Fruit (Culinary), Vegetable | Vegan Mediterranean Keto Gluten Free

Green Olive

Olea europaea Allergen-Free
green olive

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Oleaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Fall - Winter (Harvest)
  • Source Olive tree

The Forktionary Angle

"The crisp, tangy jewel of the Mediterranean palate."

Definition

Unripe olives, typically brined or cured, characterized by their firm texture and pungent, salty, sometimes bitter flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, Bitter, Tangy, Pungent
TextureFirm, Meaty
AromaBriny, Grassy, Fruity
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Primary Bitter Compound

Oleuropein (removed during curing)

Storage (opened)

Refrigerated in brine (2-3 weeks)

Typical Curing Method

Lye-cured then brined

Nutrition Facts

Per 5 olives (15g)
Calories145 kcal
Total Fat15.3 g
Saturated Fat2.0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.0 g
Total Carbohydrate3.8 g
Dietary Fiber3.3 g
Total Sugars0.5 g
Calcium52 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium42 mg

Chef’s Secret

Rinse green olives before use to remove excess salt, or soak briefly in cold water for a milder flavor. Pit them yourself for fresher taste.

Substitutions

Best Match

Black Olives

1:1

Similar in use, but sweeter, softer, and less bitter/briny.

Capers

1:1

Salty and tangy, good for adding a briny punch to sauces or salads.

Gherkins (Cornichons)

1:1

Pickled cucumbers offer a crunchy texture and vinegary tang.

Artichoke Hearts

1:1

Marinated or brined, provide a tender texture and savory, slightly tangy flavor.

Buying Guide

Choose olives that are firm and not mushy. For jarred/canned, check brine clarity. Avoid those with murky or cloudy brine.

Flavor Pairings

Salads Tapenades Pizza Pasta Cocktails (Martinis) Charcuterie boards Mediterranean dishes

Recipes Using Green Olive

Low In Something Dietary Number Of Servings Low Carb

Better Than Sex Cheese Ball

This decadent Better Than Sex Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer! Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this easy-to-make cheese ball is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Side Dishes Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

10 Minute Low Fat Potato Salad

Craving creamy potato salad without the guilt or the long wait? This 10-minute recipe delivers! Made from scratch with a vibrant, low-fat yogurt-based dressing, tangy mustard, and briny olives, this recipe is a game-changer. Easily doubled for larger gatherings (add 5 minutes to the cook time). Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or a quick lunch!

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Low In Something Time To Make Main Ingredient Diabetic

A Salad For All Seasons

This vibrant salad is a delightful combination of simple, flavorful ingredients that's perfect any time of year! Impress your guests (or your picky husband!) with this surprisingly satisfying starter or light lunch. Featuring intensely flavorful roasted red onions, perfectly boiled eggs, and a few other key components, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Roast the onions and boil the eggs ahead of time for effortless assembly – making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete and fulfilling meal.

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Salad Dressings Salad Dressings 30 Minutes Or Less Vegetables

Adapted Columbia Restaurant 1905 Salad Recipe

Transport your taste buds to Ybor City, Tampa with this legendary 1905 Salad, adapted from the iconic Columbia Restaurant's recipe! This vibrant Spanish/Cuban masterpiece features crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, and sharp cheeses, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. We've elevated this classic by adding crunchy smoked paprika-manchego croutons – a flavor explosion that takes this salad to the next level! Perfect as a light dinner for two or a delightful appetizer for four. Get ready to experience a taste of history!

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Main Dish Poultry Preparation Course

Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken And Potatoes

Experience the incredible flavors of Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken and Potatoes! This easy-to-make recipe delivers crispy-skinned chicken thighs and tender potatoes, bursting with smoky paprika and bright citrus notes. A perfect weeknight meal that's sure to impress.

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Occasion Vegetables Preparation 3 Steps Or Less

Angelina's Caponatina

This family recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of Sicilian sunshine. Angelina's Caponatina is a vibrant, flavorful eggplant relish perfect as an appetizer, pasta topping, omelet addition, or simply enjoyed with crackers. Imagine tender eggplant, sweet onions, briny olives, and a touch of sweetness and spice, all simmered to perfection. This versatile dish is easily made ahead, frozen for later, and is sure to become a family favorite! Learn how to make this classic Sicilian recipe and experience the culinary tradition that has spanned generations.

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Pasta Preparation Easy Main Ingredient

Anti Pasto Appetizers

These festive antipasto skewers were a huge success at my Christmas party – even the kids loved helping make them! A vibrant mix of savory salami, pepperoni, creamy cheese, briny olives, and perfectly cooked tortellini, these easy appetizers are sure to impress your guests. While there's a 4-hour marinating time, the active prep only takes about 30 minutes. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Technique Seasonal Christmas

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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Occasion Time To Make Meat 30 Minutes Or Less

Antipasto Skewers Easy And Perfect For Picnics

These vibrant Antipasto Skewers are the perfect make-ahead dish for your next BBQ or summer picnic! No hot kitchen required – simply assemble, marinate, and enjoy these delicious Italian-inspired bites. Customize them with your favorite ingredients for a truly unique and refreshing treat. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Occasion Poultry Cuisine

Argentinean Empanadas

Authentic Argentinean empanadas, bursting with flavor! This recipe teaches you how to make both the dough and a classic Buenos Aires-style ground beef filling. Learn to create perfectly crimped, golden-brown empanadas that are sure to impress. While this recipe features a traditional filling, feel free to experiment with your favorite meats, cheeses, vegetables, or fruits. Whether baked or fried, these delicious pastries are perfect for a quick lunch, a party snack, or a taste of Argentina right in your kitchen! Use store-bought dough for a shortcut!

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Comfort Food 60 Minutes Or Less Stove Top Occasion

Arroz Con Gandules Rice And Beans

Experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this authentic Arroz con Gandules recipe! This savory rice and pigeon peas dish is a beloved staple, bursting with the rich tastes of sofrito, ham, and olives. A comforting classic with many variations across Spanish-speaking countries, this version captures the true essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. Easy to follow instructions make this a perfect weeknight meal.

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Taste Mood Comfort Food Vegetables North American

Asopao De Pollo Caribbean Chicken And Rice

Escape to the Caribbean with this vibrant Asopao de Pollo! This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of savory spices, stewed tomatoes, capers, olives, ham, garlic, and peas for a truly unforgettable flavor explosion. A hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it as a complete one-dish meal or alongside a refreshing salad. Inspired by a Betty Crocker international recipe, this Asopao de Pollo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Independence Day Taste Mood Cuisine Independence Day

Aunt Woofie's Macaroni Salad

Get ready for a taste sensation! Aunt Woofie's Macaroni Salad is a family favorite, perfected over years of culinary magic. The secret? Tangy green olive and pickle juice infuses this creamy pasta salad with irresistible flavor. Made with a unique horseradish kick (easily swapped for extra mustard if preferred!), this recipe is best made the day before to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Double the recipe and impress your crowd!

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Number Of Servings Cuisine For 1 Or 2 Baja

Avocado Stuffed With Shrimp

Inspired by a friend's Puerto Penasco adventure, this vibrant Avocado Stuffed Shrimp recipe is a delightful appetizer or summer luncheon dish. Succulent shrimp salad, bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of zing, is nestled into creamy avocado halves for a taste of paradise. We've perfected the recipe to ensure a non-slippery, perfectly balanced shrimp salad that's easy to enjoy. Prepare ahead – the shrimp salad can be made earlier in the day, and chilling enhances the flavors!

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Time To Make Scandinavian Course Easy

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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Occasion North American Southwestern United States 30 Minutes Or Less

Baked Green Olives In Spicy Cheese Pastry

A party-perfect appetizer that's surprisingly addictive! This unique recipe features spicy cheese pastry encasing savory green olives—a flavor combination that will leave your guests wanting more. Guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser, these baked olives are the ultimate finger food. Prepare to be amazed—they're that good! Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or a special weeknight treat.

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Seafood Taste Mood Preparation Main Ingredient

Baked Tilapia With Tomatoes Olives

Flaky tilapia fillets bake to juicy perfection in a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired sauce of burst tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs. This easy, 35-minute recipe is budget-friendly and bursting with fresh flavors – perfect for a weeknight dinner!

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Preparation Course Cuisine Time To Make

Chicken Noodle Slaw

This vibrant Asian-inspired chicken noodle slaw is a flavor explosion! Sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy noodles and veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing combine for a satisfying and refreshing dish that's perfect as a side or light meal. Save time by using pre-shredded coleslaw mix and pre-cooked chicken! (Note: Recipe updated June 2011 to include two cans of mandarin oranges and optional peanuts.)

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