Description
This Quick Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for a fast lunch or light dinner. It combines tender bowtie pasta with peppery arugula, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or a healthy summer side, this salad is easy to make and full of bright, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 3 cups fresh arugula
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 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
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dressing: 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, until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: Place the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh arugula, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the lemon-garlic dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors blend together, and the arugula softens slightly.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Toss the pasta while it is still slightly warm so the arugula softens a bit and absorbs the dressing better.
- Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to make this salad a protein-packed meal.
- For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon arugula pasta salad, quick pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, lemon garlic dressing, easy summer salad, bowtie pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, meal prep salad
