This Tomato and Burrata Salad with Za’atar is not just a salad – it’s a vibrant, herbaceous, and savory masterpiece reminiscent of a caprese, but with a tasty twist. Featuring za’atar-coated burrata cheese balls, fresh tomatoes, and a medley of savory herbs, this salad is a quick assembly that delivers a five-star restaurant experience right to your table.
Table of Contents
What Is Burrata?
Burrata is a type of soft, Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. On the outside, it looks like fresh mozzarella.
However, when sliced into burrata is gooey and soft. It’s rich and subtly sweet, and some people even compare its flavor to butter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Burrata – Use small balls of burrata. Find them in the refrigerated cheese section of your local grocery store!
- Za’atar Seasoning – This is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend full of savory, herbaceous flavor.
- Tomatoes – We like to use grape tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes will also work.
- Olive Oil – This helps combine the ingredients and adds a peppery taste. Use a high-quality olive oil that you love!
- Garlic Cloves – For the best flavor, use whole cloves and mince them yourself.
- Fresh Mint – This adds a pop of color and bright notes that balance out some of the savoriness of the za’atar.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Adjust to taste.
- Dried Oregano – If fresh oregano is all you have, use about ⅓ more.
Possible Flavor Variations
- Swap the seasonings – Feel free to mix and match different herbs and spices like basil, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor even more.
- Add balsamic – Add notes of sweetness with a drizzle of your favorite balsamic vinegar on top.
- Add veggies – Add even more nutrients and texture with the addition of extra veggies such as sliced red onion, chopped cucumber, and corn.
- Include protein – Transform this side dish into a meal with the addition of shrimp, chicken, or steak.
Upgrade Your Salad Game with This Tomato and Burrata Salad
Prepare the Tomato Mixture
- Combine the olive oil, grated garlic, mint, salt, black pepper, and oregano in a mixing bowl.
- Add the halved tomatoes, and toss to combine and coat.
Coat the Burrata with Za’atar
- Pat the burrata balls dry with clean paper towels.
- Spread the za’atar seasoning on a plate.
- Roll each ball of burrata in the za’atar until they’re completely coated, and set them aside.
Assemble and Serve
- Arrange the tomatoes on a serving plate.
- Place the seasoned burrata balls on top.
- Serve with dippers, and enjoy! Tips for Success
Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe tomatoes – For the best taste and texture, use in-season tomatoes that are bright red and fairly firm, giving just slightly when squeezed.
- Use fresh burrata – Burrata doesn’t have a long shelf life and tastes best when super fresh.
- Season generously – Taste and adjust the herbs and seasonings as you go to ensure your tomato and burrata salad has tons of flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Tomato and Burrata Salad with pita chips or crusty bread for dipping takes the flavor experience to a whole new level. The crispy texture of pita chips or the rustic charm of crusty bread are both perfect for scooping up the vibrant, herbaceous goodness of this salad.
Or, if you want to serve this salad as a vibrant side dish or appetite-whetting starter, try pairing it with main courses such as Italian wedding soup, caprese baked orzo pasta, or easy baked bruschetta chicken.
Common Questions About This Tomato and Burrata Salad
Burrata is typically served with fresh tomatoes and arugula or a prosciutto salad.
This recipe is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, they can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Sure! The taste and texture will be slightly different, but the salad will still be tasty.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
- Cucumber Tomato Tahini Salad
- Quinoa Cannellini Bean Salad
- Balela Salad (Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad)
- Lentil Salad Recipe
Tomato and Burrata Salad
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 3 Tablespoons fresh chopped mint
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 16 ounces burrata we use 3 balls totaling 16 ounces
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes split in half
- 3-4 Tablespoons za’atar seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, grated garlic, chopped mint, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well until combined.4 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 garlic clove, 3 Tablespoons fresh chopped mint, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Add the halved grape tomatoes to the mixture and toss until all the tomatoes are evenly coated. Set aside.16 ounces grape tomatoes
Coat the Burrata with Za’atar:
- Carefully pat dry the burrata balls with paper towels to remove excess moisture.16 ounces burrata
- Spread the za’atar seasoning on a plate. Start with 3 tablespoons, and add more as needed.3-4 Tablespoons za’atar seasoning
- Roll each ball of burrata in the za’atar until they’re completely coated. Set aside.
Assemble and Serve:
- On a serving plate, arrange the seasoned grape tomatoes evenly.
- Place the za’atar-coated burrata balls on top of the tomatoes.
- Serve the dish with pita chips or crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
