Summer is in full swing. The temperatures are rising, and al fresco dining is top of the list for gatherings among friends and family. Games and cocktails are a given, but nothing makes an evening like a well-balanced meal. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer BBQ or are packing a picnic lunch, there are a few staple dishes that never disappoint, like pasta salad. Made with fresh ingredients and flavorful vinaigrettes, they are the backbone of any al fresco meal. Plus, they can be elevated with little effort. There’s no shortage of variations, but when Liz Heart’s lemon arugula pasta salad recipe graced my FYP, I knew I’d found something special.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Al fresco dining pairs

well with pasta salad

and backyard gatherings

Lemon and arugula

add vibrant color

and fresh flavor

Simple homemade vinaigrette

elevates pasta salad

for effortless summer meals

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Residing in Texas, Liz Heart (@misslizheart) is well-versed in al fresco dining. Her TikTok features a range of recipes perfect for all of summer’s outdoor events. But her lemon arugula pasta salad stood out for its vibrant colors and flavors. Like pasta salad at a cookout, lemon and arugula are a match made in heaven. Together they create a tangy and peppery bite that’s bursting with freshness. They play a starring role in Heart’s recipe and are well complemented by her homemade caper vinaigrette. If you’re ready to impress your guests with a flavorful dish, you’ll want to add this recipe to your Rolodex. Continue reading to discover how to create the perfect summer pasta salad.

@misslizheart

This is my favorite summer pasta salad! It’s so light and bright! 🍋🌱🍝 Lemon arugula pasta salad ✨3 handfuls of arugula ✨8 oz pasta, ✨lemon zest ✨1/2 garlic clove zested ✨1/4 cup Pine nuts ✨1/3 cup grated parmesan ✨Lemon Caper Vinagrette Lemon Caper Vinagrette ✨1/2 Cup olive oil ✨1 lemon juiced ✨2 Tablespoon white wine vinegar ✨1/2 teaspoon salt ✨1/2 teaspoon black pepper ✨2 Tablespoons capers plus 2 Tablespoons of their brine ✨ 2 teaspoons dijon mustard ✨1/8 teaspoon agave sugar 1. Salt your water and cook the pasta following the instructions on the box. 2. To make the vinaigrette, combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, capers, and agave. Mix well. 3. Once your pasta has cooked, drain it and add it to your salad bowl while it’s still warm. 4. Add lemon zest and garlic zest to the pasta so that it can slightly cook down with the heat of the pasta., make sure to stir and let it sit until no more steam is coming out. 5. Add pine nuts, arugula, and Parmesan cheese to the pasta bowl. 6. Toss well with the dressing. 7. Serve and enjoy. #inmykitchen #cookwithme #asmr #lemonpasta #pastasalad #capers #feta #arugul #girldinner #salad #summerrecipes #summersalad

♬ original sound – João Victor

Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 3 handfuls of arugula
• 8 ounces of dried bowtie pasta
• Lemon zest
• 1/2 garlic clove zested
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

For the Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons of caper brine
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon agave sugar

Instructions

1. Salt your water and cook the pasta following the instructions on the box.
2. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, dijon mustard, capers, and agave in a measuring cup or small bowl.
3. Whisk together until well mixed.
4. Once your pasta has cooked, drain it and add it to your salad bowl while it’s still warm.
5. Add lemon zest and garlic zest to the hot pasta, then stir and let it sit until no more steam is coming out.
6. Add pine nuts, arugula, and Parmesan cheese to the pasta bowl.
7. Toss well with the dressing before serving.

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