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Tomato, Pickled Melon, and Burrata Salad

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This elegant tomato, pickled melon and burrata salad offers a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian summer plate. By lightly pickling slices of sweet Sharlyn or Galia melon in a white wine vinegar brine, the fruit takes on a sharp, savoury edge that cuts beautifully through the rich, creamy centre of the burrata cheese. It is a vibrant vegetarian dish that celebrates the peak of the season's produce with minimal effort.

Perfect as a light lunch or a refined starter for an alfresco dinner party, this colourful salad relies on the contrast of temperatures and textures. The soft heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves bring a traditional Mediterranean feel, while the quick-pickled fruit adds a modern, chef-style finish. Serve with crusty sourdough bread to mop up the fragrant juices and olive oil.

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Ingredients for Tomato, Pickled Melon, and Burrata Salad

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more

  • 450g Sharlyn or Galia melon, rind removed, sliced into thin rounds

  • 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced

  • 350g fresh burrata or mozzarella, torn

  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

  • Fresh basil leaves (for serving)

  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

How to make Tomato, Pickled Melon, and Burrata Salad

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Combine vinegar, kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoons pepper, and 2 tablespoons water in a large bowl; add melon and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes.

Remove melon from pickling liquid and arrange on a platter with tomato and burrata. Drizzle with oil and some pickling liquid, top with basil, and season with sea salt and pepper.

Do ahead: Melon can be pickled 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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