Hey y'all! Looking for a delicious, vibrant dish that brings together zesty lemons, peppery arugula, and al dente pasta? This Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad hits just the right notes—bright, herby, and utterly satisfying. Whether you're hosting a picnic, meal-prepping your lunches, or simply craving a fresh and healthy meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Every bite is lively with citrus zing and peppery greens.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, fuss-free steps.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Light enough for lunch, but impressive on a potluck or party table.
- Beautifully Adaptable: Easy to customize for gluten-free, vegan, or protein-packed versions.
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats for a feel-good meal.
Ingredients for Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- 8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby arugula
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup (50g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup (35g) toasted pine nuts
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (5g) fresh basil leaves, torn
How to Make Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, arugula, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and torn basil. Pour the lemon dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately for best freshness, or chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Enjoy your refreshing lemon arugula pasta salad cold or at room temperature!
Notes for the Best Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing—see these creamy dressing tips.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the most flavorful results.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden (read more about toasting nuts).
Tasty Variations of Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- Vegan: Omit feta or substitute with vegan cheese.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken breast or chickpeas.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check ingredient labels.
Required Equipment for Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Serving spoon
Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add the arugula just before serving if making ahead, as it wilts over time.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
This salad shines as a light meal or side dish. Pair with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or a crusty loaf for a complete summer dinner. It’s also great alongside sparkling water with lemon or chilled white wine for picnics and potlucks.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente means perfectly toothsome and not mushy (learn how here).
- Cool pasta completely before adding fresh greens to keep them crisp.
- Add extra herbs like dill or mint for a flavor twist tailored to your taste buds.
FAQs about Refreshing Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- Can I prep this salad in advance?
- Yes! Prepare all ingredients and toss together just before serving for freshest greens, or store arugula separately if prepping a day ahead.
- Which pasta shape is best for this salad?
- Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best—they hold the dressing and ingredients well.
- Is this lemon arugula pasta salad kid-friendly?
- Absolutely! The bright flavors are approachable, but feel free to use spinach instead of arugula for a milder green.
Dig into this refreshing, easy, and utterly crave-worthy salad—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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2In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
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3In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, arugula, and cherry tomatoes.
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4Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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5Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss briefly. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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