Rustic Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh salad featuring ripe tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese, accented by a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sliced ripe heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, leaves fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 400 g sliced ripe heirloom tomatoes evenly on a serving platter.
  3. Step 3: Tear 150 g burrata cheese into chunks and scatter over the tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad evenly.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 10 fresh basil leaves torn or left whole for aroma and color.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately as a light appetizer or side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced ripe heirloom tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Reduction?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Rustic Tomato and Burrata Salad with Balsamic Reduction vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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