The bright zing of fresh lemon juice and zest gives this pasta salad a refreshing lift, perfectly balanced by the luscious creaminess of torn burrata. Juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil bring color, texture, and an Italian flair, while toasted pine nuts add a satisfying crunch.
It’s an effortless dish that looks as good as it tastes—ideal for warm-weather meals, quick entertaining, or a light yet indulgent lunch. With minimal cooking required, it’s a crowd‑pleaser that brings big flavor in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340 g) short pasta (like rotini or penne)
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8 oz (225 g) burrata cheese
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
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2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Add cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and half of the basil. Toss to coat.
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Gently tear burrata into chunks and fold it into the salad.
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Sprinkle remaining basil and toasted pine nuts on top.
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Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes for a cooler bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: ~380 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Introduction to Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
The Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a celebration of simple ingredients, fresh flavors, and bright Mediterranean flair. It’s a dish that not only looks beautiful but also delivers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes in every bite. This salad is the ultimate summer pasta—easy to prepare, visually stunning, and versatile enough for anything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties.
Lemon and burrata might sound like an unusual combination, but they’re absolutely magical together. The citrus zing of lemon juice and zest contrasts beautifully with the soft, luxurious creaminess of burrata cheese. Add in the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, the sharpness of garlic, and the earthy aroma of basil, and you’ve got a pasta salad that’s far more than just a side dish—it’s the centerpiece.
Why Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad Is a Summer Essential
In the warmer months, heavy meals can feel overwhelming. That’s where this pasta salad comes in. It’s light but still satisfying, offering nourishment without leaving you feeling sluggish. The refreshing citrus components make it ideal for picnics, outdoor brunches, or al fresco dinners.
What truly sets it apart is how well it blends freshness and indulgence. Burrata cheese is famously rich and creamy, yet when paired with lemon and fresh vegetables, it becomes part of a harmonious, vibrant dish that feels both luxurious and refreshing. It’s no wonder this recipe has quickly become a favorite among seasonal food lovers and home cooks alike.
The Flavor Profile: Creamy Meets Zesty
One of the key highlights of this dish is its intricate yet approachable flavor profile. The lemon provides a clean, zippy backdrop that wakes up your palate. It enhances the brightness of the tomatoes and plays a balancing act with the richness of the burrata.
Meanwhile, the basil offers a hint of peppery sweetness, while toasted pine nuts add a warm, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese and tender pasta. It’s this layering of textures and flavors—soft and crunchy, rich and tangy—that elevates the dish from a simple salad to a gourmet experience.
The Role of Burrata in the Dish
Burrata cheese is often described as mozzarella’s more decadent cousin. It has a delicate outer layer of mozzarella filled with stracciatella and cream, making it a rich, velvety centerpiece. In this pasta salad, burrata is not melted or stirred in like traditional cheeses—instead, it’s gently torn and folded in, allowing its creamy core to coat the pasta naturally.
This method keeps the cheese from overpowering the salad. Instead, it melts into the lemon dressing slightly, blending subtly with each ingredient and enhancing every bite with just the right amount of indulgence.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Though the recipe is fairly straightforward, a few key techniques can make a big difference:
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Use high-quality burrata: Since it’s the star of the show, fresh burrata will deliver the creamiest, richest flavor.
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Cook the pasta al dente: A slight bite in the pasta holds up better in the salad and prevents it from getting soggy.
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Balance the lemon: Taste your dressing before mixing—it should be bright but not overly sour. Adding a touch of honey or a pinch more salt can balance out strong citrus tones.
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Toss gently: When folding in burrata and tomatoes, be gentle to maintain texture and visual appeal.
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Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled: This brings out all the flavors without dulling the cheese or aromatics.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best parts of this salad is how easy it is to customize. While the original version is perfectly balanced, the following tweaks can make it fit different tastes or dietary needs:
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Add protein: Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or poached shrimp can turn this into a complete meal.
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Swap the pasta: Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or legume-based pastas to adjust for dietary preferences.
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Use different herbs: Fresh mint or parsley can offer a different aromatic profile without clashing with the lemon and cheese.
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Introduce greens: Arugula or spinach folded in at the end adds volume and another layer of freshness.
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Make it dairy-free: Substitute burrata with a high-quality dairy-free mozzarella alternative if needed.
Occasions to Serve Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad
This dish fits beautifully into a wide range of occasions. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party yet quick enough for a busy weekday. Here are some ideal times to bring it out:
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Summer picnics and BBQs: It holds up well outdoors and pairs beautifully with grilled dishes.
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Brunch or potluck gatherings: Easy to transport and universally loved.
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Light dinners: Pair it with crusty bread and chilled wine for a perfect warm-weather meal.
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Entertaining: Serve it as a side or first course to impress your guests with minimal effort.
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Meal prep: Though best eaten fresh, leftovers keep well for 1–2 days and make for a delicious next-day lunch.
Pairing Suggestions
To make your Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad part of a cohesive meal, consider the following pairing options:
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Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or light rosé will enhance the citrus and creamy notes.
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Bread: Serve with a warm baguette or focaccia to soak up the lemony dressing and bits of burrata.
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Appetizers: Complement it with marinated olives, crostini, or a simple melon and prosciutto platter.
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Dessert: Finish the meal with a light sorbet, lemon tart, or berry compote for a refreshing touch.
Health Benefits of This Dish
While indulgent, this pasta salad also delivers nutritional benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, tomatoes bring antioxidants, and pine nuts provide healthy fats and protein. Using whole grain pasta or adding leafy greens can boost fiber content, and fresh basil contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
It’s also vegetarian, and when made with gluten-free pasta and dairy alternatives, it suits multiple dietary needs. The balance of macronutrients—carbs, fats, and a little protein—makes it a great option for balanced meals.
Conclusion
The Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that offers so much more than the sum of its parts. It’s a fusion of freshness and comfort, elegance and simplicity. Whether you’re making it for guests, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes.
It’s easy to love and even easier to make. The next time you need a crowd-pleasing recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, reach for this pasta salad. With its sunny lemon notes, creamy burrata, and bursts of basil and tomato, it’s like summer in every bite.
