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–+ servings
Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Bright, Healthy Meals

This Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a vibrant, healthy option bursting with flavor, ideal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli) Gluten-free options available
For the Salad Base
  • 4 cups Arugula Can substitute with spinach
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Tear leaves by hand
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts Toasted and chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Or nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 2 whole Lemons Zest and juice
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil High-quality extra virgin
  • 2 Tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar Or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard Or yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Capers Can omit if needed
  • 1 Tbsp Honey Or maple syrup for vegan alternative
  • to taste Salt & Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • large pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  2. Prepare ingredients: zest and juice lemons, tear basil leaves, halve cherry tomatoes, and grate parmesan.
  3. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
  4. Whisk together the dressing ingredients: lemon juice, zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, honey, salt, and pepper, then drizzle in olive oil to emulsify.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the dressing while warm, then add walnuts, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
  6. Fold in the arugula just before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad tastes even better after marinating for a few hours. Perfect for meal prep and gatherings.

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