Description
Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that brings summer vibes to your table all year round. This delightful salad combines the peppery taste of fresh arugula with zesty lemon and crunchy walnuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for summer barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or potluck gatherings, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. The wholesome ingredients come together in just 25 minutes, making it an effortless addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a light main course or a vibrant side dish, this Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.5 oz arugula
- 8 oz pasta, such as farfalle or orzo, cooked and rinsed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 8 Tb olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tb capers plus 1 tsp of their brine
- 1 Tb white balsamic vinegar
- 6 basil leaves, cut chiffonade-style (optional)
- 2 tsp dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, chopped walnuts, capers with brine, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Add the rinsed pasta to the dressing mixture and toss gently until fully coated.
- Fold in arugula (and basil if using) carefully without bruising the greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg