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

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Introduction

This cool and delicious Lemon Capellini Salad is a refreshing cold pasta dish bursting with fresh tomatoes and tangy capers. Its bright lemon dressing perfectly complements the delicate capellini noodles, making it an ideal side for grilled meats or a light meal on its own.

A white bowl filled with a simple spaghetti dish featuring long, light yellow spaghetti noodles as the base layer, mixed with bright red diced tomatoes scattered throughout. On top, there are small, round, dark green capers and fresh parsley leaves adding a pop of green color. Sprinkles of bright yellow lemon zest are spread across the dish, enhancing the vibrant look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth nearby, and two yellow lemons are blurred in the background. 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 freshly ground black pepper
½ cup diced tomatoes (roma or grape, seeds removed)

3 tbsp capers, drained
1 tbsp fresh curly leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the capellini pasta carefully to avoid breaking the noodles. Cook for about 5 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the juice of two lemons, olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper in a large bowl to create the dressing.
Step 3: Add the cooled pasta, diced tomatoes, and drained capers to the dressing. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest, then toss once more to evenly distribute the flavors before serving.

Tips & Variations

For best texture, avoid breaking the capellini noodles before cooking—they add a lovely visual appeal and a delicate bite.
If capellini is unavailable, thin spaghetti can be used as a substitute.
Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for extra freshness and color.

For a protein boost, consider tossing in grilled shrimp or shredded chicken.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing, as it may settle at the bottom. This dish can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a mix of thin white spaghetti noodles layered with small bright red tomato chunks, dark green capers scattered throughout, topped with fresh green parsley leaves and bright yellow lemon zest shavings, all resting on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth beside it and halved lemons blurred in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, the flavors actually deepen when chilled for a few hours or overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish.

What type of tomatoes work best in this salad?

Roma or grape tomatoes are ideal because they are firm and less watery, which helps keep the salad from becoming soggy.