Description
Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines tender short pasta with creamy burrata cheese and the bright zest of fresh lemons. This salad offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, making it an ideal light meal, side dish, or party favorite. With quick preparation, wholesome ingredients, and delightful presentation, this recipe is perfect for casual lunches or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz short pasta (fusilli or penne)
Cheese
- 1 ball (about 8 oz) burrata cheese
Citrus
- 1 large fresh lemon (zest and juice)
Oils & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Herbs & Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or mint, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the short pasta in salted water until just al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the pasta and rinse lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, ensuring a bright and tangy flavor to complement the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh herbs such as basil or mint. Drizzle the lemon dressing evenly over the mixture and gently toss to coat every piece without bruising the ingredients.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Gently tear the burrata cheese into bite-sized pieces and nestle them on top of the pasta salad. The creamy texture of the burrata will slowly melt slightly into the warm pasta, providing luscious pockets of flavor.
- Final Touches: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, add a little more olive oil and scatter some extra fresh herbs for both freshness and an appealing presentation. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to preserve the perfect texture and prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid diluting the lemon dressing.
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice rather than bottled lemon juice for superior flavor.
- Toss salad gently to keep the burrata intact and maintain its creamy texture.
- This salad is best enjoyed shortly after preparation to enjoy the freshness and creaminess of burrata.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg