Pin It Last August, the tomato plants in my garden burst into their full glory and I couldn't bear to see a single one go to waste. Standing there surrounded by these jewel-toned fruits, still warm from the sun, I had a flash of inspiration for a no-cook dinner that would celebrate their natural beauty. The heirloom tomato salad board was born that evening, and the way the creamy burrata melted slightly against the vibrant tomato slices made it feel like a painting come to life on our patio table.
I first brought this board to my neighbors housewarming when the AC was broken and everyone was fanning themselves with paper plates. As I set it down on the kitchen island, conversations paused and people actually crowded around to watch me tear open the burrata. The host later told me someone had asked if I was a professional chef, which still makes me laugh considering my usual cooking mishaps.
Ingredients
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Seek out the ugliest, most imperfect specimens at the farmers market - those knobby, cracked heirlooms with the odd shapes and deep colors have concentrated flavor that perfectly uniform supermarket tomatoes cant touch.
- Burrata: The first time I sliced into burrata instead of tearing it, I nearly cried watching all that precious cream run out onto the cutting board instead of mixing with the tomato juices and oil.
- Fresh Basil: Ive learned to grow my own after one too many $5 plastic clamshells of sad, wilted basil from the grocery store - even a small pot on a windowsill will keep you supplied all summer.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the time to use that fancy bottle you got as a gift - when olive oil is such a prominent flavor, the good stuff makes a noticeable difference.
- Pine Nuts: Toast these while watching like a hawk - I once turned away for literally 30 seconds and came back to carbonized little nuggets that set off the smoke alarm.
Instructions
- Create liquid emerald:
- Toss your basil, olive oil, garlic and pinch of salt into the blender and watch the magic happen as it transforms into a vibrant green elixir. The kitchen will immediately fill with that incredible herbal perfume that somehow smells exactly like summer.
- Arrange your canvas:
- Think of yourself as an artist as you layer those gorgeous tomato slices across your board. I like to create a random pattern that showcases the different colors and shapes, allowing some to overlap slightly.
- Add the cloud-like cheese:
- Gently tear the burrata balls into chunks and nestle them among the tomatoes. That moment when the creamy center begins to ooze out is pure culinary theater.
- Drizzle with abandon:
- Pour that beautiful basil oil across the arrangement, allowing it to pool in some spots and merely kiss others. This uneven distribution creates pockets of intense flavor throughout the board.
- Final flourishes:
- Sprinkle everything with sea salt, fresh pepper, toasted pine nuts and those small basil leaves you saved for garnish. The salt crystals will catch the light beautifully against the glossy surface of the tomatoes.
Pin It During our tenth anniversary dinner, my husband reached for the last piece of bread to mop up the mingled juices from this very dish and paused before eating it. He looked at me and said this simple board captured everything he loved about our relationship - beautiful, uncomplicated, nourishing, and never boring. I may have gotten something in my eye right then, definitely not tearing up over salad.
Seasonal Adaptations
In early summer when tomatoes are just beginning to appear but havent reached peak flavor, I sometimes add paper-thin slices of lemon to brighten everything or incorporate strawberries which pair surprisingly well with the basil oil. By mid-September when the nights get cooler but tomatoes are still hanging on, a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar adds a warming depth that bridges the seasons beautifully.
Making It Ahead
The basil oil can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, just bring it back to room temperature before using. Ive discovered that assembling the entire board more than 20 minutes before serving leads to soggy results as the salt draws moisture from the tomatoes. If I absolutely must prep ahead, I arrange the tomatoes and keep the burrata, basil oil and toppings separate until the last moment.
Serving Suggestions
The first time I served this at a dinner party, I underestimated how quickly it would disappear and had nothing ready to follow it. Now I know this salad board is substantial enough to be the star of a light meal, but also pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or becomes part of a larger Mediterranean spread.
- Serve with a basket of warmed, crusty sourdough for soaking up all those incredible juices.
- A chilled bottle of Vermentino or Albariño complements the fresh flavors without overwhelming them.
- For a more substantial meal, add a platter of prosciutto or other cured meats alongside for guests to sample.
Pin It This tomato board has become my signature summer offering, the dish friends request when theyre coming over during tomato season. Its a reminder that sometimes the most memorable food requires almost no cooking at all, just respect for beautiful ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the basil oil ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the basil oil up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before drizzling over the salad board.
- → What types of heirloom tomatoes work best?
Use a colorful mix of varieties like Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, and Yellow Pear. Combining different sizes, shapes, and colors creates the most visually stunning presentation.
- → Can I substitute burrata with another cheese?
Absolutely. Fresh mozzarella, stracciatella, or even ricotta work beautifully. For a dairy-free version, use cashew-based vegan mozzarella or skip the cheese entirely and add avocado slices.
- → How should I serve this for a party?
Present it on a large wooden board or marble platter with crusty bread, crostini, or crackers alongside. It serves 4 as an appetizer but can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- → What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding balsamic glaze drizzle, thinly sliced red onions, fresh arugula, pitted olives, or capers. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
- → How long will this stay fresh?
This dish is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. The tomatoes and burrata will release moisture over time, so prepare it no more than 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture and presentation.