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 and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side. Its bright lemon flavor, combined with tender pasta and savory capers, makes it both simple and delicious.

A white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom is a nest of light yellow cooked spaghetti noodles, topped on one side with small, round, dark green capers, and on the other side with bright red chopped fresh tomatoes. Above the bowl, a woman's hand holds a small white textured bowl, pouring more chopped tomatoes onto the spaghetti. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a glass jar of capers partially visible in the bottom right corner and a green cloth napkin on the left side. 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 pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender, which should be quick due to its thinness. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop further cooking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 lemons, olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper until combined.
Step 3: Add the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and capers to the lemon mixture. Toss everything together evenly.
Step 4: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and give the salad a final toss. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, include the 1 tsp lemon zest in the dressing to boost the lemon flavor.
Substitute fresh basil for parsley to add a different herbaceous note.
Add thinly sliced red onion or olives for more depth and flavor.
If you prefer a creamier salad, a spoonful of ricotta or feta can be mixed in right before serving.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld nicely when chilled. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and consider adding a little more olive oil or lemon juice if it seems dry. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a fresh pasta dish with spaghetti noodles as the base layer, pale yellow and smooth in texture. Mixed throughout are bright red, chopped tomatoes adding color and juiciness, along with scattered dark green capers that bring small pops of contrast. Fresh green parsley leaves are spread evenly across the dish, adding a lively touch on top. Zesty yellow lemon zest is sprinkled all over, brightening the appearance. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with two yellow lemons blurred in the background, enhancing the fresh and vibrant look. photo 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, while capellini or angel hair works best for a light texture, you can use other thin pasta like spaghetti or vermicelli without much change in taste.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and makes a great make-ahead dish. Just store it chilled and toss gently before eating to refresh the flavors.