This Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a bright and tasty dish perfect for any meal. With creamy burrata, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs, it’s full of flavor!
I love how quick this salad is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, add the delightful burrata, and toss in lemon juice. It can make a light lunch or a fun side dish at dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using casarecce or cavatappi for this salad. Short pasta shapes hold the sauce and ingredients well. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap with gluten-free pasta or even chickpea pasta for added protein.
Burrata: This cheese is delicious for its creaminess. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or even ricotta can work in a pinch, though they won’t have the same buttery texture.
Pesto: Fresh basil pesto adds a lot of flavor, but if you want to switch it up, consider using sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto. It’s all about what flavors you enjoy!
Greens: While arugula adds a peppery kick, baby spinach or even kale can be good substitutions. You can also leave them out if you prefer a simpler pasta dish.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta is Perfectly Done?
Cooking pasta correctly is essential for a good salad texture. Follow these tips:
- Use plenty of salted water to ensure the pasta is well-seasoned as it cooks.
- Always cook pasta until al dente, so it holds up better in salads. That’s about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.
- After draining, immediately toss the pasta with olive oil and lemon juice to keep it from sticking.
These steps will make your pasta salad delightful and ensure all the ingredients meld beautifully! Enjoy your bright and creamy dish!
Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) casarecce, cavatappi, or your favorite short pasta
- Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup fresh arugula or baby spinach, chopped
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 oz (115 g) burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: chopped toasted pistachios or pine nuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and combining the ingredients. Then, just toss everything together for a quick and vibrant meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and Prepare:
Drain the cooked pasta, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Return the hot pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl to keep it warm.
3. Mix in Lemon and Olive Oil:
While the pasta is still warm, immediately add the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta. Toss gently to combine everything well. If you find it too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help moisten it.
4. Add Greens:
Toss in the chopped arugula or baby spinach and mix lightly, allowing the heat of the pasta to wilt the greens just a bit.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. Gently distribute the torn pieces of burrata cheese on top, making it look lovely and inviting.
6. Add the Pesto:
Spoon dollops of fresh basil pesto over the top of the pasta and burrata. This will give it vibrant flavor and color!
7. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and, if you’d like a little kick, the crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
8. Drizzle and Season:
Drizzle a little more olive oil over everything and season with freshly ground black pepper for an extra boost of flavor.
9. Garnish (Optional):
If you want to dress it up a bit, sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios or pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this refreshing and creamy pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion!
With its bright lemon flavor, creamy burrata, and rich pesto, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While casarecce and cavatappi work great, you can use any short pasta you prefer, such as rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose!
What Can I Use Instead of Burrata Cheese?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute, although it won’t be as creamy. Ricotta can also work for a different texture but will provide a different flavor profile.
How Would I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the burrata may lose some creaminess. Reheat gently or enjoy cold!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and mix in the olive oil and lemon juice ahead of time. Just add the greens, burrata, and pesto right before serving to keep everything fresh!
