Name: Lemon Capellini Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz capellini pasta (or angel hair pasta); Juice of 2 medium lemons plus 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 simple side. With bright lemon flavor, tender pasta, and savory capers, it comes together quickly and easily.

A white bowl filled with spaghetti noodles twisted neatly into small piles, mixed with thin strips of orange smoked salmon and scattered light green chopped herbs. The noodles are pale yellow and smooth, with the salmon adding a soft, slightly shiny texture. There are small bits of dark green herbs sprinkled evenly on top, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a white fork lying next to it. 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. Since the pasta is thin, this will not take long. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop further cooking.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and whisk until well mixed.
Step 3: Add the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and capers to the bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley and give the salad one last gentle toss. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra brightness, add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the dressing along with the juice.
Substitute cherry tomatoes for diced tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.

Replace capers with chopped green olives for a different briny taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you can toss it with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving again. This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti pasta mixed with light orange smoked salmon pieces and dark green spinach leaves, with a few small capers scattered throughout. The pasta strands are creamy yellow, soft, and slightly twisted, interwoven with the other ingredients. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate, with some pasta delicately twirled around its tines. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark round wooden board underneath and a navy blue cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, while capellini or angel hair pasta works best for its delicate texture, you can use other thin pasta like vermicelli or even small shapes like orzo if you prefer.

Should I prepare the salad ahead of time?

It can be made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld, but avoid making it too far ahead as the pasta may become mushy. For best texture, toss just before serving if possible.