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Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for spring, featuring lemon, arugula, and walnuts, ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (farfalle, orzo, or your favorite short pasta)
  • 3.5 oz fresh arugula
  • ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • â…“ cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • 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
  • 6 basil leaves, chiffonade (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook your pasta in salted boiling water just until tender, slightly softer than al dente.
  2. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, capers, and chopped walnuts.
  4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to combine everything into a smooth dressing.
  5. Add the cooled, rinsed pasta into the bowl with the lemon dressing and toss gently.
  6. Finally, toss in the fresh arugula and basil if using.

Notes

This pasta salad can be made a day ahead for deeper flavors. It’s best served within three days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg