Olive

Olea europaea Fruit/Condiment

Olive Fruit/Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit/Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The ancient fruit, essential to Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle."

Definition

The fruit of the olive tree, typically cured or brined, consumed whole or pressed for oil, with distinct varieties offering diverse flavors and textures.

Main Fatty Acid Oleic acid (monounsaturated)
Primary Use Table olives & Olive Oil production
Shelf Life (unopened) 2-3 years (canned/jarred)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Olive are:

Salty Briny Pungent Fruity Bitter (varied by type)

Chef’s Secret

For an intense burst of flavor, gently warm olives with herbs like rosemary and a garlic clove in olive oil before serving.

Best Substitutes

Capers

for brininess
Ratio 1:1

Artichoke Hearts

for texture/tang
Ratio 1:1

Sun-dried Tomatoes

for umami
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Consider the origin and curing method; choose olives that are plump and submerged in brine or oil.

Recipes Using Olive

Time To Make Appetizers Course 60 Minutes Or Less

7 Layer Dip

This crowd-pleasing 7-Layer Dip is the ultimate game-day snack or party appetizer! Layers of creamy sour cream, zesty salsa, savory beans, and fresh toppings disappear in minutes. Easy to make ahead, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Low Cholesterol Vegan Side Dishes Low In Something

Angel Hair Pasta With Simple Garlic Basil

This light and flavorful Angel Hair Pasta with Simple Garlic Basil is a quick weeknight meal or delightful side dish! Delicate angel hair pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic, basil, and tomato sauce. Elevate this simple dish with a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, or add sliced olives for a fun twist. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side for 4. Adapted from a classic recipe.

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Preparation Course Preparation Appetizers

Antipasto Bread

This crowd-pleasing Antipasto Bread is perfect for lunch, appetizers, picnics, and beach days! A vibrant medley of Italian flavors baked into a crusty loaf, it's bursting with fresh ingredients and irresistible taste. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Low Cholesterol Occasion Healthy 2 Taste Mood

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Whip up this vibrant Antipasto Pasta Salad in just 15 minutes! A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad bursting with Italian charm, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck hit. This recipe, inspired by a coworker's secret, is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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Course Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less North American

Antipasto Wraps

A vibrant and flavorful twist on classic antipasto! These easy-to-make wraps are perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or light dinner. Customizable to your liking, you can add meat or keep it vegetarian – the delicious cream cheese basil spread is the star! Inspired by a Pampered Chef recipe.

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Appetizers Cheese Christmas Weeknight

Appetizer Cheese Trees Or Snowmen

Delight your guests with these adorable Christmas tree and snowman cheese balls! Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings. This recipe provides clear instructions and measurements for creating both charming cheese trees and jolly snowmen, guaranteed to be a hit.

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Preparation Italian Greek Saltwater Fish

Artichoke And Ripe Olive Tuna Salad

A vibrant and unexpected flavor explosion! This Artichoke & Ripe Olive Tuna Salad combines the richness of tuna with the briny tang of olives and the subtle heartiness of artichokes. Serve this Mediterranean-inspired salad on a bed of crisp lettuce with juicy tomato slices, or enjoy it as a delicious and satisfying sandwich on crusty French bread. Adapted from a Delish recipe.

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Low In Something 5 Ingredients Or Less Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less

Artichoke Heart Salad

Elegant 5-ingredient artichoke salad ready in 5 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute dinner party or a quick weeknight meal. This vibrant salad combines marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, crisp green pepper, and red onion for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. A simple lemon vinaigrette ties it all together.

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Weeknight North American Weeknight Easy

Arugula Pepperoni Salad

A zesty and flavorful arugula salad featuring spicy pepperoni, crunchy pecans, and a homemade honey-mustard dressing. This quick and easy recipe from Hormel Foods is absolutely fabulous! Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.

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15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation Cocktails

Astoria

Relive a taste of France with the Astoria, a sophisticated cocktail I perfected years ago and shared on a popular French website. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for a quick aperitif or a sophisticated nightcap. Impress your friends with this surprisingly delicious and elegant concoction!

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Appetizers Seafood Shellfish Appetizers

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Penne Main Ingredient

Baked Penne With Meat Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food classic: Baked Penne with Meat Sauce! This hearty and flavorful recipe, adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens' Biggest Book of Italian Recipes, features tender penne pasta in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, topped with bubbly mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal.

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Lunch Occasion Course Preparation

Baked Pizza Burgers

Transform ordinary hamburger buns into cheesy, pizza-flavored delights with this easy Baked Pizza Burger recipe! Kids will love the simple, fun twist on pizza and burgers. Customize your creation with favorite meats and veggies – pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, peppers, and Canadian bacon are just the beginning for adults! This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.

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Meat Time To Make Poultry Meat

Baked Southwest Sandwiches

Spice up your lunch with these easy Baked Southwest Sandwiches! Crispy bread, juicy turkey, melted cheese, and a zesty olive-southwest spread make this recipe a flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Course Pasta Rice And Grains One Dish Meal 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Spaghetti Cheesy Spicy

This isn't your average baked spaghetti! Developed by sisters for late-night study sessions (and many happy bellies since!), this recipe delivers cheesy, spicy goodness in abundance. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers – it freezes beautifully and can even be prepped the day before. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Ground Beef Occasion Course

Barbecue Or Oven Baked Pizza Bread

Transform a simple loaf of French bread into a mouthwatering pizza masterpiece! This easy recipe uses readily available ingredients and offers two cooking methods: oven-baked for crispy perfection or barbecue-grilled for smoky flavor. Whether you're craving a satisfying lunch, a quick dinner, or delicious appetizers, this adaptable recipe is perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings and seasonings – the possibilities are endless!

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Grilling Main Ingredient Barbecue Meat

Basil Mozzarella Burgers

Savor the taste of summer with these juicy Basil Mozzarella Burgers! Our Italian-inspired recipe features fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a vibrant sweet pepper relish. These delicious grilled burgers are perfect for a BBQ or a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Dietary Appetizers Course Dips

Bavarian Cheese Dip Obatzda

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy delight of Obatzda, a traditional Bavarian cheese dip! This irresistible spread of soft cheeses, beer, and spices is the perfect appetizer or snack to pair with crusty bread and crisp vegetables. Simple to make, yet bursting with authentic Bavarian flavor, this recipe is your ticket to a taste of Germany. Chill and meld flavors for a truly unforgettable experience.

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