Spaghetti with olive and mint pesto

Spaghetti with olive and mint pesto features a vibrant blend of olives, fresh mint, and garlic, creating a unique and flavorful sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

12 Feb 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olives
2 garlic cloves
1/2 bunch fresh parsley
1/3 cup spearmint
1/3 cup olive oil
12 oz pasta

Spaghetti with olive and mint pesto is a delightful twist on the classic pasta dish. Combining the rich flavors of olives and fresh mint, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Pit and roughly chop the olives if not pre-pitted.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
- Roughly chop the parsley and spearmint leaves.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.

3. Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor or blender, add the olives, garlic, parsley, and spearmint leaves.
- Pulse a few times to roughly chop the ingredients.
- Add the olive oil and blend until the mixture forms a smooth, thick pesto. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve desired consistency.

4. Combine and Serve:
- In a large mixing bowl or the same pot used to cook the pasta, toss the drained spaghetti with the olive and mint pesto. Add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if the mixture seems too dry.
- Continue to toss until the spaghetti is well-coated with the pesto.

5. Serving:
- Divide the pesto spaghetti into serving bowls.
- Optionally, garnish with additional parsley or mint leaves for a fresh touch.

6. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful spaghetti with olive and mint pesto!

With its unique combination of olives and mint, this spaghetti dish offers a refreshing take on traditional pesto pasta. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for any occasion. Follow the provided tips to elevate the dish, and enjoy a delicious meal that's sure to impress.

Spaghetti with olive and mint pesto FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the spaghetti?

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, usually about 8-12 minutes, until al dente.

What should I do if the pesto is too thick?

If the pesto is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I substitute other herbs for spearmint?

Yes, you can substitute spearmint with other fresh herbs like basil or mint, but the flavor will differ slightly.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover spaghetti with olive and mint pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What type of olives work best for this recipe?

Any briny olives, such as Kalamata or green olives, work well in this recipe, but make sure they are pitted.

Tips:

- For a more robust flavor, use a mix of black and green olives.

- Toast the garlic lightly before adding it to the pesto for a milder taste.

- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the pesto consistency if needed.

- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

- Garnish with extra parsley and mint leaves for a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 350kcal
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 63g
Fiber 3.45g
Sugar 2.34g
Fat 24g

Spaghetti with olive and mint pesto