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Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and creamy dish perfect for a quick summer meal or a light side dish. The pasta is tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, arugula, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The salad is topped with soft burrata cheese, a drizzle of basil pesto, and chopped pistachios for added crunch. This dish is full of refreshing flavors with the richness of burrata and the zestiness of lemon, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 lb girelle pasta (or your favorite pasta)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1-2 lemons
Salt & pepper to taste
1-2 cups arugula
1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
8 oz burrata cheese
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
Basil pesto to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and allow the pasta to cool before making the salad.
Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette:
In a small mason jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake well to combine.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, arugula, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and lemon vinaigrette. Taste and adjust the lemon and arugula to your preference.
Plate the Salad:
Plate the pasta and top with torn burrata, a drizzle of basil pesto, chopped pistachios, a drizzle of olive oil, and more Parmigiano Reggiano.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes 4 servings)

Calories: ~480 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Protein: ~15g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Fiber: ~3g

The Pasta: A Light, Pillowy Base

At the heart of this dish is the pasta, and while any pasta can work for this salad, girelle pasta is a fun choice. This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto the lemon vinaigrette and creamy burrata beautifully, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. Girelle’s texture also makes it great for salads, as its shape allows the ingredients to cling to the pasta, creating a more cohesive dish.

If you don’t have girelle, feel free to use your favorite pasta—whether it’s farfalle, penne, or fusilli. The pasta should be cooked al dente to retain some bite and prevent it from getting too soft when mixed with the salad ingredients. Once cooked, allow the pasta to cool before tossing it with the other components, ensuring a refreshing, cool base for the salad.

Lemon Vinaigrette: The Tangy, Zesty Flavor

The lemon vinaigrette is what really makes this salad stand out. It’s bright, tangy, and refreshing, providing the perfect contrast to the richness of the burrata. Made from just olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, the vinaigrette is simple to prepare but full of flavor.

The key to the vinaigrette is balancing the acidity of the lemon with the richness of the olive oil. The lemon juice adds that zesty kick, while the olive oil smooths it out, creating a well-rounded dressing that complements the pasta and cheese. A few shakes of salt and pepper round out the flavor, making the vinaigrette the ideal base for this pasta salad.

Burrata: A Creamy, Luxurious Touch

Burrata cheese is the true star of this salad. This creamy, soft cheese adds a richness that elevates the entire dish. The inside of burrata is filled with a soft, milky curd that oozes out when cut, creating a luxurious texture that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon vinaigrette. The mild, fresh flavor of burrata works perfectly with the boldness of the pesto and the zestiness of the lemon, adding a creamy element to balance the acidity.

When serving the salad, tear the burrata into pieces and scatter it over the top. The torn pieces create beautiful little pockets of creamy cheese that will meld into the pasta as you toss it, creating that perfect bite of pasta and cheese in every forkful.

The Pistachios: Adding Crunch and Texture

While the burrata brings a creamy, soft texture, the chopped pistachios add a delightful crunch to the salad. Pistachios are slightly sweet and nutty, providing a contrast to the smoothness of the cheese and the acidity of the lemon vinaigrette. Their crunchy texture also adds a satisfying bite to the salad, making it more interesting and texturally balanced.

Pistachios are also a healthy addition, as they’re packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Their subtle sweetness and earthiness complement the other ingredients, making them a perfect choice for this dish. If you don’t have pistachios on hand, feel free to swap them with another nut, such as pine nuts, walnuts, or even almonds, depending on your preference.

Arugula: A Peppery, Fresh Addition

Arugula brings a peppery, slightly bitter flavor to the salad, which works beautifully with the creamy burrata and tangy lemon dressing. Its freshness adds a green, herbal note to the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese and the depth of the pesto. The slightly bitter flavor of arugula also helps cut through the creaminess of the burrata, providing a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.

Arugula is packed with vitamins and minerals, adding not just flavor but a healthy boost to the salad. It’s a light, yet flavorful green that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients, making it an essential component of this dish.

Basil Pesto: A Drizzle of Freshness

A drizzle of basil pesto adds another layer of flavor to the Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad. Pesto, with its vibrant green color and herby flavor, enhances the freshness of the salad and complements the lemon vinaigrette. The nutty, garlicky flavor of pesto works beautifully with the creaminess of the burrata and the zest of the lemon, bringing the dish together with an extra burst of freshness.

You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but making your own at home allows you to customize the flavors and add a personal touch. Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese come together in a fragrant sauce that takes this pasta salad to the next level. A small drizzle on top before serving adds just the right amount of richness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

As a Light Main Course: On its own, this pasta salad is a satisfying meal, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of pasta, cheese, and pesto provides enough substance while still feeling light and refreshing.
As a Side Dish: This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Its fresh, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
For a Picnic or Potluck: Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is also a great option for outdoor gatherings. It’s easy to make in advance, and the flavors only improve as the salad sits, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Summer

Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish. It combines the season’s best flavors—fresh lemon, creamy cheese, and vibrant greens—into one delicious meal. It’s light enough to be refreshing on a hot day, yet hearty enough to satisfy your appetite. The bright, tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the burrata, while the pistachios add a satisfying crunch.

This dish is also highly customizable, so you can adjust the amount of pesto, arugula, or cheese to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course or a side dish to complement your grilled meats, it’s sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.

Conclusion: A Fresh, Flavorful Summer Favorite

Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the best of summer ingredients. The creamy burrata, tangy lemon vinaigrette, and crunchy pistachios make for a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a dish to impress at your next dinner party, this pasta salad is sure to please.

Try Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad today and enjoy a burst of fresh flavors and creamy indulgence in every bite. It’s the perfect dish for summer—and beyond!

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