Zesty Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Crafting a delightful broccoli burrata pasta salad brings unexpected magic to your kitchen adventure.

Crisp green florets dance alongside creamy cheese in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Summer gatherings deserve something spectacular that feels both elegant and effortless.

Fresh ingredients create remarkable culinary experiences without complicated techniques.

Simple pantry staples combine into something extraordinary with minimal preparation.

Each forkful promises a delectable blend of textures and flavors that will surprise you.

Your taste buds are about to embark on a memorable journey of deliciousness.

Ingredients To Make Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A hearty base for the salad that provides a satisfying texture and carries the other flavors.
• Broccoli: A fresh and nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and color to the pasta salad.
• Burrata: A creamy, rich Italian cheese that brings a luxurious and smooth element to the dish.
• Prosciutto: A salty, crispy Italian cured ham that adds a savory and crunchy topping.

• Yogurt, Sour Cream: Provides a tangy and creamy base for the ranch dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth dressing texture.
• Buttermilk: Contributes a slight tanginess and helps thin out the dressing.

• Basil, Chives, Basil Pesto: Bring fresh, herbal flavors and aromatic complexity to the pasta salad.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce: Enhance the overall flavor profile with savory and spicy notes.

• Grilled Corn: Provides a sweet and charred element that complements the other ingredients.

Steps To Make Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Basil Ranch Dressing

Grab your blender and toss in yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, and a handful of fresh basil.

Add chives, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Once done, drain and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Create Crispy Prosciutto Crunch

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Lay prosciutto slices in the pan and cook until they transform into delightful, crispy bits.

Step 4: Chop and Combine Fresh Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Chopped broccoli
• Grilled corn kernels
• Basil pesto

Gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Add Luxurious Burrata

Tear the soft burrata into chunks and fold delicately into the pasta mixture.

The creamy cheese will create beautiful pockets of richness.

Step 6: Dress and Coat

Pour the homemade basil ranch dressing over the pasta salad.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 7: Finish with Prosciutto Topping

Sprinkle the crispy prosciutto pieces over the top of the pasta salad just before serving.

The crunch will add a delightful texture contrast.

Tips For Creamy Broccoli Burrata Salad

• Adjust the buttermilk amount to create a thinner or thicker ranch dressing based on your preference.
• Enhance flavor by roasting broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding to the pasta salad.
• Replace prosciutto with crispy chickpeas or toasted pine nuts for a meat-free protein alternative.
• Refrigerate the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
• Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

Salad Variations With Broccoli Burrata

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace burrata with cashew cream cheese, swap prosciutto for crispy roasted chickpeas, use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt in ranch dressing.
• Gluten-Free Garden Option: Substitute regular pasta with quinoa or brown rice pasta, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintain same cooking technique.
• Lighter Mediterranean Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, add cucumber and cherry tomatoes, replace prosciutto with grilled halloumi cheese for protein boost.
• Herb-Infused Protein Power: Incorporate grilled chicken instead of prosciutto, add fresh dill and parsley to ranch dressing, include pine nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

Serving Broccoli Burrata Salad At Parties

• Picnic Paradise: Spread this vibrant pasta salad on a checkered blanket for a delightful outdoor meal that screams summer freshness.
• Appetizer Elegance: Serve small portions in individual martini glasses or clear shot glasses for a sophisticated starter at dinner parties or gatherings.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or seared shrimp on top to transform this salad into a complete and satisfying main course with extra protein.
• Mediterranean Twist: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese for an additional layer of Mediterranean-inspired flavor and texture.

Storing Broccoli Burrata Salad The Right Way

• Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep burrata and crispy prosciutto separate to maintain their texture.
• Place basil ranch dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for 5-7 days. Store prosciutto chips in a paper towel-lined container to prevent sogginess.
• Warm pasta salad in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on low power, stirring midway. Add fresh basil or a splash of olive oil to refresh flavors.
• When ready to serve leftovers, sprinkle crispy prosciutto and torn burrata just before eating to preserve their crunch and creamy texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this pasta salad unique?

Burrata cheese provides a creamy, luxurious texture, while crispy prosciutto adds a salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.

• Is this pasta salad healthy?

Yes, it includes nutritious broccoli, corn, and a yogurt-based ranch dressing, making it a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.

• Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the prosciutto and replace it with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy texture.

• How long can I keep this pasta salad in the refrigerator?

The pasta salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container, though the crispy prosciutto should be added just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.

Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad For Fresh Lunches

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: Elevate your pasta game with a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like gluten-free pasta, vegetarian prosciutto alternatives, or different herbs to match your dietary needs and taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine creamy burrata, crispy prosciutto, and zesty basil ranch for a mouthwatering blend that'll impress guests at potlucks, summer gatherings, or family dinners.
• Nutrient-Packed Deliciousness: Pack in fresh vegetables like broccoli and corn while enjoying a protein-rich meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired broccoli burrata pasta salad combines roasted vegetables, creamy cheese, and herbed dressing for a fresh, elegant meal. Summer’s perfect dish brings bright flavors and rich textures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) short cut pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 2 cups (300 grams) chopped broccoli
• 8 ounces (226 grams) burrata cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups (300 grams) grilled corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)

Protein Ingredients:

• 3 ounces (85 grams) prosciutto
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) basil pesto

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh basil
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh chopped chives
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant basil ranch dressing by blending yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh basil, chives, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and crisp prosciutto until golden and crunchy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and grill corn until lightly charred and caramelized.
5. Combine cooled pasta, broccoli, grilled corn, and swirl in basil pesto for an herbaceous flavor profile.
6. Delicately tear burrata into rustic chunks and gently fold into the pasta mixture, allowing creamy cheese to integrate with other ingredients.
7. Drizzle prepared basil ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
8. Garnish with crispy prosciutto pieces just before serving to maintain their crunch and add a savory depth to the dish.

Notes

• Customize the basil ranch by adjusting herbs and spices to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Toast pine nuts or almonds as a crunchy alternative to prosciutto for vegetarian options or added texture.
• Roast broccoli beforehand to enhance its natural sweetness and develop deeper flavor complexity in the pasta salad.
• Prepare dressing and components ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep more convenient for busy schedules.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 462 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg