Description
Roasted Asparagus & Tomato Burrata Salad
Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ball burrata cheese
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Directions
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Veggies: Arrange asparagus and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
Roast: Roast for 15-20 minutes, until asparagus is tender and tomatoes are blistered.
Assemble Salad: Place roasted asparagus and tomatoes on a serving plate. Add the burrata cheese in the center.
Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately as a stunning appetizer or side dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 220 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is in the center position for even cooking.
2. While the oven heats, wash and thoroughly dry the asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Trim the tough, woody ends from the asparagus.
3. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, arrange the asparagus and tomatoes in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and use your hands to toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes. The asparagus should be tender-crisp and the tomatoes will have collapsed and caramelized slightly.
5. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a serving platter. Gently place the whole ball of burrata in the center.
6. Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad shines in multiple settings. Serve it as a luxurious appetizer with crusty bread to soak up the creamy burrata and glaze. It makes a perfect light lunch alongside a piece of grilled chicken or fish. For a heartier vegetarian meal, add a bed of cooked quinoa or farro underneath the roasted veggies. The dish is also an impressive, restaurant-quality side for a dinner party, pairing beautifully with steak or pasta.
How-to Summary
Trim asparagus and toss with tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until tender and blistered (15-20 mins). Arrange on a platter, top with a ball of burrata cheese, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can roast the vegetables up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Assemble with the burrata, glaze, and nuts just before serving to maintain texture.
What can I use instead of burrata?
Fresh mozzarella (ciliegine or a large ball) is the best substitute, though it won’t have the same creamy center. A good quality feta or ricotta salata would offer a different, tangy profile.
How do I toast pine nuts?
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely as they burn easily.
My balsamic glaze is very thick. How do I drizzle it?
If your glaze is too thick, warm the bottle in a bowl of hot water for a minute or two to thin it slightly for easier drizzling.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Omit the burrata and use a vegan mozzarella alternative or a dollop of creamy vegan pesto or cashew cream for richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Ensure the asparagus and tomatoes are completely dry before oiling to achieve proper caramelization. Do not add the balsamic glaze too early, as it can make the salad soggy. Finally, always add the burrata at the end; if it sits on hot vegetables for too long, it will melt completely and lose its signature presentation.
Conclusion
This Roasted Asparagus & Tomato Burrata Salad is a masterpiece of simplicity, where high-quality ingredients and minimal effort yield maximum flavor. The combination of sweet, roasted vegetables, rich and creamy cheese, tangy glaze, and crunchy nuts creates a perfect balance in every bite. It’s a reliably impressive dish that proves elegant eating can be effortlessly achieved at home.