Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for a Bright, Fresh Twist
Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for a Bright, Fresh Twist is a vibrant vegetarian dish that combines peppery arugula with zesty lemon and crunchy walnuts. This refreshing salad is perfect for lunch, dinner parties, or picnics, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. With its quick preparation time of just 20 minutes, this salad bursts with flavor and offers a delightful balance of textures thanks to the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or alongside grilled proteins, this salad will impress both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (Farfalle or orzo)
- 1 cup arugula
- ½ cup walnuts (chopped)
- â…“ cup Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (grated)
- 1 whole lemon (juice and zest)
- 8 Tb olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tb capers (plus brine)
- 1 Tb white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, capers with brine, white balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- In a large bowl, combine warm pasta with arugula, walnuts, and cheese. Pour dressing over the top and gently mix until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chiffonade basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg