Olive Oil

Olea europaea (derived from the olive fruit) Cooking Oil

Olive Oil Cooking Oil

At a Glance

  • Category Cooking Oil

The Forktionary Angle

"The liquid gold of the Mediterranean, offering a spectrum of flavors and health benefits, making it a cornerstone of healthy and flavorful cooking."

Definition

A healthy fat extracted from olives, revered for its fruity, peppery flavor and extensive use in Mediterranean cuisine.

Science Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), particularly oleic acid, which is linked to cardiovascular health benefits.
Storage Best consumed within 18-24 months of bottling; store in a cool, dark place away from heat and light.
Usage Over 90% of global olive oil production comes from Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Olive Oil are:

Fruity peppery grassy sometimes bitter ranging from mild to robust depending on varietal

Chef’s Secret

Drizzling high-quality extra virgin olive oil over finished dishes, just before serving, can elevate flavors, add a luxurious mouthfeel, and impart a fresh aroma without cooking it.

Best Substitutes

Vegetable Oil

for general cooking, but flavor will differ
Ratio 1:1

Avocado Oil

Ratio 1:1

Canola Oil

for neutral flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Opt for "Extra Virgin" for raw applications and dressings; "Pure" or "Light" are better for higher-heat cooking. Check for a harvest date.

Recipes Using Olive Oil

60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Eggs Dairy Comfort Food

4 Cheese Macaroni With A Little More

Transform leftover cheese and pantry staples into a creamy, dreamy 4-Cheese Macaroni Bake! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal. Impress your family with this cheesy, comforting classic, easily customizable to your fridge's contents. Freezes beautifully too!

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15 Minutes Or Less Beef Sausage Easy German

Bavarian Wurst Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Bavarian Wurst Salad recipe! This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious side dish or satisfying light meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a weeknight dinner, this twist on classic Fleisch Salat is bursting with fresh flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic-inspired recipe.

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Beginner Cook Preparation

Beef And Zucchini Burgers

Juicy beef burgers get a vibrant, healthy upgrade with the addition of zucchini! This recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic hamburger, sneaking in extra veggies for a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, these flavorful burgers are sure to become a family favorite. Prepare to be amazed by the burst of fresh zucchini flavor!

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Meat Time To Make Dietary Equipment

Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Quick and easy BBQ beef sandwiches the whole family will love! This recipe features tender beef in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Dietary Kid Friendly Chicken Poultry

Baked Herbed Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, flavorful, and kid-approved! These baked herbed chicken nuggets are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a vibrant herb and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Easily customizable – omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend snack!

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Course One Dish Meal Dietary Course

Baked Salmon With Mascarpone Spinach

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this decadent Baked Salmon with Creamy Mascarpone Spinach! Inspired by Bon Appetit, this recipe features flaky salmon topped with a luxurious spinach and mascarpone cheese mixture, then baked to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Using a whole salmon fillet simplifies prep, and fresh grated cheese makes all the difference. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home!

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Main Dish Preparation Inexpensive Dietary

Beef Green Bean Skillet Dinner

A nostalgic family favorite, this Beef Green Bean Skillet Dinner is a simple yet satisfying one-pan meal! Made with everyday ingredients, it's quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Think hearty beef, tender green beans, and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce – just like Mom used to make! Serve with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious flavor. No hamburger helper needed!

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Clear Soups Soups Stews 4 Hours Or Less Low In Something

Best Ever French Onion Soup

Experience the rich, savory depth of flavor in this classic French Onion Soup! Our recipe develops incredible caramelized sweetness overnight, resulting in a superior soup that's unbelievably delicious. Prep time excludes the recommended overnight caramelization for maximum flavor.

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For 1 Or 2 Main Ingredient Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less

Baked Cheese

Crispy, gooey, and unbelievably easy! This Baked Cheese recipe delivers a simple yet sensational treat in just minutes. Perfect as a quick appetizer, snack, or side dish, it's sure to become a new favorite.

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4 Hours Or Less Healthy 4 Hours Or Less Low Calorie

Barley Rice Pilaf From Company's Coming

This hearty and flavorful Barley Rice Pilaf is a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course! Customize it with your favorite vegetables – we love big chunks of onion! This recipe makes a generous amount, easily halved or frozen for later. A unique twist on classic pilaf, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Course Course 30 Minutes Or Less Soups Stews

Bacon Soup With Veggies

Warm up on a chilly evening with this quick and easy Bacon Soup! Ready in just 16 minutes, this hearty soup is packed with bacon, potatoes, carrots, beans, and pasta, creating a flavor explosion. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Potatoes Potatoes 4 Hours Or Less Dietary

Amy's Roasted Red Skin Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside! These roasted red skin potatoes are bursting with flavor thanks to a simple blend of herbs and spices. A perfect side dish for any occasion, this easy recipe is ready in under 90 minutes.

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4 Hours Or Less Equipment Time To Make Main Ingredient

Basil Pasta Noodles

Experience the taste of summer with these homemade basil pasta noodles! Inspired by a Taste of Home recipe, this recipe guides you through making fresh pasta from scratch, infused with the vibrant aroma of basil. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy and well worth the time. The result? Exquisite, flavorful noodles that will elevate any pasta dish.

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Holiday Event Chicken Course African

Anita's Famous International Chicken And Rice Dish

Uncover the vibrant flavors of this unique chicken and rice dish! Inspired by African cuisine (though its exact origins remain a delicious mystery!), this recipe is a culinary journey worth taking. While it requires some time, the result is a deeply satisfying and unforgettable meal. Prepare to be amazed by the complex and wonderful blend of spices and textures.

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Course Preparation

Beef In Beer

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Beef in Beer recipe, inspired by Nigella Lawson. Perfectly tender beef slow-cooked in a deep, dark beer sauce with sweet prunes. This low-fat, make-ahead masterpiece is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The prunes add a surprising sweetness that balances the savory beef beautifully!

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Low Saturated Fat Low In Something

Garlic And Rosemary Grilled Snapper

Conquer your fear of grilling whole fish! This recipe infuses a juicy snapper with incredible garlic and rosemary flavor in just 20 minutes. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dish – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender, flaky fish with a burst of Mediterranean herbs – you won't believe how easy it is!

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Low Carb Weeknight Equipment Dietary

Beef Tenderloin With Roasted Shallots Bacon And Port

A Christmas Eve tradition since 1997! This decadent Beef Tenderloin recipe features perfectly roasted shallots, crispy bacon, and a rich port wine sauce. Elevate your holiday meal with this show-stopping dish, also perfect for a special occasion dinner. The recipe includes detailed instructions for creating a luxurious sauce that's equally delicious with a standing rib roast.

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Summer Preparation Main Ingredient Occasion

Andalusian Pork Chops

Experience the vibrant tastes of Andalusia with this incredibly simple yet flavorful pork chop recipe! Marinated overnight in a fragrant paprika paste, these juicy chops are pan-seared to perfection. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans for a complete and unforgettable meal. Ready in under an hour!

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