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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Effortless Summer Freshness

This Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad captures summer with bright flavors and can be prepared in just 10 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta if necessary
  • 4 cups Arugula Spinach can be used as a milder substitute
  • 1 cup Basil Hand-torn into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts Toasted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Grated
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Lemon Juice & Zest Imparts brightness and acidity
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Serves as the dressing base
  • 1 tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar Adds depth to the dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Enhances flavor and emulsifies
  • 2 tablespoons Capers Provide a briny punch
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Adds sweetness to balance acidity

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add walnuts and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and golden brown.
  2. Zest two lemons and then juice them into a small bowl, making sure to catch any seeds. Halve the cherry tomatoes and tear the basil leaves.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, capers, honey, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss well. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, toasted walnuts, halved cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.
  6. Finally, gently fold in the fresh arugula and let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best flavor, prepare it a day in advance and let it marinate overnight.

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