Creamy Burrata Tomato & Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Easy Burrata Cheese, Tomato, and Arugula Salad Recipe with Homemade Balsamic Dressing
When focusing on a healthy diet, elevate your meals with this vibrant and flavorful Burrata Tomato Arugula Salad. It’s a delightful combination of peppery arugula, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes, perfectly complemented by a homemade tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly nutritious, making it ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or even an elegant appetizer. Arugula is packed with vitamins and minerals that aid in recovery and boost immunity, making it a great post-workout option. Enjoy a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen!
Salad Ingredients (using 10ml tablespoon and 200ml cup)- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 handful fresh arugula (about 30-40g)
- 1 ball burrata cheese
Tangy Balsamic Dressing- 1/4 small onion, very finely minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 tablespoon allulose or honey (adjust to taste)
- 2 pinches salt
- A pinch of black peppercorns, freshly ground
Vegetable Wash- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (for 1 liter of water)
- 1/4 small onion, very finely minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 tablespoon allulose or honey (adjust to taste)
- 2 pinches salt
- A pinch of black peppercorns, freshly ground
Vegetable Wash- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (for 1 liter of water)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Arugula is an aromatic herb commonly used in Italian cuisine. It’s versatile as a salad green, a topping for pasta and pizza, and pairs wonderfully with cheese, complementing arugula’s lower protein content with the richness of dairy. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it aids in energy recovery. With only about 16kcal per 100g, it’s excellent for dieting. Arugula supports eye health, boosts immunity, helps manage cardiovascular health, and prevents anemia. Its high vitamin C and potassium content make it effective for fatigue recovery, especially after exercise. Notably, its glucosinolate compounds exhibit anticancer properties by inhibiting cancer cell growth, potentially preventing ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers.
Step 2
Begin by preparing your fresh tomato. Lightly rinse one ripe tomato under cool running water. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with about 1 liter of water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Submerge the tomato in this vinegar bath for approximately 5 minutes. This step is crucial for effectively removing any lingering dirt or residues. After soaking, rinse the tomato thoroughly under fresh running water to ensure it’s perfectly clean and ready for your delicious salad.
Step 3
Thoroughly cleaning the arugula is just as important. Similar to the tomatoes, place the arugula in the prepared vinegar-water solution for about 5 minutes, handling it gently. Afterward, rinse it multiple times under cold running water to wash away all traces of vinegar and any impurities. Once rinsed, gently pat the arugula dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and affect the salad’s overall flavor.
Step 4
Once cleaned, slice the tomato into rounds approximately 0.7 to 1 cm thick. Aim for a thickness that holds its shape without being too crumbly. The arugula, now properly drained, is ready to be added directly to the salad. Ensure no excess water remains before proceeding to the assembly step.
Step 5
Select a nice serving platter for your salad. Start by artfully arranging the drained arugula around the edges of the plate, creating a fresh, green base. Next, place the sliced tomato rounds on top of the arugula, distributing them evenly. Finally, crown the center of the salad with the whole ball of fresh burrata cheese for a stunning visual centerpiece.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the finely minced onion. Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 0.5 tablespoon of allulose or honey for a touch of sweetness (feel free to adjust this to your preference). Season with 2 pinches of salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined and emulsified. If you find raw onion too pungent, you can soak the minced onion in cold water for 5 minutes and then drain it thoroughly before adding it to the dressing.
Step 7
It’s a good practice to serve the dressing separately in a small pitcher or bowl. This allows each person to drizzle the vinaigrette over their salad according to their liking. It also helps maintain the crispness of the greens and prevents the salad from becoming soggy, especially if it’s prepared slightly ahead of time. This serving method is also ideal for entertaining guests.
Step 8
Your exquisite salad is ready to be enjoyed! Experience the delightful contrast between the creamy, luscious burrata cheese, the slightly peppery arugula, and the bright, juicy tomatoes. As you take a bite, the medley of flavors and textures is simply refreshing. The peppery notes of arugula, balanced by the sweetness of tomato and the richness of burrata, create a truly satisfying sensation.
Step 9
While tomatoes and cheese are a classic pairing, the addition of peppery arugula elevates this salad to another level. Though delicious on its own, a drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette transforms it into an extraordinary dish. The dressing enhances the overall flavor profile, tying all the elements together for a truly delicious and harmonious bite.
Step 10
Finally, generously drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring it lightly coats the burrata, arugula, and tomatoes. The tangy dressing beautifully complements the slightly bitter notes of the arugula, stimulating your appetite and making each bite incredibly flavorful. Enjoy this wonderful salad and savor a healthy and delightful meal!
