Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad
This Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad is the dish I reach for the moment summer tomatoes hit their peak.
Sliced beef tomatoes, sweet blackberries, and creamy burrata come together under a honey-balsamic vinaigrette that ties everything together.Seriously, is there a more colorful platter than this one? I first made it for a backyard Labor Day gathering, and the deep red tomatoes against the dark purple blackberries had everyone reaching for seconds before I even set down the basil.
The torn basil leaves add a fragrant, peppery aroma, while the creamy burrata melts into every bite like a soft summer cloud.
Table of Contents
Why This Burrata Tomato Salad Works So Well
This blackberry tomato salad leans on contrast: juicy tomatoes against sweet berries, creamy burrata against a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a five-minute assembly that looks like it took hours.
In my testing, I found that letting the tomatoes sit at room temperature before slicing brings out so much more natural sweetness than serving them cold straight from the fridge.
Ingredients For Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad
This recipe serves 4 and comes together in two easy parts: a quick vinaigrette and the salad itself. Substitution notes are included in case your pantry looks a little different.
| Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinaigrette | White balsamic vinegar | 2 tbsp | Regular balsamic works but darkens the dressing |
| Vinaigrette | Olive oil | 1 ½ tbsp | Extra virgin preferred for flavor |
| Vinaigrette | Liquid honey | 1 tbsp | Maple syrup is a good substitute |
| Vinaigrette | Shallot, finely chopped | 1 | Red onion works in a pinch |
| Vinaigrette | Red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped | 1 | Omit for a milder dressing |
| Vinaigrette | Salt | ¼ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Vinaigrette | Pepper | A little | Freshly cracked is best |
| Salad | Beef tomatoes, thinly sliced | 600 g | Heirloom tomatoes add great color variety |
| Salad | Blackberries, halved if necessary | 125 g | Raspberries work as a sweeter swap |
| Salad | Burrata piccola, halved if necessary | 1 parcel | Fresh mozzarella works if burrata isn’t available |
| Salad | Basil leaves, torn | ½ bunch | Mint adds a fresh twist |
| Salad | Sea salt | A little | Fleur de sel adds a nice finishing crunch |
How to Make Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad
This recipe comes together in two quick parts, and neither one requires turning on the stove. It’s the kind of salad that rewards patience with presentation rather than cook time.
Step 1: Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, combine the white balsamic vinegar with the olive oil, honey, shallot, chilli, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the honey dissolves and the dressing turns a glossy amber color.
Step 2: Arrange the Tomatoes and Blackberries
Lay the sliced beef tomatoes across a large platter, slightly overlapping like fallen autumn leaves in reverse, deep red instead of orange. Scatter the halved blackberries evenly across the tomatoes for pops of contrasting color.
Step 3: Add the Burrata
Place the halved burrata piccola on top of the tomatoes and blackberries, letting the creamy center spill out slightly. After making this dozens of times, I’ve learned that room-temperature burrata has the silkiest, most spreadable texture.
Step 4: Dress and Garnish
Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over the entire platter, making sure some pools around the burrata. Garnish with torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt, then serve right away while everything is fresh and fragrant.
If you love fruit-forward salads like this one, you’ll also enjoy our peach corn jalapeno chopped salad for another sweet and savory combination.
Substitutions and Variations
Want a vegan version of this burrata salad? Swap the burrata for a cashew-based cream cheese or marinated tofu for a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
This blackberry tomato salad is naturally gluten-free as written, so no swaps are needed there. For a higher-protein twist, add a few slices of prosciutto alongside the tomatoes.
My family’s favorite variation swaps in fresh peaches when blackberries aren’t in season, which pairs beautifully with the same honey-balsamic vinaigrette.
Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
Watery tomatoes are the most common issue with a salad like this one. In my testing, I found that slicing the tomatoes and letting them rest on a paper towel for a few minutes before plating helps draw out excess moisture.
If your vinaigrette tastes flat, add a touch more honey or a pinch of extra salt to balance the acidity. According to USDA produce guidance, tomatoes taste best stored at room temperature rather than refrigerated, which also helps avoid that watery texture.
Storage and Meal Prep
This salad truly shines fresh off the platter, so it’s best enjoyed the day you make it. That said, you can prep individual components ahead of time to make assembly even faster.
| Component | Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vinaigrette | Sealed jar, refrigerated | 1 week |
| Sliced Tomatoes | Airtight container, room temperature | Same day |
| Blackberries | Refrigerated, original container | 2 days |
| Assembled Salad | Not recommended to store | Eat immediately |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light starter or a side dish alongside grilled proteins at your next summer gathering. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up the leftover vinaigrette.
For a heartier spread, pair it with our mediterranean couscous chickpea crunch salad to round out the table.
FAQs About Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad
What is a tomato and burrata salad?
A tomato and burrata salad is a simple dish that pairs fresh sliced tomatoes with creamy burrata cheese, often finished with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a touch of salt. This version adds blackberries and a honey-balsamic vinaigrette for extra sweetness.
What goes with a burrata tomato salad?
Crusty bread, grilled meats, and a light vinaigrette all pair beautifully with a burrata tomato salad. Fresh herbs like basil or mint also complement the creamy and juicy flavors.
What fruit goes best with burrata?
Stone fruits like peaches and figs, along with berries like blackberries and raspberries, all pair wonderfully with burrata. The natural sweetness balances the creamy, mild cheese perfectly.
Is burrata healthier than mozzarella?
Burrata is generally higher in fat and calories than regular mozzarella because of its creamy center. Both offer protein and calcium, so the better choice depends on your dietary goals.
What exactly is burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from a mozzarella shell filled with soft curd and cream. Cutting into it releases that signature creamy, oozy center.
Final Thoughts
This Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad is proof that a few simple, seasonal ingredients can create something truly special. It’s quick, colorful, and always a hit at any summer table.
Well, if you make this one, I’d love to see your platter in the comments below. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so it’s ready for your next tomato season.
Blackberry Tomato Burrata Salad
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Large Platter
Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp White balsamic vinegar Regular balsamic works but darkens the dressing
- 1 ½ tbsp Olive oil Extra virgin preferred for flavor
- 1 tbsp Liquid honey Maple syrup is a good substitute
- 1 Shallot, finely chopped Red onion works in a pinch
- 1 Red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped Omit for a milder dressing
- ¼ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- Pepper Freshly cracked is best, a little
For the Salad
- 600 g Beef tomatoes, thinly sliced Heirloom tomatoes add great color variety
- 125 g Blackberries, halved if necessary Raspberries work as a sweeter swap
- 1 Burrata piccola, halved if necessary Fresh mozzarella works if burrata isn’t available
- ½ Bunch basil leaves, torn Mint adds a fresh twist
- Sea salt Fleur de sel adds a nice finishing crunch, a little
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the white balsamic vinegar with the olive oil, honey, shallot, chilli, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the honey dissolves and the dressing turns a glossy amber color.
- Lay the sliced beef tomatoes across a large platter, slightly overlapping. Scatter the halved blackberries evenly across the tomatoes.
- Place the halved burrata piccola on top of the tomatoes and blackberries, letting the creamy center spill out slightly.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over the entire platter. Garnish with torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt, then serve right away.
