This light and flavorful salad is a perfect celebration of summer flavors. The smoky grilled asparagus pairs beautifully with juicy heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 heirloom tomatoes, various colors and sizes, sliced
- 1 ball (8 ounces) burrata cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Asparagus: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or serving dish, arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes.
- Add the Asparagus: Once the asparagus is cool enough to handle, arrange it on top of the tomatoes.
- Top with Burrata: Carefully tear the burrata cheese into pieces and scatter them over the salad.
- Season and Garnish: Drizzle the salad with fresh basil leaves and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Balsamic Glaze (Optional): For a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze.
Tips:
- If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the asparagus in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- For a richer flavor, use a flavored olive oil, such as garlic or lemon-infused, to toss the asparagus.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the salad. Fresh oregano, thyme, or chives would all be delicious additions.
- If burrata is unavailable, you can substitute fresh mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or appetizer. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Grilled Asparagus & Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata!