Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad in 15 Minutes
Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad in 15 Minutes is your go-to dish for a fresh and flavorful meal that can be prepared in no time. This vibrant salad features a delightful combination of peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect as a side for summer barbecues or as a light main course, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to impress family and friends in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 150g fresh arugula
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 60g Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 50g pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 120ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain without rinsing.
- While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine warm pasta with three-quarters of the dressing. Toss to coat.
- Add cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture.
- Fold in arugula gently until just wilted. Drizzle with remaining dressing before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg