Vegetarian Pasta A La Greque
A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish featuring zucchini, tomatoes, herbs, and creamy Feta, perfect for a light, Mediterranean-inspired meal that delights the senses.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil or cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried mint, crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 8 ounces pasta ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup dairy sour cream or plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In large saucepan, cook zucchini and onion in hot oil for 5 minutes.
- Add undrained tomatoes, mint, dill weed, and salt.
- Cover and simmer for 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans for protein. If zucchini is unavailable, yellow squash makes a great substitute. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference, and feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Couscous With Raisins And Red Peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with crumbled Feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside other Mediterranean recipes for a themed dinner. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving can enhance the presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to retain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Pasta A La Greque contains roughly 906 calories, with 13g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for traditional pasta, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this Vegetarian Pasta A La Greque vegan, simply substitute the dairy sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream. Additionally, replace the Feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether for a lighter dish. The flavors will still be delicious!
What can I serve with this pasta dish?
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a light Mediterranean salad, such as a Fat-Free Cucumber Salad Dressing or a simple green salad. You could also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a warm crusty bread to complement the flavors. Consider offering a glass of white wine for a refreshing beverage pairing.
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).