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Tangy lemon arugula pasta salad with fresh ingredients in a bowl.

Tangy Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

A bright and peppery pasta salad featuring tangy lemon, fresh arugula, and a touch of honey, perfect for quick dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Greens
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle) Whole-wheat is a lovely healthy option.
  • 4 cups fresh arugula, packed Swap spinach with kale for a stronger flavor.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese and Nuts
  • 1/2 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese Use Pecorino for a saltier bite.
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped toasted almonds Add for crunch.
Dressing
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced Plus extra wedges to serve.
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey Optional — balances acidity.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente — about 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions.
  2. Drain, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, and transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  3. While pasta cooks, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
  4. Taste and adjust the dressing to be bright and tangy with a gentle sweetness.
Mixing
  1. Toss the warm pasta with half of the dressing and a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and toasted nuts to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
  3. Fold in the arugula and most of the Parmesan, tossing until the greens wilt slightly.
  4. Taste and finish with extra lemon zest, flaky sea salt, and the remaining Parmesan.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, or chill briefly for a refreshing, cool salad.

Notes

If making more than 2 hours ahead, toss the pasta with dressing and keep arugula separate to preserve its peppery snap.