Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta tossed in a zesty lemon and white balsamic dressing, combined with peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and fresh Parmesan. This vibrant salad balances tangy, salty, and nutty flavors, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (farfalle, orzo, or your favorite short pasta)
Greens and Nuts
- 3.5 oz fresh arugula
- ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
Cheese
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Dressing
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 8 Tb olive oil
- 1 Tb white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tb capers + 1 tsp brine
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
Optional
- 6 basil leaves, chiffonade
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just until tender, slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, capers with brine, and chopped walnuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified and combined.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the bright and tangy dressing.
- Add Greens and Basil: Toss in the fresh arugula and optional chiffonade basil leaves. The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the arugula and infuse it with the citrusy flavors.
Notes
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly to prevent overcooking and sogginess in the salad.
- Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for about a minute to enhance their flavor.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly improves taste compared to pre-packaged options.
- If arugula is very peppery, adding a handful of baby spinach balances the flavor.
- Taste the dressing before adding pasta and adjust lemon or salt as needed for optimal flavor.
Keywords: lemon arugula pasta salad, pasta salad, lemon dressing, arugula salad, summer salad, Italian salad, vegetarian salad
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad-recipe/
