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+ servings

Lemon Capellini Salad with Basil, Parmesan, and Arugula

A bright lemon capellini salad with fresh basil, peppery arugula, toasted pine nuts and Parmesan. Perfect for spring and summer.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Salads, Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Vinaigrette
  • 1 to 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Meyer lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons California extra-virgin olive oil
For the Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound capellini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fine sea salt for the pasta water
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 2 handfuls baby arugula about 2 cups
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Make the Vinaigrette
  1. In a glass jar or tight-sealing container, combine the grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Cover tightly and shake well until blended, then set aside.
Make the Pasta Salad
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the fine sea salt and capellini, then cook according to the package directions, stirring every few minutes to keep the strands from sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it immediately under cold running water until cool. Drain thoroughly, shaking out any excess water.
  3. Place the pine nuts in a small dry skillet and warm over medium-low to medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes. Remove them from the pan and let cool completely.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby arugula, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and sliced basil.
  5. Give the dressing another shake, then pour it over the ingredients in the bowl.
  6. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste, then season with kosher salt and black pepper as desired.
  7. Turn the salad out into a serving bowl and finish with a few small basil leaves, lemon slices if you like, extra black pepper, and a light dusting of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 300mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2.8g

Notes

To turn this into a heartier meal, marinate thin chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt, then grill until cooked through and slice over the salad.
Capellini clumps easily, so rinse it very well and toss with the dressing while still slightly warm if you prefer a non-sticky texture.
No white balsamic? Substitute champagne vinegar or a mild white wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar.
Toast pine nuts over low heat and keep an eye on them, since they burn in seconds.
Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-shredded bags have anti-caking agents that melt oddly in vinaigrette.
This salad is at its best on day one, but leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Loosen with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Add extra arugula just before serving if you like a greener, more peppery finish.

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