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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad: Fresh, Bright, and Easy!

A refreshing Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad that is vibrant, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights and summer picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Use shapes like penne or fusilli.
For the Salad
  • 4 oz Arugula Add right before serving.
  • 8 leaves Basil Hand-torn to preserve oils.
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes Diced for sweetness.
For the Dressing
  • 1.5 each Lemons Juiced and zested.
  • 3/4 cup Olive Oil Opt for high-quality.
  • 1 Tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar can be used.
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard Helps to emulsify the dressing.
  • 1 Tbsp Capers Briny depth, substitute with olives if needed.
  • 1 tsp Caper Brine
  • 1/2 tsp Honey Maple syrup is an option.
  • 1 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Finish
  • 2/3 cup Walnuts Toasted for deeper flavor.
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese Consider nutritional yeast for vegan option.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Microplane
  • juicer
  • Colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  2. While the walnuts cool, zest and juice the lemons, tear the basil leaves, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, balsamic vinegar, mustard, capers, honey, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil.
  5. Add slightly cooled pasta to the dressing, toss gently, and fold in walnuts, parmesan, and cherry tomatoes.
  6. Add arugula just before serving and toss gently.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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