Description
Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the peppery taste of fresh arugula with zesty lemon juice, creating a delightful experience in every bite. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal. With its light yet satisfying profile, it pairs beautifully with pasta, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheese, making it an ideal main course or side dish. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this nutritious salad packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.5 oz arugula
- 8 oz pasta (like farfalle or orzo), cooked and rinsed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 8 Tb olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tb capers plus 1 tsp brine
- 1 Tb white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, chopped walnuts, capers with brine, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir in grated parmesan.
- Add the rinsed pasta to the dressing mixture and toss gently until coated.
- Fold in the arugula carefully to keep it intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or seasonal veggies. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.