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

Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Appetizers 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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Pasta Rice And Grains Brown Rice Egg Free Course

5 Spice Beef Rice

A family favorite, this gluten-free and dairy-free 5 Spice Beef and Rice recipe is a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner. Inspired by a beloved family recipe, this comforting dish features tender beef, aromatic five-spice blend (pepper, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, oregano), and fluffy rice. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it's sure to become a new family classic! Get ready to cha-cha-cha your way to dinnertime bliss!

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Preparation Low In Something Healthy 2 Time To Make

Aunt Annie's Chicken Chili

This isn't your grandma's chicken chili! My sister, Ann, may not love cooking, but this black bean and beer chili recipe is a family favorite. It's a unique and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, featuring unexpected ingredients like olives that add a delightful briny kick. Get ready for a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

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Savory Sauces Savory Sauces Time To Make Occasion

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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Main Dish Preparation Occasion Dietary

Artichoke Mushroom Pie

This irresistible Artichoke Mushroom Pie is a versatile dish perfect for brunch, appetizers, side dishes, or even a satisfying main course! A nostalgic recipe from my newlywed days, this savory pie features tender artichoke hearts and earthy mushrooms in a creamy, cheesy filling, baked in a flaky crust. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it's the perfect addition to your next gathering.

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4 Hours Or Less Main Dish Weeknight Seasonal

Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Transform humble spaghetti squash into a hearty, flavor-packed casserole! This surprisingly delicious recipe, inspired by BH&G, is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Tender squash is layered with savory sausage, mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce – a satisfying and healthy meal the whole family will love. Get ready to impress!

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30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Time To Make Meat

All American Hot Dish

This hearty and flavorful All-American Hot Dish is a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love! A comforting blend of savory ground beef, creamy corn, and tender noodles, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings. Easily customizable with your favorite spices – add chili powder or garlic for an extra kick! This recipe features a simplified skillet method for ultimate convenience.

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Meat Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Quick Spanish Chicken And Rice

This vibrant Spanish Chicken and Rice is a delicious and easy weeknight meal ready in under 70 minutes! Perfect for busy cooks, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful rice, olives, onions, and cilantro, all baked to perfection. Top it with cheese and serve with your favorite guacamole and sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Breads 4 Hours Or Less Appetizers Time To Make

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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Main Ingredient Ground Beef 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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5 Ingredients Or Less Low Saturated Fat Dietary For 1 Or 2

Alton Brown's Martini

Experience the ultimate martini, Alton Brown style! This recipe isn't for the faint of heart – it's a classic, strong, and incredibly satisfying cocktail. Forget sugary sweetness; this is pure, potent gin flavor. Learn the secrets to perfectly chilled martinis with Alton's unique ice-centric approach, ensuring the ideal balance and temperature every time. The 5:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio is a game-changer, and yes, you do pour the vermouth out (for reasons you'll discover!). Prepare for a martini revelation!

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Vegetables Salads Dinner Party Beginner Cook

A Dilly Potato Salad No Mayo

Light, bright, and bursting with flavor! This zesty dill potato and bean salad ditches the mayo for a refreshing twist on a summertime classic. Perfect for your next BBQ, potluck, or picnic, this low-fat recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews!

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3 Steps Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation 3 Steps Or Less

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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Low In Something Preparation Dinner Party No Cook

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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Vegetables 30 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Salads

Trash Bag Taco Salad

This crowd-pleasing Trash Bag Taco Salad is perfect for potlucks, camping trips, or summer picnics! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this make-ahead recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. The secret? A sturdy plastic bag does the mixing for you! Get ready for rave reviews – this one disappears fast!

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Independence Day Equipment 30 Minutes Or Less Low Carb

Barbecue Feta Turkey Burgers

Fire up the grill for these juicy and flavorful Barbecue Feta Turkey Burgers! Tender ground turkey is combined with salty feta, briny olives, and fragrant oregano, then grilled to perfection. A simple recipe with big taste, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

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European Dietary European Occasion

Baked Tomatoes With Orzo And Olives

This vibrant recipe elevates simple baked tomatoes into a Mediterranean masterpiece! Bursting with flavor, these juicy tomatoes are stuffed with a delightful orzo, olive, and feta filling, then baked to perfection. A quick and easy weeknight meal or stunning appetizer, this dish is sure to impress.

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Main Ingredient Presentation Pasta Rice And Grains To Go

Alicia's Vashon Pasta Salad

This vibrant and flavorful pasta salad, a family favorite from Vashon Island, is bursting with Mediterranean flavors! A delightful mix of pasta, olives, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly tasty pasta salad!

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