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–+ servings
Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Meal

This Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish with vibrant flavors that offers a healthy alternative to traditional salads.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli)
For the Salad
  • 4 cups Fresh arugula Add just before serving
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1/2 cup Basil Hand-tear for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts Lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Quality preferred
  • 1 tbsp White balsamic vinegar Red wine vinegar can substitute
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Capers
  • 1 tbsp Honey Adjust to taste
  • 1 ts Salt
  • 1 ts Black pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Prep the ingredients: zest and juice the lemons, tear basil, halve cherry tomatoes, and grate Parmesan.
  3. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
  4. Make the dressing by whisking together lemon juice, zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly add olive oil while whisking.
  5. Combine warm pasta with dressing, then fold in walnuts, cherry tomatoes, and basil carefully.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the fresh arugula and serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes for more flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made in advance, and it tastes even better after the ingredients have melded together in the fridge.

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