Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes
A light and fresh pasta dish featuring ripe tomatoes, herbs, and lemon juice, perfect for summer dinners or casual gatherings with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add the vermicelli pasta and cook for about 5 minutes or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine dried seeded tomatoes, chopped oregano, minced green onions, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed coriander seeds, salt, crushed red pepper, and minced garlic.
- Add the cooked pasta to the tomato mixture and toss well to combine.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, try using cherry tomatoes instead of dried ones for a burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh oregano, dried oregano can be used but in smaller quantities. Adding a splash of white wine will enhance the dish's flavor. For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken. Adjust the crushed red pepper for your desired spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish at room temperature as a refreshing summer meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Sue's Tabbouleh Salad or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Drizzling with Garlic Dijon Dressing can also add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or a little water to prevent sticking, and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes contains roughly 761 calories, with 8g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of dried?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used instead of dried. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the mixture in step 4. They will add a juicy freshness to the dish but may require a longer cooking time to reduce their moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just keep the pasta and tomato mixture separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make this pasta dish more filling, consider adding protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also mix in some cooked lentils or a handful of spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).