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Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe

Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe for a Fresh Summer Vibe

A Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad that's quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz short pasta (farfalle or orzo) choose pasta that holds dressing well
For the Salad
  • 3.5 oz fresh arugula adds vibrancy
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped toast lightly to enhance flavor
  • cup Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, finely grated fresh-grated is best
For the Dressing
  • 1 each lemon, juice and zest enhances aroma and acidity
  • 8 Tb olive oil use quality for deeper flavor
  • 1 Tb white balsamic vinegar brightens lemon flavor
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard aids in emulsifying dressing
  • 1 Tb capers adds a salty punch
  • 1 tsp salt balances flavors
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked for aroma
Optional Add-Ins
  • 6 each basil leaves, chiffonade optional herbaceous note

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and capers. Drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create an emulsion.
  3. Once cooled, add pasta to dressing. Toss gently to coat pasta well.
  4. Fold in arugula and optional basil leaves into the pasta mixture while being gentle.
  5. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra lemon zest and pepper, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess. Toast walnuts for extra flavor. Taste dressing before mixing with pasta to adjust seasoning as needed.

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