Mediterranean Olive Pasta Delight
This Mediterranean Olive Pasta Delight is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the essence of Spanish cuisine to your table. With a blend of tangy olives, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic thyme, it's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of cooked pasta or tortellini with a zesty olive oil dressing makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you're a fan of green olives or just looking to explore new flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
Dried leaf thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Stuffed green olives
1 cup (sliced)
Tomatoes
4 (seeded and chopped)
Cooked pasta or tortellini
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking your pasta or tortellini according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), minced garlic, and dried thyme. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
3
Add the sliced green olives and chopped tomatoes to the bowl. Gently fold the mixture together so the olives and tomatoes are evenly coated in the dressing.
4
Once the pasta is ready, add it to the bowl with the olive-tomato mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing and combined with the vegetables.
5
Serve immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold dish. Garnish with additional olive slices or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Olive Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines pasta with tangy olives, fresh tomatoes, and an aromatic thyme dressing, inspired by Spanish cuisine.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of pasta or tortellini, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 cup of stuffed green olives, and 4 tomatoes.
Can I use tortellini instead of regular pasta?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using either cooked pasta or tortellini for this dish.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of stuffed green olives, which should be sliced before being added to the mixture.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 4 tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped.
What type of vinegar can I use for the dressing?
You can use either red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar depending on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat products.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, you can let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to serve it as a refreshing cold pasta dish.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil for the dressing.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 large garlic cloves, which should be minced.
What kind of thyme should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried leaf thyme.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and dried thyme in a large bowl until well blended.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish with additional olive slices or fresh herbs if desired.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, pasta, vegetarian, quick meal, olives, tomatoes, easy recipe, family dinner, and fresh ingredients.
How much pasta does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 1 lb of cooked and drained pasta or tortellini.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Toss the cooked pasta with the olive-tomato mixture until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes, making it great for preparation ahead of a meal.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a zesty, tangy, and aromatic flavor profile with a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Is it necessary to seed the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the tomatoes should be seeded and chopped for the best texture.
Do I need to cook the olives?
No, the sliced olives are folded into the dressing mixture without additional cooking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by cooking your pasta or tortellini according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
What should I do after whisking the dressing?
Add the sliced green olives and chopped tomatoes to the bowl and gently fold them into the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is noted as a family favorite that is perfect for casual gatherings.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried leaf thyme, you can use fresh herbs as a garnish or alternative.
What size should the garlic be?
The recipe specifically asks for 2 large garlic cloves.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of red wine or balsamic vinegar.
Does this dish have a specific cultural influence?
Yes, it is described as bringing the essence of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.
Can I use black olives?
The recipe specifies stuffed green olives, but you can explore flavors by trying different types if you prefer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this dish.