This Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a bright and delicious dish. It’s made with fresh pasta, creamy burrata cheese, zesty lemon, and a touch of herbs that bring it all together.
Honestly, who can resist creamy burrata? It makes every bite feel extra special! I love serving this salad on warm days—it’s simple, fresh, and perfect for a picnic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Casarecce or Short Pasta: This recipe shines with casarecce, but feel free to swap it for your favorite short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and rich, perfect for this salad. If you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be a good alternative, though they aren’t quite as creamy.
Arugula: For a peppery kick, arugula is fantastic. You can substitute it with spinach or mixed greens, though the flavor will be different.
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient, but I love making it fresh when I can! If you want a nut-free option, use sun-dried tomatoes blended with olive oil instead.
Pistachios: They add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, try toasted pumpkin seeds for similar texture and flavor!
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta for a salad requires a little extra care to ensure it has the right texture. You want the pasta to be al dente—firm but tender—so it doesn’t get mushy in the salad.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances flavor as the pasta cooks.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Taste a minute or two before the end time—you’re looking for that perfect al dente bite.
- Once it’s done, drain but keep a bit of the pasta water—this can help moisten the salad without making it soupy.
- Immediately rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process, especially if you’re not serving it right away. This keeps it from becoming too soft.
Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz casarecce or other short pasta
- 2 cups fresh arugula, roughly chopped
- 1 large ball burrata cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pistachios, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare! You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes mixing everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lovely weekend lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Your water should taste a bit like the sea! Add the pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, usually according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water for later!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and zest with the olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This zesty dressing will make your pasta salad pop!
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Add the warm pasta to the bowl with the lemon dressing. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated. If the mixture is a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Add Arugula and Parmesan:
Next, mix in the chopped arugula and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are beautifully blended together.
5. Plate and Add Burrata:
Transfer your pasta salad to a serving bowl or plates. Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and arrange those delicious pieces on top of the salad. It’s okay to be generous! The creamy burrata is the star of the show.
6. Add Pesto and Garnish:
Spoon some basil pesto over the pasta and burrata, adding dollops generously. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pistachios for a delightful crunch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serve:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the salad immediately while it’s fresh and vibrant. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors all in one bite!
This fresh pasta salad combines the creamy burrata, refreshing lemon aroma, fragrant basil pesto, and peppery arugula, making it ideal for a spring or summer meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While casarecce is delicious, you can substitute it with other short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure it’s al dente!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the burrata might lose its creaminess. For best results, enjoy it fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pasta and dressing and mix them together, but wait to add the burrata and arugula until just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What Can I Use Instead of Burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a great alternative. You could also use ricotta for a different texture, but burrata definitely gives the salad a unique creaminess!
