Why make this recipe
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is a delightful dish that emphasizes fresh ingredients and simple flavors. This recipe is perfect for summer when cherry tomatoes are at their peak ripeness. The marinating process enhances their natural sweetness, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Paired with the creamy, rich burrata, this dish transforms a simple salad into a stunning centerpiece for any meal.
Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it is also easy to prepare. You can whip it together in less than an hour, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or family dinners. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas will impress your guests and make any dining experience feel special.
How to make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Making Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious meal. Here’s how to prepare this refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons champagne or apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1-2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2-3 balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
- Grilled bread or crackers, for serving
Directions
- Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and thyme. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season the marinade with kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes to add a touch of heat.
- Once your marinade is ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Gently toss the tomatoes to ensure they are coated in the marinade. It’s important to be gentle here so the tomatoes don’t break apart.
- Let the tomatoes marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Just remember to take them out and let them come to room temperature before serving.
- To serve the dish, take the burrata cheese and break it into smaller pieces. Place the pieces in the center of a serving bowl or platter. Arrange the marinated cherry tomatoes around the burrata.
- Serve the dish with grilled or toasted bread. Enjoy the creamy burrata with the tangy, sweet marinated tomatoes for a perfect bite.
How to serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Serving Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is as simple as presenting it beautifully on a platter. This dish works well as an appetizer or light meal. Arrange the marinated tomatoes decoratively around the burrata to make the dish visually appealing. You can drizzle a bit of extra olive oil over the top for added flavor and presentation.
To enjoy, use the grilled or toasted bread to scoop up both the creamy burrata and the marinated tomatoes. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite delicious.
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water, making it a versatile choice for casual gatherings or formal dinners.
How to store Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
If you have leftovers from your Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness. Place the marinated tomatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay good for 2-3 days.
However, it’s best not to store the burrata in the same container, as it can become soggy and lose its creaminess. Instead, keep any leftover burrata in its original packaging or an airtight container, separate from the tomatoes.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, let the tomatoes come to room temperature before serving, and consider adding a fresh burrata if available.
Tips to make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the tomatoes and herbs greatly affects the flavor. Look for vibrant, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best results.
- Adjust the marinade: Feel free to customize the marinade according to your taste preference. Adding a bit of lemon juice or zest can elevate the flavors.
- Experiment with herbs: While basil and thyme are great choices, you can also try oregano or parsley for different flavor profiles.
- Don’t rush the marinating: Allowing the cherry tomatoes to marinate enhances their flavor. If you have the time, marinate them overnight for an even tastier outcome.
Variation
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Add fruit: Incorporate fresh fruits like peaches or strawberries into the mix for a sweet contrast to the tomatoes.
- Include roasted vegetables: Toss in grilled or roasted zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Use different cheeses: If burrata isn’t available, creamy goat cheese or feta can be delicious alternatives.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use any small tomatoes, such as grape or cocktail tomatoes. Just ensure they are sweet and fresh.
2. How long can I keep the marinated tomatoes?
The marinated tomatoes will last in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, their texture may change slightly over time.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegan by replacing burrata with a plant-based cheese or simply leaving it out. The marinated tomatoes alone provide a great flavor.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinated tomatoes up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
A refreshing and vibrant dish featuring marinated cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons champagne or apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2–3 balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
- Grilled bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and thyme. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl and gently toss to coat.
- Let the tomatoes marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
- In a serving bowl, break the burrata into smaller pieces and arrange around the marinated tomatoes.
- Serve with grilled or toasted bread.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the tomatoes overnight. Pair with a crisp white wine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Salad, Burrata, Tomatoes, Summer, Appetizer, Italian