Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
This refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad combines peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and tangy lemon dressing with short pasta like farfalle or orzo. The bright citrus dressing with lemon juice, zest, white balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard emulsified with olive oil creates a vibrant flavor that perfectly coats the pasta and greens, making an ideal light lunch or summer side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 8 oz pasta (farfalle, orzo, or your favorite short pasta)
- 3.5 oz fresh arugula
- ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- 6 basil leaves, chiffonade (optional)
Dressing
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 8 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp capers + 1 tsp caper brine
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until just tender, slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop further cooking, removing excess starch.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, capers, and chopped walnuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Add the cooled, rinsed pasta into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until every piece of pasta is coated evenly with the vibrant lemon dressing.
- Add Greens and Herbs: Toss in the fresh arugula and optional chiffonade basil leaves. The slight warmth of the pasta will gently wilt the arugula, blending flavors nicely.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top before serving for a savory finish.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta thoroughly prevents overcooking and keeps the salad from becoming soggy.
- Lightly toasting walnuts in a dry skillet enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Using fresh-grated Parmesan cheese significantly improves the taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- If arugula is too peppery, add a handful of baby spinach to mellow the flavor.
- Taste the dressing before adding the pasta and adjust lemon juice or salt as preferred.
Keywords: lemon arugula pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, arugula salad, pasta salad with walnuts, vegetarian pasta salad, easy summer salad
Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad-recipe-2/
