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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and crisp prosciutto until golden and crunchy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and grill corn until lightly charred and caramelized.
- Combine cooled pasta, broccoli, grilled corn, and swirl in basil pesto for an herbaceous flavor profile.
- Delicately tear burrata into rustic chunks and gently fold into the pasta mixture, allowing creamy cheese to integrate with other ingredients.
- Drizzle prepared basil ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- 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