Mediterranean Sunshine Pasta with Grilled Halloumi

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip to sunny Greece without leaving your kitchen? This mediterranean pasta recipe is your ticket! Honestly, who can resist that combo of fresh flavors?

Brief Overview

This dish captures the essence of the mediterranean diet. it features simple ingredients and vibrant flavors. originating from the sun-kissed coasts of greece and italy, this pasta is simple to make, takes only 35 minutes.

It serves 4. it's fantastic for a light lunch or easy dinner.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? this easy mediterranean diet recipes is packed with nutrients! this mediterranean pasta is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber.

Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend gathering. the star of the show? the grilled halloumi, no doubt! it adds that salty, savory kick that just makes the dish, you know?

Let's dive into the heart of this recipe. This Greek pasta recipe is more than just a dish. It's a flavourful journey.

Mediterranean Sunshine Pasta with Grilled Halloumi Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
• Salt, for pasta water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) capers, drained
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon (3g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces (225g) halloumi cheese, cut into ½-inch thick slices
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds - don't burn it!).
• Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
• Stir in basil, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
• While the sauce simmers, brush halloumi slices with olive oil. Grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly softened. Watch carefully - it can burn quickly!
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Mediterranean sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to create a saucier consistency.
• Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top with grilled halloumi slices. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite

I remember the first time i tried something similar. we were in crete on holiday. honestly, it was a revelation! that's what i wanted to capture with this recipe.

This is a celebration of the summer pasta recipes . it's all about those fresh, vibrant flavours. we're talking juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs, all mingling together in perfect harmony.

This mediterranean pasta salad recipe cousin is great too in other ocassions, but today, we wanna something warm.

The Heart of the Matter: Ingredients

To bring this mediterranean pasta dream to life, you'll need some key ingredients. don't worry, nothing too fancy, promise! you'll need your favorite pasta (penne and fusilli work really well), juicy cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, salty capers, and fresh basil.

Let's not forget the star of the show, the halloumi pasta cheese. this gives salty flavour. finally, you'll need some fresh herbs and lemon for a zesty twist.

This recipe is a total breeze. This Vegetable Pasta Recipes can be ready in under 40 minutes.

Right then, let's talk ingredients! Honestly, the quality here really makes a difference. So, gather 'round and let's make some amazing mediterranean pasta ! This mediterranean diet recipes dinners will blow your mind!

Ingredients & Equipment: What You'll Need

This recipe is super forgiving. But, fresh ingredients always make it sing. We're going for a vibrant summer pasta recipes feel, you know?

Main Ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of penne.
  • I love penne. It hugs the sauce perfectly. Any short pasta works though!.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , extra virgin.
  • Good quality olive oil is important, I tell ya. It's like the foundation of flavour.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
  • Freshly minced, not that jarred stuff!. Trust me.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (450g) , halved.
  • Look for bright red, firm tomatoes. They should smell sweet and summery.
• Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (75g) , pitted and halved.
  • These olives give a real greek pasta recipe vibe, don't they?.
• Capers: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , drained.
  • Little pops of salty, briny goodness!.
• Fresh Basil & Parsley: ¼ cup (15g) each, roughly chopped.
  • Fresh is best, obviously. But dried herbs work in a pinch.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , fresh.
  • Bottled lemon juice is just not the same!.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
  • This is the taste of Greece right here!.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (3g) (optional).
  • Just a little kick!. Add more if you're feeling brave.
• Halloumi Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , cut into ½-inch thick slices.
  • Halloumi is the star!. It should squeak on your teeth when you eat it.

Seasoning Notes for the best Vegetable Pasta Recipes

Honestly, oregano is key . it really makes it a mediterranean pasta flavour, like you're actually on holiday. a good pinch of red pepper flakes will add some heat.

You could always add sundried tomato paste, gives it a richer flavour.

If you haven't got all the fresh herbs? No worries!. Use dried! Just halve the amount.

I would consider the Lemon Herb Pasta , or this recipe is more of a base for my Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Dinner!

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Tongs

You don't need much fancy stuff. a grill pan is great for the halloumi. but a frying pan works just fine!.

The main thing is a big pot for the pasta. you'll want plenty of room for it to boil properly.

Some even make it as a mediterranean pasta salad recipe .

Cooking Method: Mediterranean Sunshine Pasta

Okay, let's chat about this mediterranean pasta . honestly, i love how easy it is. this recipe is so simple, even i can't mess it up.

We're going to focus on making it taste amazing. i'm gonna show you how to get it right, every time.

Prep Like a Pro

First, mise en place is key, you know? halve those cherry tomatoes, pit your olives. mince that garlic, pronto! got the fresh basil and parsley chopped.

Halloumi sliced? boom! you’re set. doing this saves so much time. it makes cooking way more chill, honestly.

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

1. Boil 1 pound of pasta in salted water. Follow package directions until al dente. Don't overcook it, okay? Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds . Don't let it burn!

3. Add tomatoes, olives, and capers. Cook for 5- 7 minutes . Tomatoes should soften and release juices.

4. Stir in basil, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes . Now that's what I call a sauce.

5. Brush halloumi with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Grill for 2- 3 minutes per side. Aim for golden brown deliciousness.

6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add pasta water if needed. Gotta get that sauce clinging, you know?

7. Serve the mediterranean pasta immediately. Top with grilled halloumi.

My Pro Tips

Pro tip number one? Don't skip the lemon juice. It makes the flavors POP, adding the perfect zing to your lemon herb pasta masterpiece. Seriously, it's like sunshine in a bowl!

A common mistake? overcooking the pasta. al dente is the way to go. nobody wants mushy pasta, right? make-ahead? sure! prep the sauce and grill the halloumi ahead.

Just combine when ready to serve. it's a great way to manage your time. this mediterranean diet recipes dinners is great anytime.

Honestly, this greek pasta recipe rocks, you can also think of this one as summer pasta recipes . i’ve even tried it cold as a mediterranean pasta salad recipe , it’s super versatile.

This easy halloumi pasta is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. the beauty of all vegetable pasta recipes and vegetarian pasta dishes lies in their flexibility.

I hope this easy mediterranean diet recipes become your go-to.

Recipe Notes for Your Best Mediterranean Pasta Ever

Okay, so you're about to make this amazing mediterranean pasta dish, right? honestly, it's so easy, but here are a few little things i've learned along the way that might help you nail it.

I’ve created many vegetable pasta recipes and variations over the years. this recipe will make some great vegetarian pasta dishes .

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plate On!

Presentation is key, you know? i like to pile the pasta high in a bowl, then artfully arrange the grilled halloumi on top.

A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil? chef's kiss! for sides, a simple green salad is perfect.

Or you can serve it cold as a mediterranean pasta salad recipe ! drinks-wise, a chilled glass of white wine works wonders.

This fits perfectly in the mediterranean diet recipes dinners .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so if you're lucky enough to have leftovers, let 'em cool down completely before you pop them in an airtight container.

The fridge is your friend here – it will last about 3-4 days . freezing? honestly, the halloumi's texture might change a bit, but you can do it.

Just thaw completely and reheat gently. this could qualify as one of your easy mediterranean diet recipes !

Variations: Make it YOURS!

This recipe is super adaptable! want to make it fully vegetarian? just skip the halloumi. i sometimes add chickpeas for extra protein.

Halloumi giving you the blues? try feta! looking for a greek pasta recipe with a twist? for a bit of lemon herb pasta deliciousness, add a bit of lemon zests.

And depending on the season, you can swap the veggies for whatever's looking good at the market. courgette, aubergine..anything that you would find in the summer pasta recipes

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This mediterranean pasta dish is packed with goodness! think of all the vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, olives, and herbs.

It's relatively high in protein thanks to the halloumi, and the olive oil provides healthy fats. of course, pasta is carbs, so keep that in mind.

This is also great to include if you are looking for a halloumi pasta to spice up your repertoire!

Honestly, i love this mediterranean pasta recipe because it's so quick and easy, but also so flavorful and healthy. i really hope you enjoy it as much as i do! don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own, and don't worry if it's not perfect first time.

Cooking is all about learning and having fun. you got this!