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Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad for a Fresh Summer Fix

This Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a quick, fresh meal, perfect for summer days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 300 g Short Pasta Use fusilli, penne, or farfalle for best results.
For the Freshness
  • 150 g Fresh Arugula Substitute baby spinach for a milder taste.
  • 250 g Cherry Tomatoes Halved for juiciness and sweetness.
For the Flavor
  • 60 g Parmesan Cheese Freshly shaved yields better flavor.
  • 50 g Pine Nuts Toasted for a nutty flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic depth.
For the Zesty Dressing
  • 60 ml Fresh Lemon Juice Use fresh lemons for best taste.
  • 120 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality enhances the dish.
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard Acts as an emulsifier.
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes Optional for added heat.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the pasta al dente in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes, then drain.
  2. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  4. Combine warm, drained pasta with three-quarters of the vinaigrette, mixing well.
  5. Gently fold in cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and most of the Parmesan cheese, then add arugula and toss.
  6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately, topping with remaining Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and adjust seasonings to your liking.

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