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Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Lemon pasta salad tossed with peppery arugula in a bright lemon dressing. Delicate angel hair is lightly wilted, then chilled for a fresh, citrusy bite with shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lemon arugula pasta salad
  • 1 lb angel hair or thin spaghetti broken into thirds
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice
  • 1 lemons zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 garlic minced cloves
  • 4 cup fresh arugula
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese shaved
  • 0.25 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 1 salt to taste
  • 1 pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook and rinse pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the angel hair or thin spaghetti until tender according to package directions, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until cool, so it stops cooking and stays delicate.
Make lemon dressing
  1. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing looks glossy and evenly combined.
Toss and wilt
  1. Toss the drained pasta with the lemon dressing while the pasta is still slightly warm, so it absorbs flavor quickly.
  2. Add the fresh arugula and toss gently until it wilts slightly, 30-60 seconds, keeping the greens vibrant.
Finish and chill
  1. Top with shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts, then fold once more to distribute evenly.
  2. Chill the pasta salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Toss again and adjust seasoning before serving to brighten the lemon flavor.

Notes

Pro tip: rinse the pasta well and toss while slightly warm—this keeps the arugula just wilted instead of soggy. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; the texture softens after that, and freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-light option, use finely grated or shaved pecorino-style cheese or a vegan Parmesan-style topping.