Description
A refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad featuring al dente pasta tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, fresh peppery arugula, Parmesan cheese, and optional cherry tomatoes and toasted nuts for added flavor and texture. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 8 ounces bite-sized pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds) (optional)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large bowl and pour the lemon dressing over it. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
- Add arugula and cheese: Fold in fresh arugula and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing lightly just until the arugula begins to wilt and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Final touches: Optionally stir in halved cherry tomatoes and toasted nuts for extra color, texture, and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use bite-sized pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or penne for best texture and coating.
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking stops the cooking process and keeps it from clumping.
- Toasted nuts add delightful crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory depth; substitute with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.
