Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad featuring peppery fresh arugula, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy lemon-based dressing with a hint of white balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this pasta salad balances citrusy brightness with savory Parmesan and briny capers, all tossed with perfectly cooked short pasta.
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta just until tender, slightly softer than al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, capers including their brine, and chopped walnuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Add the cooled, rinsed pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the bright, tangy dressing.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Fold in fresh arugula and basil leaves if using. The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the arugula, infusing the salad with fresh citrusy flavors. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and gently toss again.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process, preventing the salad from becoming soggy.
- Lightly toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet for a minute enhances their flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese offers much better flavor than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- If your arugula is too peppery, mix in a handful of baby spinach to mellow the bite.
- Taste the dressing before adding pasta—adjust lemon juice or salt for the perfect balance.
Keywords: lemon pasta salad, arugula salad, walnut pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, Italian salad, vegetarian pasta
Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad-recipe/
