Black Olive

Olea europaea Fruit, Vegetable (culinary)

Black Olive Fruit, Vegetable (culinary)

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit, Vegetable (culinary)

The Forktionary Angle

"A tiny fruit with a mighty flavor, a briny burst that elevates dishes from simple to sophisticated."

Definition

The ripe fruit of the olive tree, typically cured to reduce bitterness, offering a distinct savory, sometimes salty, flavor.

Antioxidant Richness High in polyphenols.
Curing Method Often brine-cured or dry-cured.
Oil Content Up to 30% when fully ripe.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Black Olive are:

Briny Salty Savory Umami Slightly Bitter (depends on cure)

Chef’s Secret

For a deeper, less watery flavor, pat canned black olives dry and quickly roast them in a hot pan or oven for 5 minutes before adding to dishes.

Best Substitutes

Green Olives

tarter/saltier
Ratio 1:1

Capers

much smaller, saltier
Ratio 1:1

Sun-dried Tomatoes

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for plump, glossy olives. Check if pitted or unpitted, and note the curing method for flavor variation.

Recipes Using Black Olive

Occasion Occasion European Low Carb

Baked Stuffed Polenta Polenta Al Forno

This stunning Italian main dish from the Australian Women's Weekly cookbook elevates polenta to new heights! Layers of creamy polenta, savory salami (or prosciutto!), sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and melted cheeses create a visually captivating and incredibly flavorful bake. Perfect for impressing guests, this recipe is surprisingly manageable with a little prep ahead. Serve with a fresh Italian salad and garlic bread for a complete and unforgettable meal. Serves 6-8.

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Low Protein Easy Low In Something Time To Make

A Simple Greek Salad

This vibrant Greek salad recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Using high-quality ingredients is key to unlocking its full potential – you'll taste the difference! Learn how to make this classic Mediterranean salad in just 20 minutes.

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5 Ingredients Or Less Dips Beginner Cook Occasion

Awesome Taco Dip

This legendary taco dip recipe has been a party favorite since 1990! Easy to make, yet incredibly delicious, this crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering. Get ready for rave reviews! (Can sizes are approximate)

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Number Of Servings Holiday Event North American Appetizers

Baked Chili Cheese Spread

This irresistible baked chili cheese spread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or barbecues, this recipe was a sensation at an office party – it vanished in minutes! Creamy, cheesy, and with a spicy kick, it's easily customizable with your favorite toppings like black olives and sour cream. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this delicious dip disappears!

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Diabetic Fruit American Turkey

Beef Or Chicken Or Turkey Enchiladas

A flavorful and customizable enchilada recipe featuring your choice of beef, chicken, or turkey! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers tender meat, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing fiesta!

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Poultry Mexican Chicken Chicken Thighs Legs

9 To 5 Mexican Crock Pot Chicken

Need a delicious and easy weeknight dinner after a long day? This 9 to 5 Mexican Crock-Pot Chicken recipe is your answer! Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender chicken simmers in a rich, zesty sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice and lettuce. Minimal prep, maximum flavor – get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!

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Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Savory European

Artichoke Olive Chicken Bake

A rustic, juicy chicken bake bursting with the flavors of artichoke hearts and olives! This comforting casserole, inspired by classic country recipes, skips the creamy sauce for a lighter, brighter taste. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Omelets And Frittatas

Angel Hair Frittata

A light and fluffy frittata bursting with fresh vegetables and delicate angel hair pasta. This family recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful brunch. The creamy eggs, combined with savory vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese, create a symphony of flavors in every bite!

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European Appetizers Dietary Cuisine

Black Olive And Fig Tapenade

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Black Olive & Fig Tapenade! A delicious twist on a classic Spanish tapa, this recipe combines the briny saltiness of Kalamata olives with the sweet richness of figs for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Perfect for serving on crusty bread, crackers, or even as a gourmet pizza topping. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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Pacific Northwest Easter Seafood Lunch

Antipasto

This award-winning antipasto recipe is a flavor explosion! Requested at every gathering, it's unbelievably delicious on crackers or as a stunning cold topping for brie. This vibrant medley of marinated vegetables, olives, and seafood is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a unique addition to your charcuterie board.

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Taste Mood Time To Make Potluck Eggs Dairy

Baked Sausage Taco Dip

This hot and hearty Baked Sausage Taco Dip is the perfect game-day snack or weeknight appetizer! Made with savory sausage, creamy beans, and your favorite taco toppings, this dip is easy to make ahead, bakes to bubbly perfection, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Fish Time To Make Low Saturated Fat

Baked Cod With Tomato Olive Tapenade

A fast and delicious recipe for flaky baked cod topped with a vibrant tomato and olive tapenade. Ready in under 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a light weekend lunch. Impress your family with this simple yet elegant recipe!

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Preparation Vegetarian Preparation Low Cholesterol

Avocado Cream Pasta

Indulge in this quick and easy Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe, inspired by Asian flavors! Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant dish features a luscious avocado cream sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with olives for a burst of Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

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Comfort Food Breakfast 30 Minutes Or Less Cuisine

Bagels With Smoked Salmon

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast or brunch with this elegant Smoked Salmon Bagel recipe! Warm, toasted bagels are topped with creamy cream cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and a vibrant array of fresh toppings. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat.

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Oven Equipment North American Course

Arroz Con Queso Rice With Cheese

A cheesy, comforting Arroz Con Queso recipe passed down from a friend! This baked rice dish is layered with flavorful rice, beans, and a blend of cheddar, jack, and ricotta cheeses. A perfect side dish or satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors!

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Corn Healthy 2 Dietary Vegetables

Avocado Corn Salsa

This vibrant Avocado Corn Salsa is so good, you could easily eat it as a meal! The creamy avocado, sweet corn, and zesty lime dressing create a flavor explosion that's perfect with tortilla chips (scoop-style are highly recommended!), or enjoyed straight from the bowl with a spoon. A family recipe passed down through generations, this salsa is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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One Dish Meal 3 Steps Or Less Main Ingredient Preparation

7 Layer Salad

This incredibly popular 7 Layer Salad is more than just a mix of veggies—it's a flavor explosion! Perfectly layered and chilled overnight, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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For 1 Or 2 Low In Something Number Of Servings 15 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Mushroom And Pepper Jack Cheese Omelet

Craving a restaurant-quality omelet without the restaurant prices? This recipe recreates Shari's famous BMP omelet, perfectly sized for one. We use zesty pepper jack cheese for that signature peppery kick (don't settle for Monterey Jack!). Customize it to your liking – add bacon, skip the bacon, load up the mushrooms – it's your omelet! Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

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