Burrata and Tomato Salad With Harissa Dressing

I’ve never been the biggest fan of burrata – I actually think it’s a little overrated! This burrata and tomato salad, however, is quite the opposite. It’s so incredibly delicious and flavour-packed, thanks to the delicious spicy harissa dressing. It’s zingy, savoury, a little sweet and a little spicy, and it transforms this simple salad into something truly spectacular.

Introduction

Burrata is a bit of a divisive cheese. Some love its creamy centre, while others, like me, find it a little overhyped. This burrata and tomato salad with harissa dressing, however, is a game-changer. The combination of fresh, juicy tomatoes with the creamy burrata, all brought together by a spicy, zingy harissa dressing, makes this dish truly unbelievable. Whether you’re a burrata enthusiast or sceptic, this salad might just make you a believer.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Beefsteak or Heirloom Tomatoes: These tomatoes are the stars of the show. Their juicy, meaty texture and rich flavour make them the perfect base for this salad. Salting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and intensifies their tomato flavour.
• Rose Harissa Paste: This North African spice paste is a blend of chillies, rose petals, and various spices. It adds a lovely warmth and depth to the dressing. This balances the sweetness of the tomatoes with its mild heat and fragrant floral notes.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Known for its sweet and tangy flavour, balsamic vinegar adds acidity to the dressing. It cuts through the richness of the burrata and harmonises with the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil is crucial in a salad like this. It adds a smooth, slightly peppery note to the dressing and helps to carry the flavours of the other ingredients.
• Honey: Just a touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar and the spice of the harissa. It adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavour profile.
• Garlic: A small amount of crushed garlic adds a sharp, aromatic kick to the dressing. This gives the salad an extra layer of complexity.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad. Its slightly sweet, peppery flavour pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and burrata.
• Burrata: Creamy and indulgent, burrata is a soft Italian cheese. When torn over the salad, it adds a rich, milky texture that contrasts wonderfully with the juicy tomatoes and tangy dressing.

What Is Burrata?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture. In this recipe, the creaminess of the burrata acts as the perfect counterbalance to the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat from the harissa dressing. While burrata can sometimes feel heavy or one-note on its own, when paired with the right ingredients, it transforms into something extraordinary.

Burrata Vs. Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella and burrata are two types of Italian fresh cow’s milk cheeses made by “pasta filata”, which loosely translates to “spun thread” or “stretched curd”. They’re both creamy, white and very indulgent but despite their similarities, there are some important differences.

• Texture: Mozzarella has a smooth, firm texture, while burrata is soft and creamy. Burrata’s outer shell is made from mozzarella, but the inside is filled with a mixture of cream and stracciatella, a combination of fresh cream and mozzarella shreds. This gives burrata a luxurious, creamy centre.
• Flavour: Mozzarella is mild and slightly tangy, making it versatile for various dishes. Burrata, on the other hand, is richer and more decadent due to its creamy interior, with a buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
• Usage: You can use mozzarella in cooking, particularly in dishes like pizza, lasagna and other baked pastas. Burrata, on the other hand, is best enjoyed fresh because of its delicate texture. It’s often served whole as the centrepiece of a dish, drizzled with olive oil or paired with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs.
• Origin: Both cheeses originate from Italy, with mozzarella being more widely known and produced. Burrata, which means “buttered” in Italian, is a more recent creation, traditionally made in the Puglia region of Southern Italy.
• Shelf Life: Mozzarella has a longer shelf life and is often sold in blocks or balls, vacuum-sealed or in brine. Burrata is more perishable due to its creamy centre and is best consumed within a few days of purchase to enjoy its fresh, delicate flavour.

Picking The Right Tomatoes For This Salad

This Burrata and Tomato Salad With Harissa Dressing is a dish to make when tomatoes are at their peak. Here’s how to select the best tomatoes for this salad:

• Variety: I like to use heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes for this summer salad. Opt for larger ones, which are perfect for cutting into big juicy slices.
• Smell: the telltale sign of a great tomato is its smell: it should have a fragrant, sweet aroma. If it doesn’t and smells a little bland, it’ll likely lack flavour.
• Colour: Look for tomatoes that are vibrant in colour, whether it’s a deep red, golden yellow, or even a multi-coloured heirloom.
• Texture: The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes, with a slight give when gently pressed—this indicates ripeness without being overripe.
• Seasonality: try to buy tomatoes that are in season and locally grown, as they will have the best flavour and texture, making them the perfect match for the creamy burrata and zingy harissa dressing.

Why Salting The Tomatoes Matters

Salting tomatoes is a simple but transformative step that can make all the difference in a salad. When you salt the tomatoes, it draws out their excess moisture, concentrating their flavour and making them taste more tomato-y. This process also helps to soften the tomatoes slightly, making them juicier and more luscious. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavours when combined with the other ingredients in this burrata and tomato salad.

Understanding Harissa

Harissa is a North African chilli paste that adds depth of flavour and spice to dishes. Rose harissa, a variation that includes rose petals and rose water, brings a subtle floral note that adds complexity to the dish. In this recipe, the rose harissa forms the base of the dressing, providing a kick of heat that balances the tempered by the sweetness of honey and the acidity of balsamic vinegar. The result is a dressing that’s spicy, tangy, and just a little bit sweet—perfect for drizzling over creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes.

Burrata + Harissa = Match Made In Heaven

Burrata and harissa work so well together. The creaminess of the burrata mellows the spice of the harissa, while the harissa’s bold flavours cut through the richness of the cheese. The dressing clings to the tomatoes and burrata, ensuring that every bite is full of flavour. This pairing is what makes this burrata and tomato salad so special—it’s a perfect balance of rich, creamy, spicy, and tangy.

Serving Suggestions

This burrata and tomato salad is incredibly versatile and you can be serve it in a variety of ways. It makes a fantastic starter for a dinner party, paired with crusty bread for mopping up the dressing. Alternatively, it can be served as a light lunch, perhaps with a side of grilled vegetables or a simple green salad. If you’re looking to bulk it up, you could add some grilled chicken or prawns, or serve it alongside a bowl of pasta. Whatever the occasion, this Burrata and Tomato Salad With Harissa Dressing is sure to impress.

Why This Burrata And Tomato Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Burrata and Tomato Salad With Harissa Dressing is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and tasty. It’s also a great option for entertaining, as you can make the dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad right before serving. The flavours are bold and vibrant, making it a dish that’s sure to stand out, whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or a more formal dinner.

Looking For More Salad Recipes?

If you’re looking to elevate your salad game, here are some delicious salad recipes for you to try next:

• Raw and Roasted Courgette Salad: The star of the show is this salad is the humble courgette, which is used in two ways. The raw, thinly-sliced courgettes provide a fresh, crisp bite, while the roasted courgette chunks add sweet, caramelised nuttiness. Add giant couscous, feta and a delicious roasted tomato dressing and you’ve got yourself a sensational salad.
• Harissa Tahini Potato Salad: This harissa tahini potato salad is the perfect barbecue side. It’s perfect for anyone who isn’t a fan of mayonnaise-based potato salads. The harissa tahini dressing is spicy, creamy, garlicky and bright, offering a wonderful twist on a classic potato salad.
• Charred Broccoli Salad with Crispy Noodles: This charred broccoli salad with crispy noodles is a textural delight. The crispy instant ramen noodles add crunch, and everything is tossed together with a delicious Chinese chilli oil-based dressing. It truly is the most delicious salad.
• Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad: This spicy smashed cucumber salad is as refreshing as it is fiery. It’s packed with flavour, thanks to the zingy, garlicky dressing that comes together in minutes.
• Avocado Pesto Potato Salad: New potatoes tossed in a delicious, flavourful ‘dressing’ made with avocado and classic basil pesto ingredients.