Mediterranean Olives and Courgette Spaghetti
This dish swaps regular pasta for spiralized courgette (zucchini) noodles, tossed with Mediterranean olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs in a light olive oil–lemon sauce. It’s bright, satisfying, and full of classic coastal flavors — perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Courgette Spaghetti:
2 medium courgettes (zucchinis), spiralized or julienned
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1 tbsp capers (optional, for extra Mediterranean punch)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan
1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
1 tbsp toasted pine nuts or crushed almonds
Instructions
1. Prepare the courgette noodles:
Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to make thin zucchini noodles.
Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (important for texture).
2. Sauté the base:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until softened.
3. Add olives & courgette:
Add sliced olives, capers (if using), and courgette noodles.
Toss gently and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until noodles soften slightly — don’t overcook or they’ll get mushy.
4. Season and finish:
Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
Toss well to coat evenly.
5. Serve:
Transfer to bowls and top with feta or Parmesan, fresh herbs, and toasted nuts if desired.
Drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving.
Notes & Tips
Don’t overcook the courgette noodles — they should stay slightly firm (“al dente”).
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for extra protein.
For a creamy twist, stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or hummus before serving
You can replace zucchini with spaghetti squash for a similar Mediterranean-style pasta.
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — prep the veggies and sauce, but combine everything just before serving so the noodles stay fresh.
Q: What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
You can use a julienne peeler, mandoline slicer, or even a regular vegetable peeler for thin ribbon.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g