This Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a bright and fresh dish! With creamy burrata cheese, al dente pasta, and zesty lemon dressing, it’s a feast for the senses.
I love serving this as a light lunch or a side at dinner. It’s so easy to make—just toss everything together and enjoy the lovely flavors. Perfect for warm days! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli or rotini works great because they hold the dressing well. If you want to go gluten-free, use chickpea or quinoa pasta. I also love using whole wheat for added fiber!
Burrata Cheese: This creamy cheese is a star here! If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good backup. It won’t be as creamy, but it will still add a lovely texture.
Arugula: Its peppery flavor really brightens up the salad. If you’re not a fan, baby spinach or mixed greens can be used instead. They are milder and still add a nice crunch.
Basil Pesto: Pre-made pesto saves time, but homemade is so fresh! If you need a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seeds for the pine nuts in your homemade pesto or use a store-bought version that fits your needs.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor. You can swap it for avocado oil for a different taste, but I think olive oil adds the best aroma and silkiness to this salad.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for a Salad?
Cooking pasta right is key for getting that perfect pasta salad texture. You want your pasta to be al dente, which means firm to the bite but not hard. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Boil a pot of salted water—this enhances flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
- Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the pasta a minute before the package suggested time; it should feel firm yet cooked through.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking. This helps it maintain that nice texture for the salad.
Timing and tasting are important; don’t skip the taste test! It’s all about getting that perfect bite that complements all your other fresh ingredients.
How to Make Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 oz pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup burrata cheese
Fresh Greens:
- 1/2 cup fresh arugula
Pesto and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping the ingredients, and then it’s just a matter of mixing everything together. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s nice and al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This quick rinse stops the cooking and cools down the pasta, making it perfect for the salad.
2. Combine Pasta with Lemon:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the juice and zest of one lemon, as well as the olive oil. Mix it all together so the pasta is well coated with the lemony goodness.
3. Add the Pesto:
Now, it’s time to add the basil pesto! Stir it into the pasta mixture until everything is blended nicely. The pesto adds a lovely flavor that complements the lemon.
4. Fold in the Greens:
Gently fold the fresh arugula into the pasta. This adds a delightful crunch and freshness. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to your liking!
5. Assemble and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and scatter it over the top of your pasta salad. It will melt slightly and create a creamy texture.
6. Final Touches:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and add the optional pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. This adds an extra layer of deliciousness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pasta salad right away, or for even better flavor, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps all those wonderful flavors meld together. Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli and rotini work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
What If I Don’t Have Burrata Cheese?
If burrata isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with fresh mozzarella or even ricotta for a creamy texture. Just remember that burrata has a unique creaminess, so try to choose a cheese that you enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To refresh it when serving, you can drizzle a bit more olive oil and a splash of lemon juice to revive the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients except the burrata, which you should add right before serving to keep it fresh and creamy. This way, the flavors will have time to meld beautifully!
