This Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a bright and zesty treat! With creamy burrata cheese, fresh pasta, and a burst of lemon flavor, it’s a delightful dish for any occasion.
Every bite feels like sunshine on your plate! I love pairing this salad with a sprinkle of herbs and enjoying it as a light lunch or side. Yum! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using fusilli or rotini since their shapes hold the dressing well. If you’re out of these, any pasta works! You can opt for whole wheat for a healthier twist or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Burrata Cheese: This creamy cheese is a star in this salad. If burrata isn’t available, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella or even ricotta for a different texture.
Arugula: Its peppery flavor adds a nice kick. If you’re not a fan, baby spinach can be a milder alternative, or you can mix in some mixed greens.
Basil Pesto: I prefer homemade pesto for freshness, though store-bought works just fine. You could also try sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique twist or use a vegan pesto for a dairy-free option.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch, just use it sparingly.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for a Salad?
Cooking pasta just right is key for a pasta salad. You want it al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with other ingredients. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring plenty of salted water to a rapid boil before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-12 minutes depending on the type. Set a timer to avoid overcooking!
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for the salad.
This method keeps the pasta from becoming mushy, ensuring a delightful bite in your salad! Don’t skip the salt in the water; it makes a big difference in taste!
How to Make Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup burrata cheese
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dressing:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Crushed pistachios or pine nuts (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful lemon burrata pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator for the flavors to blend together. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop it from cooking further. This will keep it perfectly tender.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and lemon zest. Add a drizzle of olive oil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors. This refreshing dressing will brighten up the salad!
3. Mixing it All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, fresh arugula, and your basil pesto. Pour the lemon dressing you prepared over everything and toss gently to mix all the ingredients well. Make sure everything is coated nicely and ready to enjoy!
4. Serving the Salad:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. Next, tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place it on top of the pasta. Don’t worry about it being perfect; the more rustic, the better!
5. Adding Garnishes:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the pasta. If you’d like an extra crunch, feel free to add some crushed pistachios or pine nuts on top. This will give your salad a lovely texture!
6. Final Touch:
Drizzle a little more olive oil on top for flavor. You can serve the salad immediately, or, if you’d like, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully!
Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side at dinner.
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli or rotini works great, you can use any short pasta like penne or farfalle for this salad. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require different cooking durations.
How Can I Substitute Burrata Cheese?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative. Simply tear it into small pieces, similar to how you would with burrata. For a more creamy texture, you could also try using ricotta cheese or a mild goat cheese.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad can be made a few hours in advance or even the day before. If you do this, consider adding the burrata just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some dressing, so you can add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice when serving to freshen it up.
