Arugula and Pea Pasta Salad

Name: Arugula and Pea Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat pasta; 2 cups fresh arugula; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Classic Meals

I absolutely love this Arugula and Pea Pasta Salad! It strikes a wonderful balance between fresh and hearty, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying side dish. The vibrant colors and flavors of the arugula and sweet peas brighten up any meal. I appreciate how simple yet delicious it is, allowing the ingredients to shine through without overwhelming them. It’s a fresh twist on traditional pasta salads that I can’t get enough of!

Created by

The Chefmarcocooks Team

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:38:19.283Z

I recently discovered that adding a handful of fresh arugula to my pasta salads elevates them to a whole new level! The peppery notes of arugula pair beautifully with the sweet and vibrant peas, creating a dish that’s not just visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. I like to use whole wheat pasta for added texture and nutrition, making it an even healthier choice.

During my last dinner gathering, this salad was the star of the table. It was refreshing and light, and I loved that I could prep it all in just 25 minutes, leaving me more time to enjoy with my guests. The key is to dress the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Vibrant flavors of arugula and sweet peas
Quick to make, perfect for busy days
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads

Choosing the Right Pasta

When preparing this Arugula and Pea Pasta Salad, selecting the right pasta is crucial for achieving the best texture. Whole wheat pasta not only adds a nutty flavor, but it also contains more fiber than traditional pasta, making it a healthier choice. I recommend using shapes like bowtie or penne, as they effectively hold onto the dressing and other ingredients. Cooking the pasta until it’s al dente is essential; this way, it retains a firm bite and complements the crispness of the arugula and sweet peas.

If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, feel free to substitute the whole wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be aware that cooking times can vary, so monitor your pasta closely to ensure it doesn't become mushy. The texture is key in this salad, so stick to pasta shapes that can carry the hearty dressing and mix well with the vegetables.

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The freshness of the ingredients in this pasta salad makes all the difference. I suggest using in-season cherry tomatoes for their sweetness; they should be vibrant and firm. Halving them exposes their juicy centers, allowing their flavor to mingle beautifully with the other ingredients. Additionally, using freshly sliced red onion harnesses a sharp bite that elevates the dish. If red onion is too pungent for your taste, you can soak the slices in water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad to reduce their strength.

A final sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy surprise in each bite. The saltiness of the feta complements the sweetness of the peas and tomatoes, creating a delightful balance of flavors. You can experiment with other cheese options like goat cheese or even a vegan cheese substitute if desired, but the creaminess of feta truly enhances the overall experience of this salad.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat pasta
2 cups fresh arugula
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Simply toss all ingredients together for a delicious salad!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, arugula, peas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.

Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time for enhanced flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding slivered almonds or sunflower seeds. You can also substitute the feta cheese with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Arugula and Pea Pasta Salad is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weekdays or gatherings. You can cook the pasta and prepare the dressing in advance, storing both separately in the refrigerator. To keep the arugula fresh and crisp, add it just before serving. This allows you to enjoy the bright color and texture without it wilting in the dressing for too long.

If you're planning to serve leftovers, consider making a larger batch of the dressing to enhance the flavors when the salad sits. Just be mindful to keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the salad's freshness. The vibrant flavors of the salad will develop even more over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

While this pasta salad is delightful on its own, serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon can elevate it to a complete meal. The lightness of the arugula and peas contrasts wonderfully with the rich flavors of grilled proteins, making it both satisfying and nutritious. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing on your plate.

For a fun twist, consider transforming this salad into a wrap using a large lettuce leaf or tortilla. Simply add all the components, roll it up, and enjoy a delicious, portable meal packed with flavor. This versatile salad can be tweaked to accommodate your preferences, allowing you to add seasonal vegetables or even roasted nuts for an added crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Whole wheat is just a healthier option.

→ Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain freshness.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken or chickpeas are great additions for added protein.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best when fresh.