Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese
Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is a delightful dish that bursts with flavors and textures, making it a fantastic addition to your meal repertoire. This recipe features crisp asparagus, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata cheese, all brought together by a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as an impressive side dish for any dinner gathering, this salad is not just visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, with a step-by-step guide that will make cooking a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets this Asparagus Tomato Salad apart is its simplicity combined with vibrant flavors. With minimal ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish in no time. The fresh asparagus offers a crunchy contrast to the juicy tomatoes, while the creamy burrata adds that luxurious touch. Plus, the dressing—balancing olive oil and balsamic vinegar—enhances every bite. It’s healthy, colorful, and sure to impress your family and friends at any occasion without overwhelming your kitchen time.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese, you will need the following ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s lovely symphony of taste and texture:
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed, with its tender green stalks offering a slight crunch that complements the rest of the salad.
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, bursting with juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy asparagus.
- 8 oz burrata cheese, known for its creamy center that lends a rich mouthfeel to each serving, elevating the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for roasting), which adds depth and a fruity aroma while ensuring the veggies are perfectly roasted.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, providing a tangy sweetness that coats the salad harmoniously.
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted to perfection, giving a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste, bringing all the flavors together vibrantly.
- 10 fresh basil leaves, fragrant and aromatic, enhancing the dish with a burst of freshness.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your asparagus will roast perfectly, giving it that desirable tenderness while retaining a slight crunch.
Prepare the Asparagus
Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the asparagus to coat evenly, ensuring every piece is seasoned well. Roast for about 10 minutes, or until tender, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Prep the Tomatoes
While the asparagus is cooling, take your halved cherry or grape tomatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle them with a little more olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Assemble the Salad
Once the asparagus has cooled, begin assembling your salad. Arrange the roasted asparagus and seasoned tomatoes artistically on a serving plate.
Add the Burrata and Flavors
Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and scatter it generously over the salad. Next, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for that delightful crunch. Finish by tearing fresh basil leaves and scattering them around the dish, adding vibrant color and flavor.
Drizzle with Dressings
Finally, drizzle balsamic vinegar and the remaining olive oil over the entire salad. This will add a glossy finish and enhance the flavors in every bite.
Tips & Tricks
- Pine Nut Toasting: Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently, to enhance their flavor.
- Flavor Infusion: For a more aromatic salad, add a minced garlic clove to the tomatoes while tossing them.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese is versatile and perfect for various occasions. Serve it as a light lunch or as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or formal dinners. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal or serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. A chilled glass of white wine can also elevate the experience, making every bite more enjoyable.
Nutritional Information
This salad not only pleases the palate but is also healthy! Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains around 350 calories, packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to the fresh vegetables. The combination of healthy fats from the olive oil and burrata, along with the protein from the pine nuts, ensures you maintain balance in your diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad components to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. While the flavors may intensify overnight, it’s best consumed within 2 days for optimal texture. For variations, consider adding grilled zucchini for extra veggies or feta cheese for a different tangy bite. You can also substitute the pine nuts with walnuts or pecans depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Give this Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese a try for your next meal. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors promise to brighten any table, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary collection. Don’t forget to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! You can substitute with mozzarella or feta cheese for a different but delicious flavor.
2. How do I prepare asparagus for roasting?
Simply trim the woody ends of the asparagus stalks. This usually involves cutting off about an inch from the bottom.
3. Can I make this salad in advance?
While you can prepare components in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving for the freshest taste.
4. What variations can I make to the recipe?
Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, and you can even throw in some quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
5. How do I toast pine nuts properly?
To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed Tender green stalks offer a slight crunch.
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved Bursting with juicy sweetness.
- 8 oz burrata cheese Creamy center elevates the dish.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Plus extra for roasting.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Provides tangy sweetness.
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste Enhances the flavors.
- 10 fresh basil leaves Adds freshness to the salad.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the asparagus for about 10 minutes or until tender, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the halved cherry or grape tomatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
- Arrange the roasted asparagus and seasoned tomatoes on a serving plate.
- Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and scatter it over the salad.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top and tear fresh basil leaves around the dish.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar and remaining olive oil over the salad.