What is French Riviera Cooking?

Very simply – it is a healthier version of what is commonly known as French cuisine. Rooted in the Mediterranean diet , the food of the French Riviera is a mix of Provençal, Italian, Greek, North African and French cuisines. It is inspired by the sun and the Mediterranean sea and features lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, and olive oil. Preferred cooking methods are oven baked or poached and the iconic ingredients of northern French cuisine, butter and cheese, are seldom used. The most common seasonings are rosemary, thyme, herbes de Provence, as well fresh lemon or orange zest.

Can I substitute mozzarella for burrata?

Absolutely. Just make sure to use fresh mozzarella as opposed to the solid, block cheese kind. The creamy, light flavor and texture of fresh cheese really makes this dish. Soft goat cheese would also be nice.

Tomato Burrata Salad with Basil and Orange Zest

Name: Tomato Burrata Salad with Basil and Orange Zest
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 2 cups campari tomatoes; 1 cup burrata cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (stems removed); 2 tbsps olive oil; 1 tsp balsamic vinegar; Zest from one orange; pinch of coarse sea salt

Description

A fresh twist on a familiar favorite - this Tomato Burrata Salad recipe with basil and orange zest is beautiful to serve and has a delicious, decadent flavor from the creamy burrata and the orange zest that will surprise and delight.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cherry tomatoes

2 cups campari tomatoes

1 cup burrata cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (stems removed)

2 tbsps olive oil

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Zest from one orange

pinch of coarse sea salt

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Instructions

The art of a beautiful Tomato Burrata salad is all about the presentation. There is no actual cooking - simply chopping and arranging to make a beautiful meal.

First chop the cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. Then quarter the campari tomatoes, also lengthwise to create segments.

Place half of the cherry tomatoes and half of the campari tomatoes on each plate to create the base of the salad.

In the center, gently set the burrata ball. Depending on the size of burrata you have it could be 2 small balls or one large ball per person.

Scatter the full basil leaves around the tomatoes on each dish.

Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl with a pinch of salt to create the vinaigrette. Using a teaspoon, gently sprinkle the vinaigrette over the tomatoes and burrata on each dish.

Lastly, finish with the orange zest. I like to sprinkle the orange zest over the burrata for the strongest visual effect.

Bon Appetit!

Notes

Burrata is a creamier, milkier almost sweeter version of mozzarella cheese. It is essentially fresh mozzarella cheese that has been soaked in heavy in cream and wrapped together as a larger mozzarella ball. The flavor is rich, fresh and slightly sweet. So decadent.

This recipe of tomato burrata salad can absolutely be served on its own. There is a generous enough portion of tomatoes and burrata to make a full meal. On its own this recipe is vegetarian, keto and also part of the mediterranean diet. I typically serve this dish with a crusty home baked baguette or as a side to a BBQ. Grilled chicken, lamb or beef would pair beautifully with tomato burrata salad.