Description
Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad in 15 Minutes is a vibrant and refreshing dish that elevates any meal with its bright lemon flavors and fresh ingredients. This quick-to-make salad combines al dente pasta, peppery arugula, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g short pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 150g fresh arugula
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 60g Parmesan cheese, freshly shaved
- 50g pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 60ml fresh lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
- 120ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain without rinsing.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine warm pasta with three-quarters of the dressing; toss to coat.
- Add cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and most of the Parmesan; gently fold in arugula.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; serve topped with remaining Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 210g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 265mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg