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Lemon Pasta Salad with Arugula and Parmesan

Bright Lemon Pasta Salad with Arugula and Parmesan Bliss

Elevate your meal with a zesty Lemon Pasta Salad with Arugula and Parmesan, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Bowtie Pasta substitute with small pasta like shells or rotini
For the Greens
  • 4 cups Arugula swap for hearty kale if desired
For the Crunch
  • 0.5 cups Chopped Pistachio Nuts use sunflower seeds or pepitas for nut-free
  • 0.5 cups Sliced Red Onion soak in dressing to tone down bite
For the Cheese
  • 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese or substitute with crumbled feta
For the Lemon Dressing
  • 0.5 cups Fresh Lemon Juice adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest add more for elevated flavor
  • 0.25 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard omit for milder flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano fresh works well too
  • to taste Salt for seasoning
  • to taste Black Pepper for seasoning
  • optional Sweetener (honey, sugar, agave) to balance dressing

Equipment

  • pot
  • colander
  • Jar or small bowl
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 12–14 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a jar or bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or secure jar and shake until emulsified.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, arugula, sliced red onion, and pistachio nuts. Toss gently to blend.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Fold in Parmesan cheese or feta, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the brightest flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, adding arugula before serving to maintain crispness.

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