Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
I absolutely love this Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad! The combination of warm, sweet strawberries with creamy burrata is a summer delight that never fails to impress. I enjoy serving it as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal during warm weather. The contrasting textures and flavors create a simple yet elegant dish. Plus, roasting the strawberries enhances their natural sweetness and makes this salad unforgettable. It’s one of those recipes that transforms the ordinary into something truly special, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do.
Experimenting with the flavors in the Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad has been an inspiring journey for me. When I decided to roast the strawberries, I was amazed at how their sweetness deepened, creating a beautiful contrast with the creamy burrata. I learned that the key to this dish is timing; a quick roast in the oven really enhances the fruit without making it mushy!
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The dressing, a simple mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, complements the flavors beautifully. I often add a sprinkle of fresh basil or mint for a refreshing twist that elevates the whole experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The sweetness of roasted strawberries beautifully contrasts with creamy burrata.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings or a casual meal.
- Quick to put together yet looks stunning on a serving plate.
Selecting the Perfect Strawberries
When making Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad, the quality of your strawberries will greatly impact the final dish. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. These characteristics indicate ripeness and sweetness. Avoid berries that are dull or have green spots, as they might lack flavor. If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before roasting to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the flavors.
Using a sharp knife, hull the strawberries to remove the green tops while halving them evenly ensures they roast uniformly. This step is crucial, as uneven sizes may lead to some strawberries becoming mushy while others remain firm. If you're pressing for time, you can buy pre-hulled strawberries, but taking the time to do it yourself allows for more control over the quality and freshness, resulting in a more vibrant salad.
Creating the Perfect Burrata Base
Burrata cheese is the star of this salad, providing a luscious contrast to the roasted strawberries. When selecting burrata, ensure it feels soft and supple. Fresh burrata should ideally be refrigerated until just before serving; this keeps its creamy interior intact. For the best experience, allow it to come to room temperature before incorporating it into the salad, as this enhances its creamy texture and flavor. Unwrapping it gently prevents tearing the outer layer, ensuring a delightful presentation.
If burrata isn’t available, consider using fresh mozzarella as a substitute. The creaminess won’t be quite the same, but the flavors will still complement the roasted strawberries. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor if you're using mozzarella.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
To make your Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad even more enticing, consider adding toasted nuts such as walnuts or pistachios. These not only add a crunchy texture but also a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the burrata and the sweetness of the strawberries. Simply toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn them. This step adds depth to the salad without much extra effort.
As for serving, this salad is perfect as a light main dish or a stunning appetizer. Pair it with a crisp, chilled white wine or a light rosé to complement the flavors. A side of crusty bread can also elevate your meal, letting your guests soak up the delicious juices from the salad. Whether for a summer gathering or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to delight.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or mint leaves for garnish
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your salad:
Roast the Strawberries
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved strawberries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized.
Prepare the Salad
Once the strawberries are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Arrange the burrata cheese in the center of a serving platter and scatter the warm strawberries around it.
Dress and Serve
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the salad, sprinkle with fresh basil or mint, and serve immediately while the strawberries are still warm.
Enjoy your delicious Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad!
Pro Tips
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted walnuts or pistachios.
Storage Suggestions
Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately if you need to prepare it ahead of time. Keep the roasted strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the burrata, it’s best to consume it within 24 hours of purchase for optimal freshness. However, if you have leftovers, place the cheese in a bowl of water and store it in the fridge to maintain moisture.
As for the assembled salad, it doesn't hold up well once dressed, so I recommend only drizzling the balsamic vinegar right before serving to prevent sogginess. If you decide to prepare it in advance, consider serving the strawberries warm and the burrata cold, allowing guests to customize their servings.
Variation and Customization
Feel free to customize this salad with other ingredients that reflect your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a protein kick, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. These additions can turn your salad into a more substantial meal while complementing the flavors of the strawberries and burrata.
If you want a different flavor profile, experiment with honey or maple syrup drizzled over the strawberries before roasting. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of chili powder can introduce a warm flavor layer that pairs wonderfully with the sweet fruit and creamy cheese.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just thaw and drain them before roasting.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the burrata will lose its creamy texture.
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the strawberries and prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble it right before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
→ What can I substitute for burrata?
If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella or goat cheese can be used as a substitute, though the flavor and texture will vary.
Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad
I absolutely love this Roasted Strawberry Burrata Salad! The combination of warm, sweet strawberries with creamy burrata is a summer delight that never fails to impress. I enjoy serving it as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal during warm weather. The contrasting textures and flavors create a simple yet elegant dish. Plus, roasting the strawberries enhances their natural sweetness and makes this salad unforgettable. It’s one of those recipes that transforms the ordinary into something truly special, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do.
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or mint leaves for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved strawberries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized.
Once the strawberries are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Arrange the burrata cheese in the center of a serving platter and scatter the warm strawberries around it.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the salad, sprinkle with fresh basil or mint, and serve immediately while the strawberries are still warm.
Extra Tips
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted walnuts or pistachios.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 8g