Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the peppery flavor of arugula with zesty lemon dressing, crunchy walnuts, and tender pasta. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a nutritious side dish, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with healthy ingredients. The bright flavors and delightful textures make it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Serve it chilled for a light lunch or alongside grilled chicken for a satisfying dinner. With its meal prep-friendly nature, you can enjoy this delicious salad throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.5 oz arugula
- 8 oz pasta (farfalle or orzo), cooked and rinsed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup 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
- Optional: 6 basil leaves, cut chiffonade-style
Instructions
- Cook 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, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped walnuts, capers with their brine, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until mixed evenly.
- Add rinsed pasta to the dressing mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Fold in arugula and basil (if using) until evenly distributed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://juliaflavors.com/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad/