Whenever I have extra arugula, and want something so unbelievably tasty, I always make this pasta salad. I love twirling and enjoying each bite. It’s loaded with flavor, and the dressing can be made in 5 minutes with some basic pantry staple ingredients.
This is an excellent pasta salad to make for a summer BBQ, backyard get together, or a holiday pot luck. There are so many healthy crunchy veggies which get dressed to perfection in the sweet and salty sesame lime dressing. This is also a great salad to make for a hot summer lunch or dinner. And it will definitely be loved by everyone at your table- this goes quick when served to guests.
This Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe Is
- Bright
- Refreshing
- Crunchy
- Tangy
- Sweet & Salty
- Packed with Flavor
- Versatile: can be made with whatever pasta shape you have on hand
- Ready in 30 minutes, or can be made ahead!
30 Minute Pasta Salad for Entertaining
This arugula pasta salad is what I call an Easy Entertaining Recipe – which is on your table in about 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those last-minute potluck invites, or when you just want a healthy home cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a healthy meal can be on your table in no time.
Just as fast as grabbing a quick prepared side dish from the store (and way more impressive too)! If you’re heading to a party, potluck, or BBQ, check out my list of top host gifts for summer entertaining for that next-level gift your host will love!
What’s In Pasta Salad with Arugula?
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- Arugula, Red Cabbage, Carrots
- Whole Wheat Spaghetti – I like using a whole wheat spaghetti for this recipe, which gives it a hearty texture, and the long strands are really fun to twirl. If you want to use another pasta shape – go for it! But spaghetti is always my go-to option for this salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like to use this fruity Zoe olive oil which has a fantastic flavor and deep color- it’s inexpensive & like to keep a few liters stocked up in my pantry. For the quality of oil you get, it’s an excellent value.
- Lime Juice: fresh squeezed! If you don’t have fresh limes, this instant lime is actually really great in a pinch, I always keep some in the pantry.
- Tamari: tamari is a gluten-free version of soy sauce. Tamari has a bright salty flavor, and adds a really nice depth of umami to this dish. If I am cooking for a crowd, I always use this tamari in my recipes just in case anyone at the table has a gluten allergy, so everyone can enjoy this meal.
- Honey or Agave Syrup: I really like using this raw organic agave syrup because it’s a natural and sustainable sweetener, plus it is fairly inexpensive online so I always keep a few of these bottles in my pantry.
- Red Chili Pepper Flakes: for a little heat! if you don’t like spice, you can absolutely skip them in this recipe.
Affordable & Budget Friendly Recipes for Entertaining
How Do I Make Vegetarian Pasta Salad with Greens?
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cool water, drain, and place in a very large bowl.
- Add the arugula, red cabbage, and sliced carrots. Set aside.
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake well.
- Pour dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss well to combine.
- Chill for at least 1 hour and serve.
To Make This Ahead
- Follow directions as above, but omit the arugula. Store the salad in the refrigerator, and toss in the arugula just before serving.
An Easy Meal Prep Noodle Salad
This salad is great to meal prep or make ahead. The hearty veggies stand up surprisingly well in the refrigerator, and the salad will last a few days chilled. Just make sure to save the avocado for right when you are about to serve, don’t add it to the salad and then refrigerate as it can oxidize and brown in the fridge.
Dietary Modifications for this Rice Noodle Pasta Salad:
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and dairy free. To make this vegan, substitute honey for another natural sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup.
- To make gluten free, make sure you are using certified gluten free noodles. Also make sure you use tamari or coconut aminos (just not soy sauce, as regular soy sauce is not gluten free). Always use certified gluten free ingredients.
- If you aren’t vegan or vegetarian, you can add some cooked chicken for protein.
- To make nut free, avoid the peanut oil and substitute another neutral oil instead, like olive oil.
- This recipe is refined sugar free, just make sure any ingredient you add to the sauce doesn’t contain added sugars.
More Fancy Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe (Vegetarian)
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe (Vegetarian)
The Best BLT Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing
Get the Same Ingredients For Veggie Pasta Salad with Arugula
As always, if you make this cold arugula pasta salad recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Arugula Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces noodles
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- 2 carrots shredded
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup peanut oil
- 2 limes juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Tamari or liquid aminos
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cool water, drain, and place in a very large mixing or serving bowl.
- Add the arugula, red cabbage, and sliced carrots. Set aside.
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake well.
- Pour dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss well to combine.
- Chill for at least 1 hour and serve.
To Make This Ahead
- Follow directions as above, but omit the arugula. Store the salad in the refrigerator, and toss in the arugula just before serving.
Notes
Save Money on Fresh Groceries & Pantry Staples!
I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market – they sell organic produce at a discounted price, and it’s purchased direct from farmers to reduce food waste. We get Misfit boxes every other week and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery. You can save up to 40% off grocery store prices. If you think produce delivery is too expensive… think again, and give Misfits Market a try!Nutrition
Or tag me @theherbeevore in your photo on Instagram!
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I love to try new and different pastas one of our favorite meals and with the salad greens also, this was a perfect 10