Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a light lunch. The peppery arugula pairs beautifully with tangy lemon and savory Parmesan, making it a simple yet flavorful salad everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
- Swap Parmesan for feta cheese for a different tangy flavor.
- Use arugula only before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
- Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the arugula from wilting. Reheat the pasta only if desired, but this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Short shapes like rotini or penne work well to hold the dressing and ingredients.
How do I prevent the arugula from wilting?
Add the arugula just before serving or toss it with the dressing lightly to keep it crisp and fresh.
PrintLemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad featuring whole wheat or gluten-free pasta tossed with fresh arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is simple, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
Salad
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a bright, tangy dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and nutritious meal or side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing pasta under cold water cools it quickly and prevents it from sticking together.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions if needed.
- Arugula adds a peppery flavor, but you can substitute with spinach or baby kale.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten-free salad, Italian pasta salad, summer salad, light lunch
