Cold Spiral Pasta
Burrata Cheese
A refreshing summer pasta salad featuring vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp greens, and a creamy burrata heart. This no-cook sauce method highlights the natural freshness of every ingredient.
Cold pasta salads are the perfect solution for hot summer days when you want a satisfying meal without turning on the stove for long periods. This dish celebrates the interplay of textures, combining the bite of spiral pasta with the sweet, acidic juices of cherry tomatoes and the indulgent, creamy interior of a fresh burrata cheese ball. It is a simple, elegant meal that relies on quality olive oil and fresh produce to bring out bright, clean flavors.
Ingredients
- 200 g spiral pasta
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 100 g ham sausages
- 50 g purple cabbage
- 50 g Italian lettuce
- 30 g Parmesan cheese
- 1 unit burrata cheese ball
- 2 liters water (for boiling)
- 17 g salt
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- optional chopped parsley
- optional red pepper powder
Instructions
- 1Halve the cherry tomatoes
Begin by washing the cherry tomatoes and carefully cutting them in half on a clean cutting board. The sweet and sour juices from these tomatoes will serve as a refreshing base flavor for the cold pasta.
Tip: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green cherry tomatoes adds a beautiful color contrast to your finished dish. - 2Transfer tomatoes to a bowl
Once all the cherry tomatoes are halved, slide them off the cutting board and into a large metal mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is spacious enough to accommodate all the remaining ingredients and pasta later.
Tip: A wide metal bowl helps to cool down the pasta more quickly when everything is mixed together. - 3Season with salt and olive oil
Sprinkle about one gram of salt evenly over the halved tomatoes, then drizzle a layer of high-quality olive oil over the top. The salt helps draw out the natural juices from the tomatoes, intensifying their flavor.
Tip: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, as its raw flavor will heavily influence this no-cook sauce. - 4Add the salad greens
Next, add a generous handful of mixed lettuce, including shredded purple cabbage and Italian green lettuce, into the bowl right on top of the seasoned tomatoes.
Tip: Make sure your lettuce leaves are thoroughly washed and dried; excess water can dilute the flavor of your dressing. - 5Mix the vegetables thoroughly
Toss the tomatoes and lettuce together thoroughly. Mixing them well ensures that every leaf is evenly coated with the salt, olive oil, and the flavorful tomato juices that have been released.
Tip: Toss gently using your hands or a pair of large spoons to avoid bruising the delicate lettuce leaves. - 6Chop the ham
Take the ham sausages, cut them in half lengthwise, and then slice them into small, bite-sized pieces on your cutting board. These will add a savory, meaty element to the cold pasta salad.
Tip: You can substitute the ham sausages with prosciutto or salami for a more intense, authentic Italian flavor profile. - 7Add cheese and ham
Add the diced ham to the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Evenly sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top to enhance the savory flavor profile of the salad base.
Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan provides a much better texture and flavor than pre-grated varieties. - 8Cook the pasta
Bring two liters of water to a boil and add sixteen grams of salt. Add the spiral pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Spiral pasta is excellent for this dish as its shape holds the sauce and cheese effectively.
Tip: Ensure the water is well-salted to season the pasta from within. - 9Combine ingredients
Once the spiral pasta is cooked, drain it well and transfer it directly into the large bowl containing the seasoned vegetables, ham, and Parmesan cheese.
Tip: Adding the pasta while it is still warm helps it absorb the olive oil and integrate better with the other ingredients. - 10Toss and dress
Drizzle a circle of olive oil over the combined pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together using a fork or tongs until everything is thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
Tip: Be careful not to over-mix to keep the lettuce and vegetables crisp. - 11Plate the dish
Transfer the mixed pasta to a serving plate. Carefully place the whole, plump burrata cheese ball right in the center of the pasta dish as the final topping.
Tip: Handle the burrata gently so it stays intact until it is ready to be served. - 12Serve and reveal
Use a fork to gently break open the burrata cheese ball on the plate. Allow the rich, creamy interior to flow out over the pasta. You can finish by sprinkling with chopped parsley and red pepper powder.
Tip: Breaking the cheese right before serving ensures the best presentation and texture. - 13Garnish the burrata
With the burrata cheese broken open, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the creamy interior for a pop of color and freshness. Add a dash of red pepper powder to provide a subtle, vibrant contrast to the white cheese.
Tip: A light sprinkle is all you need; avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of the burrata. - 14Final olive oil drizzle
Complete the dish by drizzling a final layer of extra virgin olive oil over the burrata and the surrounding pasta. This adds a silky finish and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cold salad.
Tip: Use a high-quality cold-pressed olive oil for the best flavor impact.
