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Lemon Arugula Orzo Salad

Course Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz orzo, farfalle or your favorite short pasta
  • 3.5 oz fresh arugula
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 8 TB olive oil
  • 1 TB white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 TB capers plus 1 tsp brine
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook your pasta in salted boiling water just until tender, slightly softer than al dente. Once done, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and wash off extra starch.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon, salt, pepper, capers, and chopped walnuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until everything is well combined.
  • Add the cooled, rinsed pasta into the bowl with the lemon dressing. Toss gently so every piece gets coated with that bright, tangy dressing.
  • Finally, toss in the fresh arugula. The arugula might wilt slightly from the warm pasta and absorb all the citrusy flavors.