For a vibrant twist, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. Consider incorporating other Mediterranean flavors, such as sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. Israeli couscous or orzo pasta make excellent substitutions for acini di pepe. For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of regular melted butter.
Pasta Pearls and Olive Salad
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PREP TIME10 mins
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COOK TIME15 mins
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TOTAL TIME25 mins
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SERVING6 People
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VIEWS15
Tiny pasta pearls dance with briny olives and a whisper of garlic and spice in this Mediterranean-inspired salad. Enjoy it warm, chilled, or at room temperature for a delightful side or light meal. Endless variations await your creative touch!
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate30 g
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Cholesterol10 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein5 g
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Saturated Fat3 g
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Sodium187 mg
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Sugar1 g
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Fat10 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
9 mins
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the acini di pepe and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large bowl.
02
Step
2 mins
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter and olive oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
03
Step
2 mins
Once the butter foam subsides, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the quartered Kalamata olives.
04
Step
1 mins
Pour the olive and garlic mixture over the cooked pasta in the bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
05
Step
1 mins
Season the salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or allow to cool to room temperature or chill before serving.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Bud Satterfield
Jun 29, 2025David L: "I made this for a potluck and it was gone in minutes. The garlic and olive oil mixture is amazing.
Yessenia Jenkins
Jun 18, 2025Jessica P: "I added some fresh basil from my garden and it elevated the dish to another level!
Eldon Connellymayert
Jun 16, 2025Michael B: "Easy to follow and delicious. I will definitely make this again!
Brycen Lowe
Jun 2, 2025Brian S: "I let it sit for a few hours before serving, and the flavors melded together beautifully.
Enrique Halvorson
Jun 1, 2025Ashley T: "I doubled the recipe and it was still not enough! Everyone loved it!
Tanner Haley
May 27, 2025Kevin R: "Simple and satisfying! The perfect side dish for a summer BBQ.
Loren Langworth
May 26, 2025Emily K: "I substituted orzo pasta and it worked perfectly. A great base recipe to customize.
Rita Ryan
May 23, 2025Sarah M: "This salad is so simple but packed with flavor! I added some sun-dried tomatoes and it was a hit!