Zesty Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe Is a Picnic-Perfect Side
Our quick-prep Dijon-dill vinaigrette adds bright flavor to this tasty toss
Summer weekends are my favorite time of year. I love to fire up the grill and enjoy a lazy afternoon with friends. And while the meat is usually the star, every backyard bash deserves a great side dish. This Arugula Pasta Salad recipe is so deliciously easy, it’s bound to be your go-to all summer long.
Pasta salads sometime have a reputation for being boring or bland. But a zingy dressing can elevate this warm weather staple to an amazing picnic-perfect treat. Let’s face it, store-bought dressings are tasty and super-convenient. But the thing that sets this Arugula Pasta Salad recipe apart is our easy from-scratch vinaigrette. The Dijon and lemon add a zingy pop that complements peppery arugula and crisp radishes. And fresh dill really makes it shine. Best of all it comes together in mere minutes. So, pick up a whisk and give this Arugula Pasta Salad recipe a try. Once you do leave us a comment below.
Related: Need a cocktail for your summer gathering? Try this Pineapple Margarita.
Yields
Total Time
Prep Time
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cavatappi pasta
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 2 Tbs. lemon juice
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
- 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 4 radishes, sliced
- ⅓ cup shredded Pecorino Romano
- Thin lemon zest strips
Instructions
In large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain well. Rinse under cold water until cool, about 1 min.
In large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, dill, mustard, zest, salt and pepper. Add arugula, radish slices, Pecorino and pasta; toss until evenly coated and combined. Transfer salad to serving bowl. Garnish with lemon zest strips.
Nutrition
- Calories: 195
- Fat: 9 gram
- Saturated Fat: 2 gram
- Protein: 6 gram
- Carbohydrate: 22 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
- Sodium: 244 mg
