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Lemon Capellini Salad with Arugula Recipe

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This light and refreshing Lemon Capellini Salad with Arugula is an ideal summer pasta salad. Made with delicate capellini pasta, peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny capers, all tossed in a zesty olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon dressing. Perfect served chilled for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal or side dish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salad

  • 8 oz. capellini pasta (or angel hair)
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1/2 cup good-quality Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp. capers, drained
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. Make the dressing: While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the arugula, grated Parmesan cheese, and drained capers.
  4. Add dressing and toss: Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. Then sprinkle the halved cherry tomatoes on top and give another gentle toss to distribute them evenly without bruising.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, toss the salad again, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Capellini can be substituted with angel hair pasta if preferred.
  • For a tangier salad, add more lemon juice or zest to taste.
  • This salad is best served chilled but can be served at room temperature if preferred.
  • Make sure to rinse pasta with cold water to prevent it from overcooking and to cool it for the salad.
  • Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/lemon-capellini-salad-with-arugula-recipe/