This Green Olive Pasta Sauce is like a Mediterranean vacation for your taste buds. With its briny Castelvetrano olives, fresh herbs, and garlicky goodness, this sauce is vibrant, bold, and ready in no time.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute dinner party centerpiece, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
I first discovered Castelvetrano olives during a trip to a cozy coastal Italian café. Their buttery, mild flavor stole my heart, and I knew I had to recreate that magic at home.
This sauce brings those olives to the forefront, blending them with parsley, dill, and basil for a herby punch, while extra virgin olive oil smooths everything out into a rich, velvety finish.
Whether tossed with al dente pasta or used as a topping for roasted vegetables, this sauce transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
And the best part? It’s ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spare.
What’s so Special About This Dish?
- Packed with Flavor: The briny olives and fresh herbs create a flavor bomb that’s irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Blend, toss, and serve in under 15 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Use it as a pasta sauce, dip, or even a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
- Healthy and Light: Made with fresh ingredients and heart-healthy olive oil.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This unique sauce will wow guests and become a regular on your table.
Green Olive Pasta Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted castelvetrano olives with brine jarred or canned in brine
- ½ cup packed fresh parsley
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped dill leaves
- ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 2-3 medium garlic cloves
- 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of Castelvetrano olives and 6 tablespoons of brine to a food processor.
- Add parsley, dill, basil, garlic, and olive oil to the processor.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Process the mixture until it reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve as a dip, spread, or toss with pasta.
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sugar | 0.2g |
Variations for Green Olive Pasta Sauce!
- Flavor Enhancements
- Citrus Zest: Add one teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing tang.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herb Substitutes
- Cilantro: Replace parsley or basil with fresh cilantro for a unique twist.
- Mint: Add fresh mint leaves for a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Nutty Variations
- Pine Nuts: Add 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts for a classic pesto vibe.
- Almonds: Use slivered or blanched almonds for added texture and nutty undertones.
- Cheesy Additions
- Vegan Parmesan: Stir in 2 tablespoons of vegan Parmesan for richness.
- Traditional Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan if not strictly vegan.
- Alternative Olives
- Kalamata Olives: Substitute Castelvetrano olives with Kalamata olives for a brinier taste.
- Mixed Olives: Use a blend of green and black olives for a balanced flavor profile.
- Texture Tweaks
- Chunky Style: Pulse the mixture briefly for a coarser, tapenade-like texture.
- Creamier Pesto: Add 2 tablespoons of avocado or tahini for extra creaminess.
- Additional Aromatics
- Shallots: Add 1 small chopped shallot for a mild oniony flavor.
- Capers: Stir in 1 tablespoon of capers for a salty, tangy boost.
- Uses and Pairings
- Pasta Sauce: Toss with cooked pasta and roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Bread Spread: Spread on baguette slices and top with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.
- Vegetable Dip: Serve alongside fresh-cut veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
