Description
A fresh and bright pasta salad showcasing lemon, arugula, and Parmesan, perfect for quick meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 150g fresh arugula (rocket)
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 60g Parmesan cheese, freshly shaved or grated
- 50g pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 60ml fresh lemon juice
- 120ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it well, but don’t rinse.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: While the pasta cooks, place the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well-blended.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, merge the warm, drained pasta with about three-quarters of the vinaigrette. Toss to coat thoroughly.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently add the halved cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and most of the shaved Parmesan to the pasta.
- Fold in the Arugula: Carefully fold in the fresh arugula until it begins to wilt slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately, topping it with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Refresh with a little lemon juice and olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg