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Fresh Cold Capellini with Lemon Olive Oil and Crispy Capers

fresh cold capellini - featured image

A quick, refreshing summer pasta featuring silky capellini tossed in lemon-infused olive oil and topped with crispy capers for a bright, light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces capellini pasta (angel hair pasta)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 fresh lemons, zested and juiced
  • 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
  2. Cook the capellini for 2 to 3 minutes until just al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water but do not dry completely.
  4. In a small skillet over medium heat, crisp the rinsed and dried capers for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Transfer the cooled capellini to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon olive oil dressing over the pasta and toss gently with tongs or a pasta fork.
  7. Add the crispy capers and chopped parsley. Toss again to distribute evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Chill the pasta in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the capellini to avoid mushy pasta when chilled. Rinse pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Crisp capers in a dry pan first to unlock crunch and flavor. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best brightness. Toss pasta gently to avoid breaking delicate strands. Pat capers dry well before crisping to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold pasta, capellini, lemon olive oil, crispy capers, summer pasta, easy pasta recipe, refreshing pasta, vegetarian pasta, gluten-free option