If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bright, zesty freshness with creamy indulgence, look no further than this Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe. This vibrant pasta salad is an absolute celebration of flavors—the zing of lemon juice, the peppery kick of arugula, and the rich, luscious texture of burrata cheese all come together in a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a centerpiece for a sunny gathering, this recipe brings a gourmet touch to simple ingredients, making every bite feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering amazing flavor and texture. From the nutty pasta shape to the crunchy pistachios, every component adds depth to the final dish.
- 1/2 lb. girelle pasta: A fun, spiral shape that holds dressing beautifully and makes every forkful satisfying.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for the dressing and ties all the flavors together.
- Juice of 1–2 lemons: The star of the show, offering bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances all other flavors.
- 1–2 cups fresh arugula: Adds a peppery, fresh bite and vibrant green color to the salad.
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated: Delivers a nutty, savory backbone with its intense umami flavor.
- 8 oz. burrata cheese: The creamy, dreamy cheese that elevates the salad to a luxurious experience.
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped: Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast that makes the texture pop.
- Basil pesto, to taste: A fragrant, herbal kick that rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness and depth.
How to Make Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
First things first, boil your girelle pasta in generously salted water until it is perfectly al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, which is essential for texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the fresh arugula when tossed.
Step 2: Make the dressing
While the pasta cools, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This simple dressing is the vibrant heart of the salad—its bright acidity and silky smoothness make the pasta sing.
Step 3: Toss the salad
Add the warm pasta to the dressing bowl along with the fresh arugula and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious lemony dressing, and the arugula starts to soften just the right amount.
Step 4: Top it off
Now comes the indulgence—tear the burrata cheese over the top of the salad, letting its creamy goodness melt slightly into the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for crunch, then drizzle a spoonful of vibrant basil pesto over everything for an herbal aroma and flavor burst.
Step 5: Serve
This Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe can be enjoyed slightly warm or chilled, and funnily enough, it tastes even better as the flavors mingle over time. So if you have a little patience, let it rest before serving to watch the magic unfold.
How to Serve Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad beyond the recipe, try adding some fresh basil leaves or a few lemon zest curls on top for an extra pop of freshness and a beautiful visual appeal. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt also works wonders to accentuate the creamy burrata and bright lemon.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread to soak up any delicious dressing left behind, or a simple grilled chicken or seafood to make it a complete meal without overwhelming its delicate flavors. Light, crisp white wines or sparkling water with a lemon slice also complement it perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe in small mason jars for individual portions or layer it on a shallow platter with burrata tucked in pockets for an impressive shared dish. Adding edible flowers is a playful and colorful way to turn this pasta salad into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the fresh textures intact, it’s best to add the torn burrata and pistachios just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the delicate burrata and fresh greens do not freeze well, and the texture of the pasta may become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy the salad warm, gently reheat just the pasta portion in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil before tossing with fresh arugula, cheese, and toppings. Avoid overheating the burrata—add it fresh after warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While girelle is ideal for its spiral shape, short tubular pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully as they hold the dressing well.
Is burrata cheese necessary or can it be substituted?
Burrata gives this salad its signature creaminess, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used as alternatives, though the rich texture will differ slightly.
Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can omit the cheeses and add a dollop of vegan pesto or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, plus toss in some toasted nuts for richness and texture.
How lemony should the salad be?
The lemon juice should be balanced—not overpowering but enough to brighten the entire dish. Start with one lemon and add a bit more if you love a sharper citrus kick.
Can this salad be served warm?
Definitely! This Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe is delicious warm or chilled. The burrata gently melting over warm pasta is especially comforting, but the bright flavors shine in both ways.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it feel like a luxurious treat despite its simple ingredients and quick preparation. Every time I make it, it feels like sharing a little sunshine on a plate with friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—give it a try soon and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (can serve 2-4 as a side)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad featuring al dente girelle pasta tossed with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, fresh arugula, and Parmigiano Reggiano, topped with creamy burrata cheese, crunchy pistachios, and fragrant basil pesto. Perfect as a light lunch or a summery side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb. girelle pasta (or any short pasta)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Salad
- 1–2 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
Toppings
- 8 oz. burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- Basil pesto, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil girelle pasta in salted water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly, ensuring it does not become mushy.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified, creating a bright and tangy dressing.
- Toss the salad: Add the slightly cooled pasta to the dressing bowl along with fresh arugula and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Top it off: Tear the burrata cheese over the top of the pasta salad, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios for added texture and nuttiness. Drizzle with a spoonful of basil pesto to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the salad slightly warm or chilled. The salad’s flavors will meld beautifully if allowed to rest for a short time, making it even more delicious.
Notes
- You can substitute girelle pasta with any short pasta like fusilli or rotini.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your preferred tartness level.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before adding.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Basil pesto can be store-bought or homemade.
