Go Back
–+ servings
Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Effortless Freshness

This Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a fresh, easy, and invigorating dish that's perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne) use gluten-free if needed
  • 4 cups arugula or substitute with spinach
Flavor Ingredients
  • 1 cup basil can substitute with fresh parsley
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes can substitute with diced cucumbers
  • 1 cup walnuts toast for enhanced flavor
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese nutritional yeast for vegan
  • 2 each lemons for juicing and zesting
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup olive oil use high-quality
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar can substitute with red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard spicy brown mustard is an alternative
  • 1 tbsp capers or substitute with olives
  • 1 tbsp caper brine lemon juice as substitute
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper adjust as preferred

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • dry skillet
  • pot
  • colander

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  2. While walnuts cool, zest and juice the lemons, tear the basil, halve the cherry tomatoes, and grate the parmesan.
  3. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, and honey. Whisk in olive oil.
  5. Add parmesan and walnuts to the dressing, then toss the cooked pasta in.
  6. Fold in cherry tomatoes and basil, then gently mix in arugula just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!