Dinner

Quick Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe

ByHarper Ellington March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Introduction

This Quick Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that comes together in just over 20 minutes. Combining peppery arugula, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with farfalle pasta that is light yellow in color and cooked to a soft texture. On top of the pasta, there are bright green arugula leaves scattered evenly, adding a fresh touch. Small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes are mixed throughout, providing spots of deep red color. The pasta is lightly coated with olive oil, giving it a slight shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3: Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh arugula, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can blend and the arugula softens slightly.
Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Toss the pasta while it is still slightly warm to help the arugula soften and absorb the dressing better.
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to turn this salad into a protein-packed meal.
For the freshest flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick toss and add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice if it seems dry. It’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature and does not reheat well.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish made of bowtie-shaped pasta, mixed with bright green arugula leaves scattered generously on top and throughout. The pasta is coated in a light sauce with small bits of sun-dried tomatoes adding spots of deep red color. The textures show smooth sauce covering the pasta, the slightly crinkled edges of the bowtie pasta, and fresh, leafy greens. The whole dish looks fresh and colorful against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well in this salad. Just cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The flavors develop nicely when the salad rests, making it ideal for preparing in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving.