Bring the essence of Italy to your table with this Italian Pasta Salad with Arugula & Parmesan Cheese. This delightful salad features the peppery bite of fresh arugula, combined with the rich, savory flavors of Parmesan, all tossed together with pasta in a vibrant, homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad captures the robust and fresh flavors of Italian cuisine. Easy to make and bursting with taste, it's a versatile dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta such as farfalle, penne, or rotini, cooked al dente
- 2 cups arugula washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted (optional for crunch)
- 1/2 cup black olives pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of sugar optional, to balance acidity
- Fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and let it cool.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a small pan over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden brown. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, arugula, cherry tomatoes, black olives and red onion. Toss to mix.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Add the shaved Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Watch them closely while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
- Variations and Additions: Feel free to add other ingredients based on preference or seasonality. Artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella balls are excellent additions that can add variety and freshness to the salad.
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