This Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is bright and fresh, perfect for a sunny day! With creamy burrata, zesty lemon, and tasty pasta, it’s like a little party on your plate.
Honestly, who doesn’t love burrata? It adds such a lovely creaminess. This salad is super easy to whip up and makes a great side or light meal. Enjoy a bite while soaking up the sun! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli or cavatappi work great for this salad as they hold onto the pesto nicely. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta instead!
Basil Pesto: Fresh basil pesto adds incredible flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto is a good substitute. You can also use spinach or kale pesto if you want a different taste.
Burrata Cheese: The creamy texture of burrata makes this dish special. However, if you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or a soft goat cheese can be great alternatives.
Arugula: Peppery arugula gives a nice contrast in flavor. If you prefer something milder, baby spinach or mixed greens can be swapped in.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch. You can substitute them with walnuts or sliced almonds if you have allergies or running low on ingredients.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for a Salad?
Cooking your pasta properly is crucial for this salad. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. Here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta.
- Check the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking a couple of minutes before it’s done.
- Once you reach al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly for the salad.
This simple step ensures your pasta salad has the right texture and won’t become mushy. Happy cooking!
How to Make Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fusilli or cavatappi)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes if you choose to refrigerate it to enhance the flavors. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mixing in the Flavors:
In the bowl with the cooled pasta, add in the fresh basil pesto, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the delicious pesto sauce and citrusy goodness. This will add fantastic flavor to your salad!
3. Adding Greens and Seasoning:
Next, gently fold in the arugula, which adds a nice peppery crunch to the dish. Don’t forget to season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste. Toss everything lightly to combine.
4. Topping with Burrata:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl or plate. Take the burrata cheese and tear it into pieces, then arrange the pieces lovingly on top of the pasta. This rich and creamy cheese is the star of the dish!
5. Final Touches:
Finish your salad by drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese for an added flavor boost. If you like a little crunch, feel free to add the toasted pine nuts as well.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully together. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Cheese for Burrata?
Absolutely! If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a great alternative. For a stronger flavor, you can try using goat cheese or feta, though keep in mind these will alter the creaminess of the dish slightly.
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, swap out the burrata for a plant-based cheese or simply omit it. You can also replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Be sure to use vegan pesto as well!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta salad will continue to develop flavor as it sits. When ready to eat, you may want to drizzle a bit more olive oil to freshen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even avocado for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
