Description
This Quick Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of freshness and speed. It features bowtie pasta tossed with peppery arugula, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan, all dressed in a bright lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack, or summer side dish. This easy pasta salad recipe is ideal for meal prep, potlucks, and simple weeknight dinner ideas.
Ingredients
8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
3 cups fresh arugula
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon juiced and zested
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta until al dente then drain and rinse with cool water.
2. In a small bowl whisk together lemon juice lemon zest garlic olive oil salt pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl then add arugula sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan.
4. Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Toss the pasta while slightly warm so the arugula softens slightly and absorbs the dressing.
Add grilled chicken chickpeas or shrimp if you want to turn the salad into a full protein packed meal.
For the best flavor always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg