Description

This Zesty Lemon Burrata Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a light dinner or a side. It combines creamy burrata cheese, fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon dressing to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Optional add-ins like grilled chicken and avocado make it versatile enough for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Cheese

8 ounces pasta (choose your favorite shape; cook until al dente)
8 ounces burrata (adds creamy richness; can substitute with mozzarella)

Fresh Produce

1 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or mint; adjust to taste)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes)
1 medium avocado (ripe, for added creaminess; optional)

Dressing and Seasonings

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Protein and Crunch

1 cup grilled chicken (optional, for a hearty addition)
1/4 cup nuts or seeds (pine nuts or sunflower seeds, for crunch)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dressing will infuse the pasta salad with bright, zesty flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Add the slightly cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold in the creamy burrata, fresh herbs, and halved cherry tomatoes, making sure everything is well coated without breaking up the cheese too much.
Add Optional Ingredients: If using, gently mix in grilled chicken pieces and diced ripe avocado for added protein and creaminess, enhancing the salad’s heartiness and texture.
Toss and Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss to combine all ingredients evenly and top with your choice of nuts or seeds for a crunchy finish.
Chill (Optional): For best flavor meld, refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving, or enjoy immediately if preferred.

Notes

Cook pasta slightly less than package instructions if you plan to chill the salad, to avoid over-softening.
Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for the most vibrant flavor; mint adds a refreshing twist.
Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella for a similar texture though less creamy.
Adding grilled chicken transforms this salad into a satisfying main dish; omit for a vegetarian option.
For added zest, incorporate lemon zest into the dressing along with the juice.
Adjust seasoning after mixing as cheese and other ingredients may affect saltiness.