Description
A quick, zesty, and refreshing pasta salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon dressing. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Consider adding pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Swap vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for variety.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg