If you love pasta with bold, savory flavors, this Vegan Green Olive Pasta Sauce is worth adding to your dinner rotation. Green olives bring a briny, tangy taste that pairs beautifully with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
What makes this recipe so convenient is how easily it comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients. The sauce coats pasta beautifully and works well for quick weeknight dinners, easy lunches, or meatless meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Briny Flavor: Green olives add a tangy, salty taste that makes this pasta sauce stand out from everyday tomato-based sauces.
- Completely Vegan: This recipe uses plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for vegan meals without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Easy: You can prepare this flavorful sauce without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Garlic, olive oil, green olives, and a few herbs come together to create a delicious sauce with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Pasta: Toss it with spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Green Olives: Use Kalamata olives for a deeper, fruitier flavor. Keep in mind that they have a stronger taste and a darker color.
- Olive Oil: Substitute avocado oil if needed, though olive oil gives the sauce its classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available. Start with ¼ teaspoon per clove and adjust to taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap fresh parsley or basil with dried herbs. Use a smaller amount because dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
- Pasta Water: If you don’t have reserved pasta water, use warm vegetable broth to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
Vegan Green Olive Pasta Sauce Recipe
This vegan green olive pasta sauce is a zesty, savory delight that comes together effortlessly with minimal ingredients. Briny green olives, fresh garlic, and a splash of lemon juice create a vibrant sauce that perfectly clings to pasta for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
- Pasta strainer
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup green olives pitted (Castelvetrano or mild olives work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice for variation
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Vegan pasta of choice ensure it’s egg-free
- Vegan butter optional for a richer flavor
- Vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping optional
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, cook olives and garlic until fragrant.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Drain pasta, return the skillet to medium heat, and toss pasta with the reserved water until coated and al dente.
- Add parsley, black pepper, and adjust seasoning.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Notes
- Taste and adjust salt cautiously, as olives are naturally salty.
- For added creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of vegan cream or cashew butter.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6th recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343 |
| Carbs | 50g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Delicious Variations You Should Not Miss
- Spicy Green Olive Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a little fresh chili while sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick that balances the briny olives.
- Creamy Vegan Olive Pasta: Blend in a splash of coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream for a smooth, creamy sauce without dairy.
- Green Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy contrast to the salty green olives.
- Lemon Herb Olive Pasta: Add extra lemon zest, fresh parsley, and basil for a bright, refreshing Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Protein-Packed Vegan Olive Pasta: Add crispy chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed tofu for a more filling plant-based meal.
Try More Vegan Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of olives?
Yes, you can use Kalamata or black olives for a slightly different flavor. - How can I make this sauce creamier?
Stir in a tablespoon of vegan cream, coconut milk, or cashew butter for extra creaminess. - What other pasta can I use for this sauce?
Any pasta works well with this sauce, from spaghetti to penne to fusilli. - Can I use regular parmesan instead of vegan parmesan?
Yes, regular parmesan can be used if you’re not following a vegan diet. - How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. - Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would make a great addition.
