Lemon 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad-recipe/
