Hi friends! I’m Meriem, your go-to food blogger and pasta aficionada, back with another light and flavor-packed dish to keep your summer cool. Today, we’re talking about the sunshine-in-a-bowl that is 🍝🍋 Zesty Lemon Capellini Salad with Fresh Herbs.
Capellini, known for its silky thin texture, is the perfect canvas for this refreshing, no-fuss salad. Tossed in a bright lemony vinaigrette, loaded with garden-fresh herbs, and studded with juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s basically the ultimate summer Lemon Capellini Salad pasta.
If you’ve loved my Cucumber Tomato Salad or Mexican Street Corn Pasta Bowl, this recipe will slide right into your weekly meal prep — especially if you’re craving something that’s light, quick, and irresistibly zesty.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍋 Bright and tangy – Bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
- 🌿 Herbaceous and fresh – Basil and parsley bring summery vibes.
- 🧀 Quick & easy – 15 minutes of prep and minimal cooking.
- 🧊 Best served cold – Perfect for hot days and picnics.
- 🍝 Versatile & prep-friendly – Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or weekday lunches.
What You’ll Need
- 🍝 8 oz capellini pasta (225g) – This delicate pasta soaks up flavor fast. Sub with angel hair or thin spaghetti if needed.
- 🍋 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (60ml) – The base of the dressing; lime juice is a zippy substitute.
- 🥄 ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (80ml) – Brings richness and helps the dressing cling. Try avocado oil for a buttery twist.
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (45g) – Adds umami and creaminess. Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- 🌿 ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped – Adds sweetness and aroma. Sub with mint for a brighter flavor.
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Gives freshness and balance.
- 🧄 1 clove garlic, minced – Infuses a sharp depth. Milder option: roasted garlic.
- 🧂 ½ tsp salt – Essential for enhancing every ingredient.
- 🌶️ ¼ tsp black pepper – For subtle heat.
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150g) – Brings juiciness and color. Swap with grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
Equipment Needed
- ✅ Medium saucepan (for boiling pasta)
- ✅ Mixing bowl (for dressing)
- ✅ Whisk
- ✅ Colander
- ✅ Chef’s knife and cutting board
- ✅ Salad tongs or large spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Capellini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz capellini according to the package (usually 2–3 mins). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
💡 Meriem’s tip: Cold-rinsing pasta is essential for pasta salads—no mushy noodles here!
Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup lemon juice, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper until emulsified.
Toss Pasta with Dressing
Add the cooled capellini to the bowl and toss until fully coated in lemon vinaigrette.
🍋 Tip: Toss while pasta is slightly damp—helps the dressing cling better!
Add Cheese, Herbs, and Tomatoes
Mix in ½ cup grated Parmesan, ¼ cup chopped basil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
Toss to Combine
Gently mix until evenly combined and well dressed.
Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Topping Suggestions
Elevate your capellini salad with these fun extras:
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts 🌰
- Extra Parmesan curls 🧀
- Shaved zucchini or cucumber ribbons 🥒
- Crumbled feta cheese
- A pinch of red pepper flakes 🌶️
- Lemon zest curls 🍋
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze—capellini is too delicate.
Reheating:
- Best served cold or room temperature.
- If desired, gently rewarm in a microwave-safe dish for 30 seconds (not recommended for long storage).
What to Serve With
Pair this salad with any of the following for a full meal:
- Grilled chicken skewers 🍗
- Lemon-garlic shrimp 🦐
- Focaccia bread or crostini 🍞
- A sparkling water 🍾
- Roasted asparagus or zucchini 🍆
FAQs
Can I make capellini pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually gets better as it chills. Make it a day ahead and serve cold.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or capellini alternative.
Can I add protein to capellini pasta salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans all work beautifully here.
What other herbs can I use in lemon capellini salad?
Try dill, tarragon, or mint for a creative herb blend.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces capellini pasta
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
- Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, parsley, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
This Zesty Lemon Capellini Salad with Fresh Herbs is the fresh, fuss-free recipe you need on your summer rotation. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining al fresco in the Mediterranean. ☀️
Loved this? Try my Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl or Cornbread Salad next time. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your twist in the comments!
