Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese

The Delicious Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese

The Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce and delightful textures. This elegant yet simple recipe brings together the crisp bite of perfectly blanched asparagus, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, and the luxurious creaminess of burrata cheese. It’s a truly vibrant salad that stands out, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the palate. This dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly indulgent and satisfying without requiring extensive cooking skills or a long list of exotic ingredients. Its inherent simplicity allows the quality of each component to shine through, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

A fresh, easy, and quick recipe.

What truly sets the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese apart is its ease of preparation coupled with its sophisticated appeal. This is an easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or presentation. You can whip up this fresh creation in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you simply crave something light and delicious. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the best meals are those that highlight the natural goodness of fresh ingredients with minimal intervention. The quick prep and cooking times ensure you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal, making it a staple for anyone seeking both convenience and gourmet taste.

Making Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese

Crafting the perfect Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese involves a few straightforward steps, ensuring each ingredient is prepared to perfection before coming together in a symphony of taste and texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its modularity; you can prepare the components individually and then combine them right before serving. This approach guarantees optimal freshness and allows the distinct flavors to remain vibrant. Pay attention to the blanching of the asparagus and the gentle handling of the burrata, as these are key to achieving the salad’s signature appeal. This process is designed to be accessible for cooks of all levels, promising a rewarding culinary experience.

Ingredients you will need.

Gathering high-quality, fresh ingredients is the first and most crucial step in making an exceptional Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese. The simplicity of the recipe means that the quality of each component directly impacts the final flavor. Look for firm, bright green asparagus, ripe and sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy, fresh burrata cheese. Beyond the stars of the dish, you’ll need good quality extra virgin olive oil, a fine balsamic vinegar, and basic seasonings like sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. These carefully selected elements form the foundation of a truly delicious and healthy salad that you’ll want to make again and again.

Step-by-step instructions.

1. Begin by preparing your asparagus. Trim the tough ends, then blanch them briefly until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve their vibrant color.
2. While the asparagus cools, halve your cherry tomatoes.
3. Once the asparagus is cool, drain it thoroughly and pat it dry.
4. Gently combine the blanched asparagus and halved tomatoes in a serving bowl.
5. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Tear the fresh burrata cheese into irregular pieces and arrange them artfully over the salad.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the peak freshness and creamy texture of the burrata.

Ingredients for the Salad

The success of your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese hinges entirely on the quality and freshness of its few, but potent, ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the overall profile of this healthy and delicious salad, contributing unique textures and flavors. By selecting the best possible produce and dairy, you ensure that every bite is bursting with natural goodness and unparalleled taste. This dish embodies the philosophy that sometimes, less is truly more, especially when those ‘less’ ingredients are of superior quality.

Fresh asparagus bunch.

When selecting your asparagus, look for stalks that are firm, bright green, and have tightly closed tips. Avoid any bunches with limp stalks or open, flowery tips, as these indicate older produce. Asparagus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including vitamins K, A, C, and folate, making it a fantastic addition to any healthy meal. A fresh bunch will lend a satisfying snap and a delicate, earthy flavor to your salad, providing a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the burrata. Aim for medium-thick stalks, as they tend to be more tender and flavorful than very thick or very thin ones.

Sweet cherry tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes are the jewels of this salad, bringing a pop of vibrant color and a burst of natural sweetness. Choose firm, unblemished tomatoes that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Their small size makes them perfect for halving, which not only looks appealing but also releases their natural juices, enhancing the dressing. These tiny powerhouses are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, as well as vitamins C and A. Their natural acidity and sweetness are essential for balancing the richness of the burrata and the subtle bitterness of the asparagus, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Creamy burrata cheese.

The star of the show, creamy burrata cheese, elevates this simple salad into a truly gourmet experience. Burrata, meaning “buttered” in Italian, is a fresh Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture. When selecting burrata, look for a reputable brand and ensure it is fresh. Its delicate, milky flavor and incredibly creamy interior will meld beautifully with the other ingredients, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and a subtle dairy richness that ties all the flavors together. Tearing it rather than cutting it allows for a more rustic look and ensures that its creamy center is readily available for each bite.

Preparing Asparagus Correctly

Proper preparation of asparagus is paramount to its enjoyment in the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese. Overcooked asparagus can become mushy and dull, while undercooked asparagus might be tough and fibrous. The goal is a tender-crisp texture that retains its vibrant green color and delicate flavor. Mastering these simple techniques ensures your asparagus contributes perfectly to the salad’s overall appeal and taste. The specific steps for trimming, blanching, and shocking are not merely suggestions but crucial practices for achieving culinary excellence with this versatile vegetable.

Trimming tough ends.

Before cooking, it’s essential to remove the woody, fibrous ends of the asparagus stalks. A common and effective method is to hold each stalk firmly and bend it until it naturally snaps. The stalk will break at the point where the tough end meets the tender part. Alternatively, you can line up the asparagus spears and cut off the bottom inch or two, inspecting a snapped piece to ensure you’ve removed all the tough sections. This step not only makes the asparagus more palatable but also ensures an even cooking texture. Discard the woody ends, or save them for vegetable stock.

Blanching until tender-crisp.

Blanching is the key to perfectly cooked asparagus for this salad. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed asparagus and cook for just 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender but still have a pleasant snap when bitten—this is the “tender-crisp” stage. Overcooking will make them limp and lose their vibrant color. A brief cooking time ensures that the asparagus retains its nutritional value and fresh taste, which is crucial for a raw-style salad like this. For more insights into this wonderful vegetable, consider exploring its history on Wikipedia’s Asparagus page.

Using an ice bath.

Immediately after blanching, the asparagus must be plunged into an ice bath—a bowl filled with ice water. This crucial step, known as shocking, instantly stops the cooking process, preserving the asparagus’s beautiful bright green color and tender-crisp texture. If you skip the ice bath, the residual heat will continue to cook the asparagus, leading to a duller color and softer texture. Once the asparagus has cooled completely, typically after 2-3 minutes in the ice bath, remove it and drain it thoroughly. Pat the spears dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent watering down your salad dressing. This preparation ensures the asparagus is perfectly chilled and ready to combine with the other fresh ingredients.

Assembling Tomatoes and Asparagus

With your asparagus perfectly blanched and chilled, and your cherry tomatoes ready, the next step in creating your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is to bring these vibrant vegetables together. This stage is all about gentle handling and thoughtful arrangement to create a visually appealing and easy-to-eat salad. The simplicity of this combination allows the natural flavors of the produce to shine, setting the stage for the dressing and the creamy burrata to complete the masterpiece. It’s a quick and rewarding process that transitions your prepared ingredients into a delicious dish.

Halving cherry tomatoes.

Halving cherry tomatoes is not just for aesthetic appeal; it also enhances the eating experience and helps release their sweet, juicy flavors into the salad. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut each tomato in half. You can also use a quick trick by placing a handful of cherry tomatoes between two flat lids or plates and slicing through them all at once with a long, sharp knife. This method is incredibly efficient for larger quantities. The exposed inner flesh of the tomatoes will better absorb the dressing, contributing to a more flavorful bite. The contrasting shapes of the long asparagus spears and the round tomato halves also add visual interest to the final presentation of your salad.

Combining vegetables gently.

Once your asparagus and halved cherry tomatoes are prepared, it’s time to combine them. Place the drained asparagus and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or two large spoons, gently toss the vegetables together. The key here is to be gentle to avoid bruising the delicate tomatoes and to maintain the integrity of the perfectly cooked asparagus. You want an even distribution of both vegetables throughout the salad. At this stage, the colors will already begin to pop, hinting at the fresh flavors to come. This gentle combination ensures that your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese looks as good as it tastes, ready for the next delightful additions.

Dressing Your Fresh Salad

The dressing for your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is intentionally simple, designed to complement rather than overpower the delicate flavors of the fresh ingredients. A high-quality olive oil and a good balsamic vinegar are the foundation, providing a classic Mediterranean touch that enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthy notes of the asparagus. Careful seasoning with salt and pepper brings everything into perfect balance, ensuring every mouthful is a harmonious blend of flavors. This minimal approach allows the vibrant salad to speak for itself, showcasing its inherent goodness.

Drizzling olive oil.

A generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil is indispensable for this salad. Choose an olive oil with a fruity, slightly peppery flavor that you enjoy on its own. The oil provides a smooth, rich base for the dressing, coating the vegetables and helping to carry the flavors. It also adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Drizzle it directly over the combined asparagus and tomatoes, ensuring an even coating. The aroma of a good olive oil alone can make your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese feel more gourmet.

Adding balsamic vinegar.

Following the olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tangy counterpoint. A good quality aged balsamic vinegar will offer a complex sweetness and acidity that brightens the entire salad. You can adjust the amount to your preference, starting with a tablespoon or two and adding more if desired. The balsamic vinegar marries beautifully with the olive oil, creating a light vinaigrette that enhances the natural flavors of the asparagus and tomatoes without being heavy. For another refreshing and quick meal idea, consider our Beet Salad with Feta, which also thrives on simple, fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing.

Season with salt and pepper.

Proper seasoning is the final touch that brings all the flavors of your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese into harmony. Use a good quality sea salt or kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Season to taste, remembering that it’s easier to add more than to remove it. The salt enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the natural flavors of the asparagus, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. Toss the dressed and seasoned vegetables gently one last time to ensure everything is evenly coated. This attention to detail in seasoning makes a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of this vibrant dish.

Adding Creamy Burrata

The moment has arrived to introduce the star ingredient that truly elevates this dish: the creamy burrata cheese. This step transforms the simple vegetable medley into a luxurious Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese, adding an element of indulgence and sophisticated texture. The way you add the burrata is just as important as the burrata itself, aiming for an inviting and rustic presentation that encourages diners to delve into its creamy core. Its presence instantly makes the salad feel more special and complete.

Tearing burrata pieces.

Resist the urge to neatly slice your burrata. Tearing the burrata into irregular, rustic pieces is the best way to showcase its unique composition—the firm outer mozzarella shell giving way to the soft, creamy stracciatella interior. This method creates beautiful, organic shapes and exposes the luscious cream, making it more accessible to mingle with the dressed vegetables. The torn edges also provide a lovely contrast against the smooth surfaces of the asparagus and tomatoes, adding to the visual appeal. For more fascinating information on this delightful cheese, you can explore its origins and production on Wikipedia’s Burrata page.

Arranging on top.

Once torn, artfully arrange the pieces of burrata on top of the dressed asparagus and tomato mixture. You don’t need to mix it in; letting the burrata sit on top allows each diner to scoop up a creamy portion with their vegetables. The goal is to create an inviting visual where the white, creamy cheese stands out against the green asparagus and red tomatoes. The burrata should be the focal point, creating an anticipation of its rich, milky flavor and luxurious texture that will complement every other element in your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese. This final touch makes the salad restaurant-worthy.

Serving This Easy Salad

Serving your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is the final, delightful step in bringing this fresh and easy recipe to your table. The presentation can greatly enhance the dining experience, and a few simple garnishes can elevate the dish from great to extraordinary. Because of the delicate nature of burrata and the crispness of the blanched asparagus, timing is key to ensure the salad is enjoyed at its absolute peak of freshness and flavor. This salad makes a wonderful light lunch or an elegant side to a heartier meal.

Garnish with fresh basil.

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves is the perfect finishing touch for this vibrant salad. The aromatic, peppery notes of basil complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the burrata beautifully. You can either tear the basil leaves by hand for a rustic look or finely chiffonade them for a more refined presentation. The bright green of the basil also adds another layer of color, making the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese even more visually appealing. This simple garnish adds a burst of fresh flavor and an enticing aroma that welcomes diners to the table. It also pairs wonderfully with other light dishes, such as Easy Honey Garlic Chicken, for a complete meal.

Serve immediately for freshness.

To fully appreciate the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese, it is crucial to serve it immediately after assembly. The burrata is best when its creamy interior is still cool and soft, and the asparagus is at its peak tender-crisp texture. Allowing the salad to sit for too long can cause the vegetables to soften and the burrata to lose some of its delicate structure. The dressing also tends to perform best when freshly applied, ensuring the flavors are vibrant and distinct. Enjoying it fresh ensures you experience the optimal combination of textures and temperatures that make this easy salad so irresistible.

Nutrition of Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese

Beyond its delicious taste and elegant presentation, the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese also offers a significant nutritional punch, making it a healthy choice for any meal. This vibrant salad is packed with wholesome ingredients that contribute to overall well-being. Focusing on fresh produce and a moderate amount of healthy fats, it’s a dish that you can feel good about eating. Understanding its nutritional breakdown helps appreciate its value as part of a balanced diet.

Calories per serving.

While exact calorie counts can vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands, a typical serving of Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese, made with approximately 4-6 oz of burrata, 1 bunch of asparagus, and 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, along with olive oil and balsamic, generally ranges from 300 to 450 calories. This makes it a satisfying yet relatively light meal or a substantial side dish. The caloric density comes primarily from the burrata cheese and the olive oil, both of which contribute healthy fats vital for energy and nutrient absorption.

Fat and protein content.

The Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is a good source of healthy fats and protein. Burrata cheese is rich in dairy protein and contains a significant amount of fat, largely from its creamy interior. A serving can provide around 15-20 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The extra virgin olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. While the vegetables themselves are low in fat, they add vitamins and fiber. This combination of protein and healthy fats helps you feel full and satisfied, making it an excellent option for those looking for a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates and fiber.

The carbohydrate content of this salad is relatively low, primarily coming from the asparagus and cherry tomatoes. These vegetables are also excellent sources of dietary fiber. Asparagus is known for its fiber content, which aids digestion, and cherry tomatoes contribute additional fiber, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene. A serving of this salad can provide a good portion of your daily fiber intake, supporting digestive health and contributing to a feeling of fullness. This makes the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese a wonderfully nutritious and wholesome option.

Quick Prep and Cook Times

One of the most appealing aspects of the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is its incredibly efficient preparation and cooking schedule. This quick prep and cook time makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals, last-minute meal planning, or anyone who appreciates spending less time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or quality. You can have a gourmet-tasting, healthy meal on the table in under half an hour, making it a perfect solution for a speedy lunch or a light dinner. This efficiency doesn’t cut corners on taste, rather it highlights the natural deliciousness of fresh ingredients.

Only 15 minutes prep.

The preparation for this fresh salad is remarkably swift, taking approximately 15 minutes from start to finish. This includes the time needed to wash and trim the asparagus, halve the cherry tomatoes, and gather all your dressing ingredients. The simplicity of the components means there’s no complicated chopping or intricate steps involved, making it an accessible recipe for even novice cooks. This quick prep ensures that you can enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal even on your busiest days, illustrating that healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming.

Just 5 minutes cooking.

The actual cooking component for the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is limited to the blanching of the asparagus, which only takes a mere 2-4 minutes. Factoring in bringing the water to a boil, you’re looking at a total cooking time of around 5 minutes. This incredibly short cooking duration means that the vegetables retain most of their nutrients, texture, and vibrant color, contributing to a truly fresh and appealing final dish. This quick meal method allows you to enjoy a flavorful meal without a lengthy commitment to the stove, perfectly aligning with modern busy lifestyles.

Tips for Best Salad

While the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is delicious in its classic form, there are numerous ways to customize it and ensure you get the absolute best results every time. These tips range from enhancing its flavor profile to practical advice on storage and ingredient variations. Implementing these suggestions can help you make this already amazing easy recipe even more to your personal taste, allowing for creative culinary exploration and waste reduction.

Add red pepper flakes.

For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the salad just before serving can add a wonderful warmth and subtle spice. This small addition provides a delightful contrast to the creamy burrata and sweet tomatoes, awakening the palate without overpowering the fresh flavors. It’s an easy way to customize your Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese and add an extra layer of complexity, making it even more dynamic. Experiment with the quantity to find your perfect level of zest.

Storage for two days.

This salad is undoubtedly best when served immediately, due to the delicate nature of the burrata and the crispness of the blanched asparagus. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s advisable to store the dressed vegetables and burrata separately if possible, or at least add the burrata just before serving to maintain its texture. The asparagus might lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious. Always bring the salad closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Try other vegetables.

Don’t limit yourself to just asparagus and tomatoes! This versatile salad base lends itself well to other fresh vegetables. Consider adding sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even grilled zucchini for different textures and flavors. Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts can also be fantastic additions, providing a Mediterranean twist. Feel free to experiment with seasonal produce to keep the salad exciting and varied throughout the year. For more culinary inspiration and beautiful food photography, be sure to check out Carina Recipes on Pinterest and follow us on Instagram for daily updates and ideas!

Why Love This Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese?

There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese. It’s a dish that perfectly balances simplicity with gourmet appeal, making it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions. This salad embodies the best of fresh, seasonal cooking, delivering a memorable experience with minimal effort. Its compelling combination of flavors and textures, coupled with its health benefits, ensures it’s a recipe you’ll revisit time and again. It truly is a quintessential easy recipe for a healthy lifestyle.

Simple and delicious.

The primary appeal of this salad lies in its straightforward preparation and universally loved flavor profile. With just a few key ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that tastes incredibly sophisticated. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes, the subtle earthiness of the asparagus, and the luxurious creaminess of the burrata combine to create a symphony of tastes and textures that is both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of simple dish that makes you wonder why you haven’t made it sooner, proving that sometimes the best culinary experiences come from uncomplicated combinations.

Healthy and fresh ingredients.

Beyond its deliciousness, this Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is packed with healthy ingredients that nourish your body. Asparagus is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, while cherry tomatoes offer lycopene and vitamin C. Burrata, in moderation, provides calcium and protein. Drizzled with heart-healthy olive oil, this salad is a fantastic way to incorporate more fresh produce and beneficial fats into your diet. It’s a prime example of how eating well can be incredibly enjoyable and flavorful, making healthy choices an absolute pleasure.