Description
This refreshing Lemon Capellini Salad is a vibrant and light pasta dish perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful side. Featuring delicate capellini pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and fragrant basil, all coated in a zesty lemon dressing with a hint of honey. Optional crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy finish to this Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces capellini pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the capellini pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes or until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Cool the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey or agave syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad: Add the cooled capellini pasta and torn basil leaves to the vegetable mixture. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Add Garnish: If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with agave syrup to make the dressing vegan.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh herbs like basil for the brightest flavor; you can also add mint for a twist.
- Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent wilting of fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon, capellini, pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian, light lunch, Mediterranean, fresh vegetables, basil, feta
