Save Last summer, my neighbor brought over an armful of cherry tomatoes from her garden and challenged me to do something more interesting than a caprese. I threw them in a hot skillet on impulse, watching the skins burst and curl, and that smoky sweetness against cold creamy burrata became our go-to Friday dinner.
I served this at a small dinner party last August when the table was crowded with wine glasses and conversation. Someone actually went quiet for a full minute after the first bite, which is the highest compliment I know.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: The sweetness intensifies when they hit the hot pan, and those blistered spots carry all the smoky flavor
- Extra-virgin olive oil: You want two different uses here, one for the pan and another for the dressing, so buy something you actually enjoy tasting
- Mixed baby greens: Arugula adds peppery bite while spinach brings mildness, whichever you choose just make sure it is fresh and crisp
- Burrata: The creamy interior is what ties the warm tomatoes and sharp greens together, though fresh mozzarella works in a pinch
- Balsamic glaze: A bottle of this in your fridge will save more weeknight dinners than you expect, the sweetness balances the char perfectly
- Fresh basil: One batch chopped into the dressing and more left whole for garnish, it is the difference between basil flavor and the idea of basil
Instructions
- Char the tomatoes:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the tomatoes and let them sizzle undisturbed for a minute before shaking the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the skins blister and blacken in spots, then season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the basil dressing:
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture looks thick and glossy.
- Build the salad:
- Spread the greens over a large serving platter, then arrange the charred tomatoes across the top, tear the burrata into rough pieces and scatter it over the warm tomatoes.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the dressing generously over everything, add fresh basil leaves and a pinch of flaky salt, then carry it to the table while the tomatoes are still warm.
Save My partner started requesting this as a birthday meal, which says everything about how something so simple can feel like an occasion. It is the kind of food that makes people lean in instead of rushing through the meal.
Make It Yours
Substitute mozzarella or goat cheese if burrata feels too indulgent or hard to find. Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds add crunch that plays well against the soft cheese. Grill the tomatoes outdoors when you already have the barbecue going.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich burrata while matching the tomatoes sweetness. Crusty bread is non-negotiable here because you will want to swipe up every drop of that dressing. This works as a starter or a light main depending on the crowd.
Timing Matters
Char the tomatoes right before you plan to eat because they lose that magic contrast of hot and cold as they sit. The dressing can be made an hour ahead, but wait to dress the greens until the moment you serve. Everything else comes together so fast that the real work is just having the ingredients ready.
- Bring the burrata to room temperature while you char the tomatoes
- Wash and dry the greens thoroughly so the dressing actually clings to the leaves
- Keep the flaky salt for the very end so it stays crunchy
Save This salad taught me that the best recipes are often just good ingredients treated with a little heat and not overthought. It has become the dish I make when I want people to feel taken care of without disappearing into the kitchen for hours.
Common Questions
- → How do you achieve the charred effect on cherry tomatoes?
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook whole cherry tomatoes for 5–7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until their skins blister and char in spots.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of burrata?
Yes, mozzarella or goat cheese are good substitutes if burrata is unavailable, offering a similar creamy texture.
- → What greens work best for this salad?
Mixed baby greens like arugula, spinach, or spring mix complement the tomatoes and cheese with fresh, tender bites.
- → How should the basil dressing be prepared?
Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- → Are there options to add more texture or flavor?
Toasted pine nuts or sliced toasted almonds can be added for crunch, and grilling tomatoes instead of pan-charring imparts a smoky depth.