Orzo Pasta Salad with Burrata

by Ivanka Hanley | This recipe hasn't been reviewed yet!

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A cold pasta salad like this one is the perfect make ahead dish to bring to a BBQ, picnic, or simply to your dinner table. And the creamy burrata takes it up a notch!

Orzo Pasta Salad with Burrata: Creamy, Fresh, and Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re searching for a vibrant, creamy, and refreshing salad to brighten up your meals, this orzo pasta salad with burrata is a fantastic choice. Combining tender orzo pasta with juicy fresh vegetables and luxurious burrata cheese, this salad is a delightful way to enjoy fresh flavors and creamy textures in every bite.

Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this orzo salad is easy to make ahead, stores well, and looks beautiful on the table.

Why You’ll Love Orzo Pasta Salad with Burrata

What makes this salad stand out is the addition of burrata — a creamy, soft cheese that elevates the dish with its rich texture and mild, milky flavor. Unlike traditional pasta salads that rely on shredded or crumbled cheese, burrata adds a luscious creaminess that melts perfectly into the pasta and veggies.

The fresh vegetables add brightness and crunch, balancing the richness of the cheese and pasta. Think ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet bell peppers, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

This salad also offers a well-rounded combination of carbs, fresh produce, and protein (from the cheese), making it a satisfying yet light meal or side.

Simple Ingredients for a Flavor-Packed Salad

The base of this dish is orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers bring color, texture, and freshness.

The star, burrata cheese, is served on top or torn and mixed in just before serving to keep its creamy texture intact. A simple dressing made from olive oil, salt, pepper and chili flakes ties all the flavors together without overpowering the delicate cheese.

How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Burrata

Cook the orzo pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad. Chop your fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, toss the orzo with the veggies and salad dressing. Gently tear the burrata cheese and either mix it in or place it on top just before serving.

Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Tips for the Best Orzo Pasta Salad with Burrata

Use fresh, ripe vegetables for the best flavor and crunch.
Don’t overcook the orzo — it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Add the burrata last to preserve its creamy texture.
Serve immediately or chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
Customize with olives, artichoke hearts, or toasted pine nuts for extra texture.

A Fresh and Creamy Salad for Every Season

While this salad shines in spring and summer, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Pair it with grilled chicken, seafood, or as a vegetarian main dish.

This orzo pasta salad with burrata brings together creamy, fresh, and bright flavors that are sure to impress family and guests alike. Easy to make, visually stunning, and delicious — it’s the perfect salad for any occasion!

How To Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Burrata

The Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

Orzo
A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and provides a tender, slightly chewy base for the salad.
Substitutes: Couscous, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Water or broth
Used to cook the orzo; broth adds extra flavor while water keeps it neutral.
Substitutes: Vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even mushroom broth for richer flavor.
Bell peppers
Crisp and sweet, bell peppers add vibrant color and crunch.
Substitutes: Mini sweet peppers, poblano peppers (milder heat), or diced zucchini for a milder crunch.
Tomato
Juicy and slightly acidic, tomatoes bring freshness and balance.
Substitutes: Cherry or grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes (for concentrated flavor), or roasted red peppers.
Cucumber
Cool and crisp, cucumber adds a refreshing contrast to richer ingredients.
Substitutes: Zucchini (raw or lightly sautéed), jicama, or celery for crunch.
Green onions
Mild onion flavor and a pop of color to brighten the salad.
Substitutes: Chives, shallots, or red onions (use sparingly for less sharpness).
Basil
Fresh herb with sweet, slightly peppery notes that enhance the salad’s brightness.
Substitutes: Parsley, mint, or oregano.

Dressing Ingredients

Olive oil
Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Substitutes: Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or walnut oil for a nutty flavor.
Red wine vinegar
Provides acidity and tang to balance the oil and sweetener.
Substitutes: White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.
Maple syrup
Natural sweetener that balances acidity and adds depth.
Substitutes: Honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup.
Garlic (minced or grated)
Adds savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the dressing.
Substitutes: Garlic powder (use less), shallots, or onion powder.
Paprika
Offers mild smokiness and color to the dressing.
Substitutes: Smoked paprika (for a stronger smoky flavor), chili powder, or cayenne pepper (for heat).

Burrata Cheese

Creamy, fresh Italian cheese with a soft outer shell and a rich, creamy interior that melts beautifully into the salad.
Substitutes: Fresh mozzarella (less creamy), ricotta (for creaminess), or vegan cashew-based cheese alternatives.

What You Need

The Steps

Cook orzo as per package instructions; drain and let cool
Wash and dice your veggies: bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, and basil
Whisk together the dressing ingredients
Combine orzo, veggies, and dressing in a large bowl
Top with fresh burrata, extra olive oil, sea salt, and chili flakes

Recipe Tips

Chopped Orzo Salad with Burrata

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings servings

Ingredients

1 cup orzo
2 cups water or broth
2 colorful bell peppers diced
1 tomato
½ large cucumber
¼ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup chopped basil

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp maple syrup
1 clove garlic minced or grated
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Burrata cheese

Instructions

Cook orzo as per package instructions; drain and let cool
Wash and dice your veggies: bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, and basil
Whisk together the dressing ingredients
Combine orzo, veggies, and dressing in a large bowl
Top with fresh burrata, extra olive oil, sea salt, and chili flakes

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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