Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta, peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty lemon dressing with a hint of capers and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish that brings bright citrus flavors and a satisfying texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (farfalle, orzo, or your favorite short pasta)
Greens & Herbs
- 3.5 oz fresh arugula
- 6 basil leaves, chiffonade (optional)
Dressing & Flavorings
- 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
Add-ons
- ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just tender, slightly softer than al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and remove excess starch.
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, capers and their brine, and chopped walnuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified and fully combined.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Add the cooled and rinsed pasta into the bowl with the lemon dressing. Gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the tangy dressing.
- Add Greens: Fold in the fresh arugula and optional basil leaves. The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the greens, allowing the citrusy flavors to meld perfectly.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese over the salad and give a final gentle toss before serving.
Notes
- Rinse pasta thoroughly after cooking to prevent it from continuing to cook and becoming soggy.
- Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before chopping.
- Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese greatly improves taste compared to pre-packaged versions.
- For a milder salad, add a handful of baby spinach to balance out very peppery arugula.
- Taste the dressing before combining with pasta; adjust lemon or salt as needed for perfect brightness.
Keywords: Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Lemon Dressing, Italian Salad, Arugula Salad, Walnut Pasta Salad
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad-recipe/
