Uncooked Tomato Sauce And Pasta
A vibrant uncooked tomato sauce combined with pasta, featuring fresh tomatoes, olives, basil, and garlic for a simple yet flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Two hours before serving, remove stems and cores from tomatoes.
- Cut each tomato in half lengthwise and remove seeds, leaving as much moisture as possible.
- Slice each tomato half into 4 long wedges.
- Place the tomato wedges in a glass or porcelain container.
- Add the olive oil and toss very slightly to coat.
- Slice the garlic cloves very thinly and add to the tomatoes.
- Pit the olives and chop them coarsely, then add to the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle salt, freshly ground pepper, dried pepper flakes, and chopped fresh basil over the mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and place in a large serving bowl.
- Add the cold tomato sauce and toss well.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, use heirloom tomatoes if available. If you're short on time, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes, but the flavor will differ. Adjust the garlic to your taste; roasted garlic can add a sweeter, deeper flavor. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of dried pepper flakes. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean Bean Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of additional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for a summer meal and pairs well with a light salad, like Stuffed Endive, and a glass of chilled white wine. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover uncooked tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply toss it with freshly cooked pasta over low heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating the sauce multiple times to maintain its fresh flavor. The pasta can be refrigerated separately.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncooked Tomato Sauce And Pasta contains roughly 279 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1859mg per serving (81% 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or spaghetti works well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose. Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli can also hold the sauce nicely.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the eggs worth of fresh spinach and ensure that the pasta is egg-free. You can add extra vegetables or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This will keep the dish delicious and satisfying without any animal products.
What can I do if I don't have fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use high-quality canned tomatoes as a substitute. Look for whole peeled tomatoes or diced tomatoes with no added preservatives. Drain them well and follow the same preparation steps, adjusting the seasoning to taste, as canned tomatoes may be saltier.
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).