Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

Zesty Mediterranean Baked Feta, Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Pasta lovers often seek bold flavors that transport them across oceans, and this vibrant mediterranean pasta delivers pure culinary magic.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of colors and textures.

Fresh herbs and sun-kissed vegetables create a remarkable symphony on your plate.

Olive oil cascades over perfectly cooked noodles, infusing each bite with rich, hearty essence.

Garlic and tomatoes mingle seamlessly, releasing an aroma that awakens every sense.

The recipe promises a delightful escape to coastal landscapes with each forkful.

Savor every moment of this Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Mediterranean With Baked Feta Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For Dairy and Cheese:
  • Feta Cheese: Creamy Greek cheese that delivers tangy richness and becomes delightfully soft when baked.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth Mediterranean liquid that helps ingredients blend and adds glossy depth.
  • Honey: Sweet golden drizzle that balances the salty cheese with gentle caramelization.
  • Dried Oregano: Aromatic herb that brings authentic Greek island essence.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Zesty sprinkle adding subtle warmth and vibrant color.
  • Fresh Garlic: Pungent aromatics that infuse deep savory undertones.
For Fresh and Preserved Accents:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy flavor bombs bursting with Mediterranean sunshine.
  • Kalamata Olives: Robust dark olives with rich, briny complexity.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright green herbs providing fresh finishing touch.
  • Crusty Bread or Pita Chips: Perfect crispy vessel for scooping warm baked feta.

Kitchen Tools For Mediterranean With Baked Feta Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet: Perfect for baking the feta and creating a delicious Mediterranean masterpiece.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps to add precise amounts of olive oil, honey, and spices.
  • Cutting board: Useful for chopping fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
  • Sharp knife: Helps prepare garnishes and slice bread for serving.
  • Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling hot dishes from the oven.

Simple Steps To Make Mediterranean With Baked Feta Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 375F, creating the perfect heat zone for this cheesy adventure. Grab a cozy oven-safe dish that’ll cradle your feta like a warm hug.

  • Layer Mediterranean Magic

Drench your feta block with golden olive oil, letting it shimmer and shine. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and zesty garlic around the cheese landscape. Drizzle a whisper of honey for sweetness, then dust with oregano and fiery red pepper flakes for a flavor punch.

  • Transform in Culinary Flames

Slide your creation into the heated haven, allowing 15-20 minutes of transformative magic. Want a gorgeous golden crown? Blast with broiler heat for a quick 2-3 minute finale.

  • Serve with Soulful Flair

Rescue your masterpiece from the oven, shower with fresh basil or parsley confetti. Rush to the table with crusty bread or crispy pita chips, ready to scoop up this Mediterranean treasure. Bon appétit!

Tasty Tips For Mediterranean With Baked Feta Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Flavor Boost Technique: Marinate the feta in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before baking to enhance its richness and depth of flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap traditional feta with plant-based feta made from tofu or nuts for those avoiding dairy, ensuring similar creamy texture.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preference – from a gentle sprinkle to a bold kick for spice enthusiasts.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for advance party planning or meal prep.
  • Nutritional Power-Up: Add extra Mediterranean vegetables like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.

Ways To Serve Mediterranean With Baked Feta Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Greek Mezze Platter: Create a vibrant spread with various Mediterranean appetizers like hummus, tzatziki, dolmas, and grilled vegetables surrounding the baked feta as the centerpiece.
  • Rustic Bread Dipping Station: Set out a variety of artisan breads, toasted baguette slices, and warm pita wedges for guests to scoop up the melted, herb-infused feta and its delicious toppings.
  • Wine Pairing Experience: Complement the rich, tangy feta with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the cheese's creamy texture.
  • Summer Salad Companion: Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and a light lemon-oregano vinaigrette to balance the warm, intense flavors of the baked feta.

Storage Help For Mediterranean With Baked Feta Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover baked feta in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The dish will stay fresh and tasty when sealed properly.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm chilled feta in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain the original texture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
  • Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store fresh herbs separately from the baked feta to prevent moisture buildup. Wrap basil or parsley in slightly damp paper towel inside a sealed container to extend freshness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the feta dish components up to 24 hours in advance. Keep ingredients in separate containers and assemble just before baking to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors. Mix toppings right before placing in the oven for maximum taste and presentation.
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Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mediterranean baked feta featuring robust Greek flavors combines creamy cheese with briny olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Quick and simple ingredients create a delightful appetizer you’ll savor with crusty bread and fresh herbs.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (8 oz or 226 g) feta cheese (Greek feta, not crumbled)
  • 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
  • ¼ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or a mix, pitted & halved)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp honey (for a hint of sweetness, optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position feta in a compact ceramic or cast-iron dish, ensuring comfortable placement for accompanying ingredients.
  2. Seasoning: Generously drench the cheese with extra virgin olive oil, creating a glossy exterior while prepping flavor foundations.
  3. Ingredient Distribution: Strategically scatter sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and minced garlic around and over the feta, establishing a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle honey across the surface, then sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes to create a complex, nuanced taste experience.
  5. Roasting Process: Transfer the assembled dish into a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing ingredients to meld and transform for 15-20 minutes until the cheese becomes warm and slightly softened.
  6. Finishing Touch: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a golden-brown caramelized surface, carefully monitoring to prevent burning.
  7. Serving: Remove the aromatic dish, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and present immediately alongside crusty bread, pita chips, or artisan crackers for an interactive dining experience.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection: Choose full-fat, high-quality Greek feta for optimal creaminess and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
  • Oil Quality Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness and provide authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
  • Watch Baking Time: Monitor oven closely to prevent cheese from overcooking or becoming rubbery; 15-20 minutes ensures perfect softness.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to personal spice preference, ranging from mild to intensely fiery.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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