Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe

Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad is a light, zesty dish that brings together the bright flavor of lemon with the peppery bite of fresh arugula.

Introduction

In search of a bright, refreshing meal that marries citrus brightness to peppery greens? This Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe is excellent for people looking for a light and tasty dish. This sweet treat is a medley of delicate angel hair pasta (or capellini) covered in a lemony vinaigrette and joined by fresh arugula for a crunchy contrast of garden freshness. Whether you are entertaining friends at your summer party or want a quick, easy, yet stunning dish for a weeknight meal, this recipe is elegance and ease in every bite.
The secret to this Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. The tender pasta does a terrific job absorbing the zesty lemon zest and juice, while extra-virgin olive oil bolsters richness without drowning out the other tastes. The arugula adds a hint of bite and adds green balance that elevates the dish. A few pantry staples and fresh produce, and you’re on your way to a gourmet-style salad pasta in 30 minutes, people.
This is an excellent recipe for the vegetarians in your life, and is easily adaptable to your diet preferences. It’s good warm or cold, so it’s a great option to serve at picnics or to take along for meal prep, and it’s great alongside grilled protein. Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe Food not only tastes delicious but also Makes You feel better and live better– How does that sound! Read on for the recipe and tips on making this citrusy pasta salad a new favorite dish.

🧑‍🍳 Keys for Perfecting Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe

Becoming a champion at the Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe is all about the details. Use fresh, unwaxed lemons for the brightest zest and juice. Capellini, or angel hair pasta, cooks quickly, so pay attention to it, or it will be overcooked; you want it to be al dente enough to hold the light dressing. Toss the pasta while it’s warm to soak up the lemony olive oil mixture better. The arugula is added at the last minute so it doesn’t wilt, keeping it fresh and peppery.

🏡 Why Homemade Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Is a Great Idea

When you make this at home, you control what goes in, so everything is fresh and wholesome. You can control acidity levels, oil ratios, and greens, all things you can’t do with a prepackaged option. Homemade versions are also cheaper and customizable, resulting in a healthier, tastier option for family meals or parties.

🥗 Health Benefits of Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad

This salad is not only flavorful but also packed with nutritional perks. Here’s a breakdown of its key health benefits:

These ingredients make the Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe a smart choice for those seeking a balance between taste and nutrition.

Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe

This Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe is a light, zesty pasta dish featuring tender capellini tossed in fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, then topped with peppery arugula. It’s a refreshing and healthy meal perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side. ✅ Servings 4 people ✅ Estimated Cost $5 ✅ Times Prep Time: 0 days 0 hours 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 days 0 hours 5 minutes Resting Time: 0 days 0 hours 0 minutes Total Time: 0 days 0 hours 15 minutes ✅ Categories Salads, Pasta ✅ Courses Main Dish, Side Dish ✅ Cuisines Italian, Mediterranean ✅ Keywords lemon pasta, capellini salad, arugula recipe, light pasta dish

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz capellini angel hair pasta
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups fresh arugula lightly packed
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Equipment

• 1 Large pot – for boiling pasta
• 1 Mixing bowl – for tossing pasta and dressing
• 1 Colander – to drain pasta
• 1 Microplane or grater – to zest lemon

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add capellini and cook according to package directions (about 3–4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and minced garlic. Whisk together until emulsified.
3. While pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the lemon dressing.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Just before serving, gently toss in the arugula and top with shaved Parmesan, if desired.
6. Serve warm or chilled, as preferred.
7. ✅ Nutrition (per serving – estimate)
8. Calories: 320 kcal
9. Carbohydrates: 38g
10. Protein: 7g
11. Fat: 16g
12. Fiber: 3g
13. Vitamin C: 20% DV
14. Calcium: 8% DV

Notes

For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Substitute spinach for a milder taste.

Best served the same day for optimal freshness and arugula crispness.

💡 Tips and Tricks for Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad

• Microplane finely grated lemon zest for ultimate citrus fragrance.
• Toss the pasta warm so it absorbs more of the lemon dressing.
• If you like it to be a cool salad, refrigerate it before serving.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Add a touch of honey or agave if the lemon is too sharp.

🌿 Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Variations

This recipe is flexible! Here are some tasty variations:

• Throw in grilled chicken or shrimp for a shot of protein.
• Finish with shaved Parmesan or feta for richness.
• Add cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
• Opt for baby spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula for less bite.

They also allow you to customize the dish to suit different tastes or dietary requirements.

✅ Conclusion: Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe

Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe. It’s a mix of simplicity, freshness and flavor. And since it’s made with so few ingredients and little prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and fancy weekend feasting. This light, healthy, and citrus-filled pasta salad will surely be your new favorite.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use spaghetti instead of capellini?
A: Yes, although capellini (angel hair pasta) is thinner and cooks faster, spaghetti can work as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: What can I use instead of arugula?
A: Baby spinach, watercress, or mixed greens are great alternatives if you want a milder flavor than arugula’s peppery bite.

Q3: Is this dish served hot or cold?
A: This salad is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and light lunches.

Q4: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the pasta and lemon dressing ahead, but it’s best to toss in the arugula just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Q5: Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: It is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, simply omit or replace any cheese with a plant-based alternative.

🔄 Share Your Twist!

Have you added your own flavor to this Lemon Capellini With Arugula Salad Recipe? Maybe you tossed in cherry tomatoes, swapped arugula for baby spinach, or added grilled shrimp for extra protein? We’d love to hear how you made it your own! 💛

👉 Share your version in the comments or tag us on social media with #DailyRecipeSpot – your unique twist might just inspire others to try it too!