Summer Salad Series / Ditalini Pasta , Burrata & Dijon

Ditalini Pasta Salad boasts al dente pasta mingling with torn burrata, marinated artichoke hearts, Castelvetrano olives, pickled red onions, and a medley of Mediterranean delights. Shaved Parmesan and fresh dill crown this culinary symphony, all harmonized by a zesty Dijon Vinaigrette.

Ditalini pasta is a small, tube-shaped pasta that's often used in soups, salads, and dishes with chunky sauces. The name "ditalini" comes from the Italian word "ditali," which means "small thimbles." This pasta variety is characterized by its short length, smooth surface, and cylindrical shape.

Here are a few key features and uses of ditalini pasta:

Size and Shape: Ditalini pasta is typically about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length and has a diameter similar to that of a penne pasta. It resembles miniature tubes or thimbles, and the ends are cut straight across.

Texture and Cooking: Ditalini pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, giving it a firm texture when cooked. It's often boiled to an "al dente" consistency, which means it should be cooked until it's tender but still retains a slight bite.

Uses:

1. Soups: Ditalini pasta is a popular choice for adding to soups, especially minestrone and other Italian-style vegetable soups. Its small size allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth and other ingredients.

2. Salads: Ditalini pasta is well-suited for pasta salads because of its small size, which makes it easy to combine with various ingredients. It can hold onto dressings and sauces, providing a balanced bite.

3. Baked Dishes: Ditalini can be used in baked pasta dishes, such as casseroles, where its shape allows it to hold onto sauces and cheese.

4. Side Dishes: It can also be served as a side dish alongside meat, fish, or vegetables.

Flavor Pairings: Ditalini pasta works well with a wide range of flavors. Its neutral taste allows it to complement both light and bold sauces, as well as a variety of vegetables, cheeses, and proteins. In your case, the ingredients you've listed for your pasta salad – like burrata, artichoke hearts, olives, pickled onions, Parmesan cheese, and dill – will all come together to create a delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Overall, ditalini pasta's versatility and ability to absorb flavors make it a favorite in many dishes, and it's especially loved for its role in comforting soups and creative pasta salads.

---

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ditalini pasta, cooked to al dente

3-4 burrata balls, torn into pieces

1 cup Marinated artichoke hearts

1/2 Castelvetrano olives

1/4 cup Pickled red onions

1/4 cup Shaved Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup Kalamata Olives

8-10 Cornichon pickles, chopped roughly

8-10 Grape tomatoes, cut in half horizontally

2-3 sprigs of Fresh Dill

A pinch of red chili flakes

1 cup Dijon Vinaigrette

Dijon Vinaigrette

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 tablespoon grainy mustard

1 tsp chopped garlic

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Cook Ditalini Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare Dijon Vinaigrette:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, chopped garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ditalini pasta, torn burrata pieces, marinated artichoke hearts, Castelvetrano olives, pickled red onions, shaved Parmesan cheese, Kalamata olives, chopped cornichon pickles, and halved grape tomatoes.

Add Fresh Dill:

• Gently pluck the leaves from the sprigs of fresh dill. Add the dill leaves to the salad for a burst of herbaceous flavor and color.

Dress the Salad:

• Pour the prepared Dijon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to ensure everything is well coated with the flavorful dressing.

Chill and Serve:

• Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Final Touches:

• Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the Ditalini Pasta Salad on individual plates or a large serving platter. Garnish with a few extra dill sprigs for a fresh visual appeal.

This Ditalini Pasta Salad with Burrata and Mediterranean flavors is a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for a refreshing lunch, light dinner, or a flavorful side dish that will impress your guests with its colorful presentation and delectable combination of ingredients.