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Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for Bright Summer Days

This Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad captures summer days with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz pasta Barilla Penne recommended for optimal texture
  • 4 oz arugula adds a fresh, peppery bite
  • 8 leaves basil hand-torn to prevent bruising
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved, can be substituted with diced bell peppers
  • cup walnuts toasted and chopped
  • cup Parmesan cheese grated, can substitute with vegan cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1.5 each lemons zested and juiced
  • ¾ cup olive oil Lucini Premium Select recommended
  • 1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp capers
  • 1 tsp caper brine
  • tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp honey omit for vegan version

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prep Ingredients: Zest and juice the lemons, tear the basil, halve the cherry tomatoes, and grate the Parmesan.
  3. Cook Pasta: In boiling salted water, cook pasta for about 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain without rinsing.
  4. Make Dressing: In a bowl, combine lemon juice and zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, brine, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk and gradually drizzle in olive oil.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, add pasta and dressing, then toss. Add cherry tomatoes and basil gently.
  6. Add Arugula: Fold in arugula just before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Customize with proteins or different vegetables as desired.

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