This Pastina Salad with Lemon, Capers & Arugula is a light and zesty dish that combines the delicate texture of pastina with the peppery bite of baby arugula and the briny flavor of capers. It’s a refreshing option for lunch or a light dinner.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it a great addition to your collection of lemon arugula pasta salad or capers pasta salad recipes. Enjoy it slightly warm or chilled for a delightful meal.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Refreshing Salad
The Pastina Salad with Lemon, Capers & Arugula is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
At the heart of this dish is the tiny star-shaped pastina, which provides a delicate base.
Bright green baby arugula adds a peppery bite, while briny capers introduce a savory element.
To enhance the freshness, lemon juice and zest are incorporated, creating a zesty profile that elevates the entire salad.
Optional shavings of Parmesan cheese add a creamy finish, making this salad a versatile choice for any meal.
Preparation Made Simple
This salad is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy days.
With a total time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up a refreshing dish that serves four.
The preparation involves cooking the pastina until al dente, which is a straightforward process.
Once cooked, the pasta is tossed with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, creating a vibrant dressing that coats each piece beautifully.
Adding Freshness with Arugula
Baby arugula plays a crucial role in this salad, contributing not only flavor but also a burst of color.
When folded into the warm pasta, the arugula wilts slightly, releasing its peppery notes while maintaining a fresh crunch.
This combination of textures is what makes the Pastina Salad with Lemon, Capers & Arugula truly enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
For a rustic presentation, serve the salad in a charming bowl, allowing the vibrant colors to shine.
Garnishing with lemon zest and Parmesan shavings adds an inviting touch, making it perfect for gatherings or casual meals.
Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This salad not only pleases the palate but also offers nutritional benefits.
With approximately 180 calories per serving, it is a light yet satisfying option.
The combination of carbohydrates from the pastina and healthy fats from the olive oil provides energy, while the arugula and capers contribute vitamins and minerals.
Versatile Variations
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or olives for added flavor.
For those looking to create a Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad, consider using different pasta shapes or adding protein like chickpeas or grilled shrimp.
This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Easy Pastina Salad Recipe
This salad features tiny star-shaped pastina pasta tossed with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers, finished with baby arugula and optional Parmesan cheese. The dish serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups baby arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pastina: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the warm pastina to the bowl with the dressing, along with the capers. Toss gently to combine.
- Add Arugula: Fold in the baby arugula until just wilted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and top with Parmesan cheese shavings if desired. Serve slightly warm or chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g