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

Olive

Olea europaea Allergen-Free
olive

Sourcing & Taxonomy

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

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A small, oil-rich fruit from the olive tree, typically consumed cured (table olives) or pressed for its oil.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, Bitter, Fruity (depending on ripeness/cure)
TextureFirm to Soft, Meaty
AromaBriny, Earthy, Fruity
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Main Fatty Acid

Oleic acid (monounsaturated)

Primary Use

Table olives & Olive Oil production

Shelf Life (unopened)

2-3 years (canned/jarred)

Nutrition Facts

Per 5 olives (15g)
Calories115 kcal
Total Fat11.0 g
Saturated Fat1.5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.8 g
Total Carbohydrate6.3 g
Dietary Fiber3.2 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium52 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium8 mg

Chef’s Secret

To enhance the flavor of plain olives, marinate them briefly in olive oil, garlic, herbs (like rosemary or thyme), and a splash of citrus zest.

Substitutions

Best Match

Capers

1:1

Salty and tangy, excellent for adding a briny, savory note to dishes.

Green Olives

1:1

Younger, firmer, and often more bitter and salty. Good for briny needs.

Black Olives

1:1

Fully ripe, milder, softer, and often fruitier. Good for less intense flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1:1

Concentrated umami and sweetness, good for savory dishes and charcuterie.

Buying Guide

Choose olives based on intended use – green for brine/firmness, black for mellowness. Look for plump, unwrinkled olives.

Flavor Pairings

Mediterranean cuisine Salads Pasta Pizza Tapenades Fish Chicken Focaccia

Recipes Using Olive

Appetizers Black Beans Inexpensive Technique

5 Layer Mexican Dip

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any day with this vibrant and delicious 5-Layer Mexican Dip! This easy recipe, inspired by Kraft Foods, is perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch. Creamy layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cheese combine for a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!

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Very Low Carbs Beef Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less

All Purpose Ground Meat Mix

Unlock a world of flavor and save time & money with this versatile ground meat mix! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe lets you prep a batch of seasoned ground meat, ready to transform into tacos, sloppy joes, chili, and more. Brown ground meat once, then freeze individual portions for quick meals anytime. Say goodbye to repetitive chopping and browning – hello to delicious, budget-friendly dinners!

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Amish Mennonite Easy Number Of Servings North American

Amish Dip

This incredibly addictive Amish Dip recipe comes from Marsha Adams, the beloved host of the American Public Television show, *Quilt Country*. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion! Perfectly creamy and tangy, this dip is equally delicious scooped with chips or slathered on hearty bread. We've added a touch of vibrant color with pimento-stuffed Spanish olives (shhh...we use sliced ones for a budget-friendly secret!). This is the perfect appetizer for your next gathering – or a quick and satisfying lunch.

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Cuisine Low In Something Weeknight Time To Make

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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Seafood Main Ingredient Seafood Occasion

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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Course Course Number Of Servings Occasion

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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Condiments Etc American Course Easy

Artichoke Sauce With Linguini

Indulge in this dreamy Creamy Artichoke Linguine recipe! A quick and easy 20-minute meal featuring tender linguine tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with artichoke hearts, garlic, lemon, and capers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Cuisine Cuisine Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less

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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Course Preparation 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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Main Ingredient Ground Beef Inexpensive Comfort Food

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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Spaghetti 4 Hours Or Less Course Time To Make

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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Time To Make Course Time To Make Occasion

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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60 Minutes Or Less Small Appliance Ground Beef Time To Make

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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Equipment Time To Make Meat Course

Beef Corn Noodle Casserole

This easy and surprisingly delicious Beef Corn Noodle Casserole is a family favorite! Tender beef, sweet corn, and perfectly cooked noodles combine in a creamy, cheesy casserole that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck. You won't believe how well these simple ingredients blend together – get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Main Dish Time To Make

Beef N Cheese French Bread

This easy Beef and Cheese French Bread recipe is a family favorite, even for picky eaters! Quick to prepare (under 20 minutes prep time!), this flavorful recipe combines juicy beef with zesty salsa and melty cheese, all baked to perfection in a crusty French bread. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will crave!

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Equipment American Tex Mex Preparation

Beef Enchiladas

Indulge in our incredibly rich and flavorful Beef Enchiladas! This crowd-pleasing recipe features tender beef simmered in a luscious homemade sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Preparation Soups Stews Easy Main Dish

Better Than Paula's Taco Soup

This slow cooker Taco Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic! Inspired by Paula Deen, but with my own delicious improvements, this recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Makes a large batch – perfect for freezing leftovers for future quick meals! Requires a 6-quart slow cooker.

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Preparation Greens Vegetables Course

Pizza Style Tossed Salad

Craving pizza but want something lighter? This vibrant Pizza Style Tossed Salad delivers all the pizza flavor you love in a refreshing, ready-in-minutes salad! Packed with pepperoni, mozzarella, and olives, this easy recipe uses convenient pre-packaged ingredients for minimal prep time. Simply toss everything together, and you've got a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. Serve with warm breadsticks for the ultimate pizza-inspired experience!

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