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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Refreshing Gatherings

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad offers bright flavors and refreshing crunch, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Letting Flavors Meld 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta (like Barilla Penne) Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
For the Salad
  • 4 oz fresh arugula Use spinach for a milder flavor if desired.
  • 8 hand-torn basil leaves Substitute with fresh parsley if not available.
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Can replace with diced cucumber for extra crunch.
  • 2/3 cup toasted and chopped walnuts Substitute with pecans or omit for nut-free.
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
For the Dressing
  • 1.5 lemons, juiced and zested Brings brightness and zestiness to the salad.
  • 3/4 cup olive oil Use avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar Replace with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard Omit for a simpler version.
  • 1 Tbsp capers, plus 1 tsp brine Substitute with olives if needed.
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Use white pepper for a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp honey Can use agave syrup for a vegan alternative.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by toasting 2/3 cup of walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Chop into 1/4-inch pieces and set aside.
  2. Zest and juice 1.5 lemons, tear 8 basil leaves, and halve 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes. Grate 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain without rinsing.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, 1 Tbsp of white balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp of capers and 1 tsp brine, 1/2 tsp of honey, 1 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup of olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
  5. Stir in the grated parmesan and toasted walnuts into the dressing. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat.
  6. Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves. Add the arugula last to maintain its texture and color.
  7. Serve immediately or let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance; just add arugula right before serving for the freshest taste.

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