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–+ servings
Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Effortless Summer Enjoyment

Enjoy the vibrant and zesty lemon arugula pasta salad that transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing experience, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli) whole wheat or gluten-free if necessary
Salad Base
  • 4 cups baby arugula adds a fresh and peppery bite
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet and juicy burst
  • 1 cup hand-torn fresh basil
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts substitute with pecans or almonds if desired
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese nutritional yeast for dairy-free option
Dressing
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar as substitute
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard as substitute
  • 1 tbsp capers omit if not available
  • 1 tbsp honey maple syrup for vegan option
  • ¼ cup olive oil high-quality for best results
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • pot
  • colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring until golden and fragrant. Let cool and chop.
  2. Zest and juice lemons, tear basil leaves, halve cherry tomatoes, and grate Parmesan cheese.
  3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.
Assembly
  1. In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking.
  2. Combine warm pasta with the dressing, tossing to coat. Gently fold in walnuts and Parmesan.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes and basil, then fold in arugula just before serving.
  4. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is a refreshing break from mundane meals and can be stored for up to 3 days but keep arugula separate until serving.

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