How to Make Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad with Arugula - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian cuisine is known for its delicious and diverse flavors, and one dish that perfectly represents this is the Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad with Arugula. This refreshing and hearty salad is filled with a rainbow of fresh and vibrant ingredients and is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic. It's also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying the classic Italian flavors.

This pasta salad is a versatile and colorfu...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts, well drained and quartered
  • 1 (8 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • ½ bunch basil, chopped
  • 4 cups arugula

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
  • Prepare the dressing while penne is cooking. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup in a small bowl until well combined. Stir in grated garlic. Mix in mustard and season with salt and pepper.
  • Drain penne and transfer to a large bowl. Mix in 1/2 of the dressing. Allow to cool for 1 hour.
  • Mix tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, and basil into the penne. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  • Mix in remaining dressing and arugula right before serving.
  • Nutrition

    407 cal.

    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 18mg
    • Sodium: 581mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 58g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 18g
    • Vitamin C: 21mg
    • Calcium: 274mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 425mg