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Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Effortless Summer Vibes

This Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad boasts vibrant flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta Use farfalle, orzo, or any short pasta.
  • 3.5 oz Fresh Arugula Adds a peppery bite.
  • 0.5 cup Walnuts Finely chopped; toast for flavor.
  • 0.33 cup Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese Finely grated, fresh is best.
  • 1 whole Lemon Juice and zest.
  • 8 Tb Olive Oil Quality matters for flavor.
  • 1 Tb White Balsamic Vinegar Brings depth.
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • 1 Tb Capers Plus 1 tsp brine.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked.
  • 6 leaves Basil Leaves Chiffonade, optional.

Equipment

  • pot
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil salted water in a pot, add pasta, and cook until slightly softer than al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, capers, and chopped walnuts. Gradually drizzle in olive oil while whisking until well combined.
  3. Gently toss the cooled pasta into the dressing mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  4. Fold in fresh arugula and optional chiffonaded basil leaves. Allow the arugula to wilt slightly from the warmth of the pasta.
  5. Optional: Garnish with additional lemon zest before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse pasta well after cooking to maintain al dente texture. Toast walnuts for enhanced flavor. Taste the dressing to adjust seasoning before combining it with the pasta. Fresh ingredients ensure the best results.

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