywine, Black Krim, or Cherokee Purple which give you a beautiful presentation with irregular shapes and color variations. We added grape tomatoes for additional texture.Olive oil: Use high-quality Italian olive oil if possible. Look for first-pressed, unfiltered extra virgin olive oil for a more flavourful and least processed option. Also look for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO or DOP) label which ensures you a purchasing an authentic, high-quality ingredient. Sea salt flakes:Maldon Sea Salt Flakes are our preferred choice, but any flaky sea salt will work. Serving: If making this recipe for a crowd, a fresh, soft, mozzarella (preferably buffalo mozzarella) is ideal vs burrata cheese.