Name: Lemon Capellini Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz capellini pasta (or angel hair pasta); Juice of 2 medium lemons; 1 tsp lemon zest; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 ½ tsp garlic salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup diced tomatoes (seeds removed); 3 tbsp capers (drained); 1 tbsp curly leaf parsley (finely chopped)

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Introduction

This Lemon Capellini Salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a bright side. The delicate angel hair pasta pairs beautifully with zesty lemon and briny capers for a vibrant, flavorful meal.

A white bowl filled with a light pasta dish made of spaghetti, mixed with small diced red tomatoes, scattered small dark green capers, and finely chopped green parsley. Bright yellow lemon zest is sprinkled throughout on top, adding a pop of color. The spaghetti strands are thick and slightly shiny, tangled loosely, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth nearby. In the blurred background, there are two yellow lemons, one halved. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz capellini pasta (or angel hair pasta)
2 medium lemons (juice of + 1 tsp lemon zest)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup diced tomatoes (seeds removed)
3 tbsp capers (drained)
1 tbsp curly leaf parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the capellini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender, which should take just a few minutes due to its thinness. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop further cooking and cool it down.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the juice of 2 lemons, 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Add the cooled pasta, diced tomatoes, and drained capers to the lemon dressing. Toss everything gently to combine.
Step 4: Stir in the finely chopped parsley and toss once more to distribute evenly. Serve the salad immediately or cover and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra brightness, add the zest of one lemon along with the juice into the dressing.
You can substitute fresh basil or mint for parsley to change the flavor profile slightly.
Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for additional greens and a peppery bite.
Use cherry tomatoes if you prefer a sweeter, juicier tomato experience.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld nicely after some time, but the pasta may absorb the dressing and become softer. If needed, toss with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving to freshen it up.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds thin cooked spaghetti noodles forming the base layer, with small green capers placed on one side of the noodles, providing a textured, bumpy dark green layer. On top of the noodles and capers, diced bright red tomatoes are being poured from a small textured white bowl by a woman's hand, adding a fresh, juicy layer. The background features a white marbled surface, with a green cloth napkin and a partially visible glass jar of capers nearby. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any thin pasta like vermicelli or thin spaghetti will work well. Avoid thick pasta, as it may overpower the delicate flavors.

Is it better to serve this salad chilled or at room temperature?

This salad is delicious both chilled and at room temperature, so serve it according to your preference. Chilling enhances the refreshing lemon flavor.