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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad That's Perfectly Refreshing

This Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish combining pasta, arugula, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for summer meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or fusilli) gluten-free options work well too
For the Salad
  • 4 cups arugula can substitute with spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup fresh basil tear into small pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; can substitute with grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup walnuts toasted and chopped; pecans or almonds as substitutes
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated; can substitute with vegan cheese
For the Dressing
  • 2 lemons freshly juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil high-quality
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar can substitute with red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard as an alternative
  • 1 tablespoons capers optional
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • Pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until they're fragrant and lightly golden. Chop coarsely and set aside.
  2. Zest and juice the lemons into a bowl. Tear the fresh basil, halve the cherry tomatoes, and grate the parmesan cheese.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, then drain.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk while drizzling in the olive oil until emulsified.
  5. Add cooled pasta to the dressing and toss gently to coat.
  6. Fold in parmesan, walnuts, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Mix gently.
  7. Add arugula last, folding it in carefully to maintain its crispness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately or let sit for 15-30 minutes for flavors to meld. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, adding arugula just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Ensure to add arugula just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. Adjust seasoning according to personal taste.

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