This Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is fresh and tasty! With creamy burrata, zesty lemon, and colorful veggies, it’s a dish that brings sunshine to your plate.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. I love how the lemon brightens everything up! Plus, it’s so easy to throw together—no heavy cooking involved. Enjoy it cold! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using short pasta shapes like casarecce or rotini, which hold onto the dressing well. If you need a gluten-free option, try chickpea or quinoa pasta. They bring a nice texture!
Burrata: This creamy cheese is the star! If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella works too but won’t be as creamy. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Arugula: It adds a peppery flavor. You can substitute it with spinach, kale, or mixed greens. Just be aware that those greens have milder flavors compared to arugula!
Pesto: You can use store-bought for convenience, but making your own is easy too! If you need it nut-free, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or simply omit them.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Has Plenty of Flavor?
The key to a flavorful pasta salad is the dressing! Start by mixing lemon juice, zest, and olive oil. This bright mixture is essential to coat the pasta. Here’s how to enhance the flavors:
- Use warm pasta to absorb the dressing better.
- Don’t rush the mixing—allow every piece of pasta to get coated!
- Adjust seasoning to your taste. Add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Let it chill for a bit in the fridge; it enhances the flavors.
Using these tips, your Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad will shine with delicious flavors! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz pasta (such as casarecce, cavatappi, or rotini)
- 2 large burrata balls (about 8 oz total), torn into pieces
- 1 cup fresh arugula, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dressing:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Crushed pistachios or pine nuts for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta and getting everything mixed together. Enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to meld the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
While the pasta is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing is what makes the salad zing!
3. Drain and Mix:
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside to cool slightly before adding it to the dressing. Toss the warm pasta in the bowl with the dressing, making sure it’s well-coated. If it seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Add Greens and Cheese:
Gently fold in the chopped arugula and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Carefully mix to combine without breaking the pasta.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving plate or bowl. Now for the best part! Tear the burrata into chunks and spread them evenly over the top of the pasta.
6. Finish with Pesto and Garnishes:
Spoon dollops of basil pesto over the burrata and pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, optional red pepper flakes, and your choice of crushed pistachios or pine nuts for added crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad right away or let it sit in the fridge for up to an hour to enhance the flavors. This dish is great chilled or at room temperature!
With a delicious combination of creamy burrata, zesty lemon, and fresh arugula, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Burrata?
Absolutely! If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is a great substitute. It will provide a similar creamy texture, but feel free to also try ricotta for a lighter option or even a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan! Simply swap out the burrata for a vegan cheese alternative and omit the Parmesan. Most store-bought pestos contain cheese, so choose a vegan pesto or make your own without cheese.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The pasta salad can be enjoyed cold, and the flavors continue to improve as they meld. Just give it a gentle stir before serving!
What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Short pasta shapes like casarecce, cavatappi, or rotini work best, as they hold onto the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand!
