3.01.2011

heirloom tomato salad

The swank restaurant where Jeff used to work in San Francisco served a luscious heirloom tomato salad that I've always been meaning to replicate. (I often wish I could replicate the entire menu.) It's truly just a variation of the traditional caprese salad, fancified with burrata cheese (the creamier, more delicious cousin of mozzarella) and colorful heirloom tomatoes. The perfect opportunity arose this weekend, when we hosted a little shin dig to celebrate our birthdays along with one of my bffs. The menu was simple: wine, appetizers, and all kinds of sugar.
This flash-blasted photo doesn't quite do it justice, but I simply had to grab a pic before we devoured it that night. All those pretty tomatoes make me so hungry for summer, when you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be making this again (and for a fraction of the cost).

Heirloom Tomato Salad:

This recipe is totally adjustable. Just start chopping and tailor the proportions as you please.

1 pint colorful heirloom tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch fresh basil, torn
2 - 2.5 ounce rounds burrata cheese, cut into small chunks
Extra virgin olive oil
Coarsely ground black pepper and kosher salt

Combine first 3 ingredients on a large plate. Drizzle with olive oil (a little lemon juice might also be wonderful!), and sprinkle with salt and pepper. buon appetito.

15 comments:

emily-kallista said...

This would be bliss on a summer evening with some white wine :) Its the first day of Autumn here and sad to see those long summer afternoons go!

Brittany said...

that looks heavenly. can't wait for summer!

Susan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan said...

I'll definitely be giving that recipe a try! Looks FAB! So beautiful with the variety of color! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!

Sharon said...

This looks amazing. Oh, yum!

Chelle said...

I just want to reach through the screen with my fork and take a great big bite!

Jessica said...

oh my. I could eat this every day.

anne said...

that looks so. very. delicious.

Michelle {lovely little things} said...

Those heirloom tomatoes add so much color! I've never tried burrata, but it sounds amazing!!

On Second Street said...

yum - i can't wait for summer food. it has been soooo long.......

Rebekah said...

yum, so pretty with the different colored tomatoes too, my hubby loves caprese so I will need to try your recipe for him soon!!!

Melinda said...

Oh my sweet goodness! I am so ready for summer as well! :) I want to sit on my back patio, with the patio set I am dying to purchase, our new grill, that I am also dying to purchase...some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, lemonade, and veggies...AAH! Is summer here yet? lol.

Colleen said...

Hmmm... Looks so good. I can not wait for summer now with tomatoes straight from the garden.

Miss G said...

I did not know about burrata cheese! When I have little man weaned and can eat dairy again, I'll have to try it! Kelly

Tiffany from HOLIDAY said...

Caprese salad is my all time fav so I adore this fresh spin on it. I hope you don't mind, but I reposted, linking back to you. Thank you! xo