This Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata recipe is a stunningly simple and delicious dish that captures the essence of summer. With creamy burrata cheese, ripe heirloom tomatoes, and a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette, it’s a perfect appetizer or side dish for any warm-weather meal. It’s quick to assemble, visually striking, and irresistibly fresh.

What Is Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata?

Ina Garten’s Tomatoes & Burrata is a fresh salad-style plate made by layering slices of ripe tomatoes with rich burrata cheese, then finishing it with a light vinaigrette and fresh herbs. It’s a luxurious, no-cook dish that’s full of flavor and ideal for entertaining or a light lunch.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Tomatoes & Burrata

Perfect summer dish – Best with fresh, seasonal tomatoes
Elegant yet easy – Minimal prep, big flavor, and gorgeous presentation
Crowd-pleasing appetizer – Great for dinner parties and gatherings
Creamy and tangy balance – Burrata and vinaigrette are a perfect match
Pairs with many meals – Complements grilled meats, seafood, or pasta
No cooking required – Just assemble and serve

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, thickly sliced
2 balls burrata cheese (4 oz each), drained
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the vinaigrette:

1½ tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup good olive oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

Step 1: Prepare the vinaigrette

Whisk ingredients together – In a small bowl, combine champagne vinegar, mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.

Step 2: Arrange the tomatoes

Layer tomatoes on a platter – Spread the sliced tomatoes in a single layer on a serving platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add burrata

Tear and place burrata – Gently tear the burrata into halves or quarters and place over the tomatoes.

Step 4: Drizzle with dressing

Add vinaigrette – Spoon the vinaigrette evenly over the tomatoes and burrata.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Finish with basil – Top with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

Grilled crusty bread – Perfect for scooping up cheese and vinaigrette
Chilled white wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish’s freshness
Prosciutto or salami – Adds a savory, salty protein component
Roasted vegetables – Zucchini or bell peppers balance the creaminess
Herbed pasta – A light angel hair or orzo salad complements the flavors
Olive tapenade – Brings depth and contrast to the fresh elements

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

Use peak-season tomatoes – Their natural sweetness is key to flavor
Let burrata sit out – Room temperature brings out its full creaminess
Add salt just before serving – Prevents tomatoes from becoming watery
Slice tomatoes thick – Keeps structure and visual appeal
Balance the vinaigrette – Taste before drizzling to avoid overpowering
Serve immediately – Burrata is best enjoyed fresh and soft

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

Add avocado slices – For a richer, buttery flavor
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts – Adds texture and nuttiness
Drizzle with balsamic glaze – A sweet-tangy upgrade to the vinaigrette
Include arugula – Peppery greens bring a nice bite
Use mozzarella instead of burrata – A firmer, more budget-friendly option
Top with chili oil – Adds subtle heat and complexity

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

Refrigerate only if needed – Best served fresh, but can be chilled for up to 1 day
Store burrata separately – Keeps cheese from turning watery
Keep dressing in a jar – Only add to salad right before eating
Avoid freezing – Burrata and fresh tomatoes do not freeze well
Use airtight containers – To maintain texture and reduce odor absorption

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Tomatoes & Burrata

Do not reheat – This dish is meant to be served cold or at room temperature
Let it come to room temperature – If refrigerated, remove 30 minutes before serving
Gently stir before serving – Re-distribute vinaigrette if dressing has separated

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 310
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 330mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Tomatoes & Burrata salad ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can slice the tomatoes and prepare the vinaigrette a few hours in advance. Assemble and add burrata just before serving.

What type of tomatoes work best for burrata salad?

Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal due to their juiciness and flavor. Cherry tomatoes can also be used if larger ones aren’t available.

Can I substitute the burrata with another cheese?

Yes, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used as substitutes, though burrata offers a creamier texture.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, but consume within 1 day. Store burrata and tomatoes separately if possible to maintain texture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Tomatoes & Burrata is a celebration of summer’s best ingredients—ripe, juicy tomatoes and luscious, creamy cheese. It’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve. Add it to your next gathering or enjoy it as a simple lunch, and you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite.