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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad – A Refreshing Summer Delight

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a refreshing, quick recipe that transforms heavy salads into a light dish perfect for summer.
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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: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Barilla Penne preferred; substitute with fusilli or gluten-free pasta
For the Greens
  • 4 oz Fresh Arugula Can substitute with spinach or mixed greens
  • 8 leaves Basil Leaves Hand-torn to avoid bruising
For the Veggies
  • 0.5 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
For the Crunch
  • 2/3 cup Walnuts Toasted and chopped; can substitute with almonds or pecans
For the Creaminess
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; nutritional yeast can be used for vegan option
For the Dressing
  • 1.5 each Lemons Zested and juiced; fresh lemons preferred
  • 3/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a great alternative
  • 1 Tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard Can swap with whole grain mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Capers Plus 1 tsp brine; optional
  • 1/2 tsp Honey Can replace with maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1.25 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. While walnuts cool, zest and juice lemons, hand-tear basil leaves, halve cherry tomatoes, and grate Parmesan.
  3. Bring salted water to a boil, add penne pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, honey, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add olive oil while whisking.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with dressing, then stir in Parmesan, walnuts, tomatoes, and basil, followed by arugula.
  6. Serve immediately or let rest for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Add fresh arugula right before serving to maintain crispness. The salad can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.

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