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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad That Brightens Your Day

This Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for meal prep and versatility.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Short Pasta (Penne or Fusilli) Whole wheat or gluten-free as alternatives
  • 4 cups Arugula Add just before serving
  • 1 cup Basil Hand-tear the leaves
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved, can substitute with diced cucumbers
  • 1 cup Walnuts Toast before adding to salad
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative
For the Dressing
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Use fresh lemons
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Use fresh lemons
  • 2 tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar Regular balsamic vinegar as substitute
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing
  • 1 tbsp Capers Substitute with olives if desired
  • 1 tbsp Honey Omit for vegan option
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Use high-quality olive oil

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, then set aside to cool.
  2. Zest and juice two fresh lemons. Hand-tear basil leaves and halve cherry tomatoes.
  3. Cook short pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Whisk together lemon juice, zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, capers, honey, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
  5. Combine cooled pasta with prepared dressing, then fold in walnuts, cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Gently fold in arugula just before serving to prevent wilting.
  7. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and avoid freezing as it may affect texture.

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