Lemony Pasta Salad

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This bright, lemony pasta salad is quick to make and perfect for summer. The tomatoes, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and red peppers add a variety of textures and flavors. This easy salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a go-to for your next picnic or potluck.

Amanda Stanfield

Updated on September 20, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

lemony pasta salad — Photo: Victor Protasio

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 40 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Dairy-Free Healthy Pregnancy Soy-Free Vegetarian Egg-Free

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Ingredients

2 small shallots, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish
¼ cup lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ cup grapeseed oil
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped, reserving 1/4 cup oil from jar
1 pound whole-wheat penne
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 cups packed arugula
Crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Combine shallots, thyme, mustard, honey, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a large bowl; stir to mix well. Gradually add grapeseed oil and reserved 1/4 cup oil from sun-dried tomatoes, whisking constantly, until combined and emulsified.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and immediately transfer the pasta to the bowl with the dressing; toss to fully coat. Add bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes; stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.
Add grape tomatoes and arugula to the pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat. Garnish with additional lemon zest and crushed red pepper, if desired.

To make ahead

Prepare through Step 2; cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, July 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

494	Calories
22g	Fat
67g	Carbs
12g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 2 cups
Calories 494
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 67g	24%
Dietary Fiber 9g	32%
Total Sugars 9g
Added Sugars 3g	6%
Protein 12g	24%
Total Fat 22g	28%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Vitamin A 1361IU	27%
Vitamin C 50mg	56%
Vitamin E 5mg	31%
Folate 85mcg	21%
Vitamin K 15mcg	13%
Sodium 387mg	17%
Calcium 56mg	4%
Iron 4mg	22%
Magnesium 120mg	29%
Potassium 726mg	15%
Zinc 3mg	27%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Lemony Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Directions

To make ahead

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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