This Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is fresh and creamy, perfect for a sunny day! With pasta, tangy lemon, and soft burrata, every bite is a taste of sunshine.
I love how quickly this salad comes together. Just toss everything in a bowl, and you have a lovely dish ready for lunch or a picnic. Who wants to wait for dinner? 🍋🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using cavatappi for its fun shape that holds sauce well. Fusilli or rotini are great too! If you’re gluten-free, you can swap in a gluten-free pasta blend. No one will notice the difference!
Arugula: Arugula gives a nice peppery bite. If you can’t find it, feel free to use spinach or baby kale for a milder taste and similar texture.
Burrata: This creamy cheese is the star! If burrata is hard to find, mozzarella works as a simpler substitute, but it won’t be as creamy.
Pesto: Use homemade or store-bought basil pesto. For a twist, you could try sun-dried tomato pesto or a dairy-free version if you’re avoiding dairy!
Lemon: Fresh lemon is key for a bright flavor. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be a decent substitute, but I recommend using fresh whenever possible.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta for salad requires a bit of extra attention to avoid mushiness. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil water in a large pot and add a generous amount of salt before adding the pasta. The water should taste like the ocean!
- Cook pasta until just al dente; check a couple minutes early. Remember, it will continue to cook as it cools!
- Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down fast. This helps keep it firm.
- Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking while it cools, making it perfect for tossing with your other ingredients!
Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (such as cavatappi, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 2 burrata balls (about 8 oz total), torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes or chopped pistachios (optional), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare! You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the pasta and then mixing everything together. If you want to let the flavors meld, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before serving. Perfect for a quick meal or a picnic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, boil a big pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). Once it’s ready, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Make sure it’s drained well and then add it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Toss with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the warm pasta with olive oil and give it a good toss to coat the pasta evenly. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
3. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add that bright zesty flavor! Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and the fresh arugula to the pasta. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
4. Add the Burrata:
Take the torn pieces of burrata and dollop them over the pasta. You want it to be evenly distributed so you get that creamy goodness in each bite!
5. Mix in the Pesto:
Spoon your fresh basil pesto over the pasta and burrata. This will really bring the dish together with its vibrant flavor!
6. Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of everything. This adds a wonderful salty kick!
7. Season to Taste:
Now grab your salt and black pepper! Season the salad to your taste. Remember, burrata and Parmesan are already salty, so go easy on the salt.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like a bit of heat or crunch, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped pistachios. Serve immediately, or if you have a bit of patience, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors really mesh together. Enjoy your perfect summer salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to your salad. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully, as it may take a minute or two longer to reach the perfect al dente texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from becoming too soggy, it’s best to store the pesto and burrata separately if possible. Gently toss the pasta before serving, and feel free to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta, arugula, lemon, and pesto ahead of time. Just mix everything together (except for the burrata) right before serving to keep the texture fresh. If you’re making it ahead of time for a gathering, be sure to add the burrata just before presenting for maximum creaminess!
What If I Don’t Have Burrata?
No worries! If burrata is unavailable, mozzarella is a tasty substitute. Simply tear it into pieces just like you would with the burrata. The texture won’t be as creamy, but it will still be delicious!
