Description
This Quick Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a fresh, easy pasta salad recipe packed with bright lemon, peppery arugula, and parmesan. Perfect for light lunches, meal prep, or healthy summer sides, it’s zesty, satisfying, and done in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta
3 cups arugula
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
⅓ cup shaved parmesan
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Add the pasta to the bowl and toss gently to coat with the dressing.
4. Add in the arugula and shaved parmesan, tossing lightly to combine.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes.
6. If storing, save a bit of dressing to refresh before serving.
Notes
Letting the salad sit for 15 minutes enhances the flavor.
You can substitute spinach for arugula if needed.
Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: No-cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg