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–+ servings

California Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

A bright and peppery pasta salad with Meyer lemon, toasted walnuts, and Parmesan, perfect for a light side dish or lunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Pasta, Quick Meals, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 490
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz farfalle or orzo pasta cooked and rinsed
  • 3.5 oz arugula washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup walnuts finely chopped and toasted
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese or pecorino
  • 1 Meyer lemon zest and juice
  • 8 Tb extra-virgin olive oil preferably California
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tb capers drained, plus 1 tsp brine
  • 1 Tb white balsamic vinegar
  • 6 fresh basil leaves cut into ribbons (optional)
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just tender. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, toasted walnuts, capers and their brine, salt, pepper, and olive oil until emulsified. Stir in the grated Parmesan.
  3. Add the rinsed pasta to the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Add the arugula and basil ribbons, if using, and toss gently just until combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Nutrition

Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

Notes

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then cool before chopping. For a milder flavor, swap half the arugula with baby spinach. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the arugula will soften. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors. For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken or white beans. Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will continue to absorb dressing. Use a microplane to zest the lemon before juicing.

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