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

15 Minutes Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less Cheese 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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Easy Side Dishes Easy Course

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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Appetizers Lunch Low In Something Time To Make

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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Preparation Salad Dressings For 1 Or 2 Salads

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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Time To Make Easy Vegetables Dietary

Algerian Cucumber Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Algerian cucumber salad bursting with fresh herbs and a zesty vinaigrette! Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Experience the authentic flavors of Algeria with this delicious and healthy salad.

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Vegetables 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Preparation

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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Cuisine Number Of Servings Course For 1 Or 2

Andalusian Rice Salad Ensalada De Arroz

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this refreshing Andalusian Rice Salad! This recipe features sweet piquillo peppers, a variety of chili traditionally grown in Northern Spain, lending a unique sweetness and subtle heat. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic companion, this salad is easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine. Learn how to make this authentic Spanish rice salad today!

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Ground Beef Savory Pies South American Time To Make

Andes Style Papas Rellenas

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru and Colombia with this authentic Papas Rellenas recipe! These crispy, deep-fried stuffed potatoes are filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Learn how to create the perfect potato dough, master the flavorful meat filling, and achieve that golden-brown, irresistible crust. This recipe offers a delicious twist with the option to include yuca for extra texture. Serve with a zesty aji or sarza criolla sauce for a complete culinary journey!

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Peppers Cuisine Italian Onions

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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Beans Main Dish Caribbean Taste Mood

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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Meat Meat 4 Hours Or Less Main Dish

Arroz Con Pollo Chapina Guatemalan Chicken And Rice

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Occasion Occasion Preparation Taste Mood

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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Weeknight Inexpensive To Go 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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Appetizers Crab 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Avocado Stuffed With Crab

Indulge in this delightful Avocado Stuffed with Crab recipe, a treasured gem from our local KCTS cookbook, "Favorite Recipes." Submitted by a Kirkland, Washington viewer, this quick and easy recipe features creamy avocado perfectly complemented by succulent crab meat. A perfect appetizer or light lunch, ready in just 15 minutes!

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Shellfish Shellfish Main Ingredient Seafood

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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Savory Cuisine European Vegetarian

Baked Spaghetti Olivetti

This comforting baked spaghetti recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and olive-studded pasta bake ready in just 60 minutes. While the oven does the work, relax with a glass of red wine – you deserve it! This recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

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Celebrity Time To Make Equipment Meat

Basteeya Moroccan Chicken Pie

Inspired by Christine Cushing's show, this Basteeya recipe delivers an unforgettable Moroccan culinary experience. Flaky phyllo pastry cradles a savory blend of tender chicken, warming spices, and fragrant almonds. A showstopper for any occasion, this recipe is perfect for adventurous home cooks looking for a delicious and impressive main course.

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Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive 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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