Description
Bright, fresh, and satisfying, this Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad combines peppery arugula, tangy lemon, tender pasta, and Parmesan cheese for a zesty summer dish perfect for picnics, BBQs, or light dinners. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s a versatile, healthy, and customizable salad bursting with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 8 ounces bite-sized pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately to stop cooking and keep it from sticking.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large bowl and pour over the lemon dressing. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the zesty mix.
- Add arugula and cheese: Fold in fresh arugula and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing lightly so the arugula just begins to wilt and the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Final touches: Optionally, stir in halved cherry tomatoes or toasted nuts for extra color, texture, and flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest citrus flavors.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy salad.
- Chill the salad for 20-30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Toss gently to keep arugula crisp and pasta intact.
- Choose smaller pasta shapes with ridges to hold dressing better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg