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

High In Something Low Carb Lunch Very Low Carbs

2 In 1 Herbed Chicken Leftover Chicken Salad

Transform leftover roast chicken into a sensational chicken salad! This unique recipe delivers two delicious meals in one. First, enjoy a flavorful herbed roast chicken. Then, magically turn any leftovers into a vibrant, gourmet chicken salad bursting with unexpected tastes. Perfect for those who love creative cuisine and hate food waste! This isn't your grandma's chicken salad – get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Course Course 15 Minutes Or Less Salads

22 Second Salad

This lightning-fast 22-Second Summer Salad is a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines sweet and savory flavors in a refreshing slaw. Get ready to impress your friends with this unbelievably easy and delicious recipe – it truly takes only seconds to assemble! (Shelled sunflower seeds are a must!)

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Soups Stews 4 Hours Or Less Inexpensive Course

2Bleu's Vegetable Barley Soup

Warm your soul with this comforting vegan barley soup! A nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic, this recipe boasts chewy barley, tender vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty soup is packed with fiber and bursting with delicious, nutty barley flavor. Easily adaptable to your favorite veggies, it's a weeknight winner! #vegansoup #barleysoup #comfortfood #souprecipe #veganrecipe #easyrecipe

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Course Preparation Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient

Athenian Rice With Feta Cheese

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic Athenian Rice with Feta! This creamy, cheesy rice dish is bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. A quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side. This recipe is inspired by traditional Greek cooking, offering a delicious and healthy option.

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Preparation Free Of Something Time To Make Course

Aubergine Eggplant Courgette And Chickpea Stew

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian stew bursting with Mediterranean spices! This hearty and satisfying dish features tender aubergine (eggplant), zucchini (courgette), chickpeas, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a flavorful weekend lunch. Easy to make and packed with goodness!

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Course Shrimp Dietary Main Ingredient

Australian Shrimp On The Barbie

Savor the taste of Australia with this sizzling shrimp recipe! Perfect for a summer barbecue, these succulent shrimp are marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste of the Outback!

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Course Dietary Beginner Cook Toddler Friendly

Authentic Rigatoni Bolognese

Craving authentic Italian comfort food? This Grandma's Rigatoni Bolognese recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce simmered to perfection. Made with high-quality ingredients and a traditional method, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The hearty Bolognese sauce is easily doubled and freezable for future meals! Get ready for a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

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Savory Presentation Course 4 Hours Or Less

Authentic Traditional Moussaka

Experience the taste of authentic Greek Moussaka, a national treasure! This recipe, straight from Zakynthos Island, will redefine your expectations. Prepare to be amazed by layers of tender eggplant, rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel. A family recipe passed down through generations, this Moussaka is guaranteed to impress. Discover the secret to a truly unforgettable Greek culinary experience.

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Low In Something Fall 30 Minutes Or Less Seasonal

Autumn Cider Herbed Salmon

This fall-inspired recipe is a family favorite! Using leftover apple cider from your fall orchard visit, this dish creates a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will devour. Succulent salmon fillets are infused with aromatic herbs and baked to perfection. Serve with roasted potatoes, boiled red potatoes, green beans almandine, and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying autumn meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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3 Steps Or Less Fruit Apples Time To Make

Avocado And Apple Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Avocado and Apple Salad is a delightful mix of creamy avocado, crisp apple, and a zesty lemon-mustard dressing. Served on a bed of spinach for extra nutrients, it's the perfect light lunch, side dish, or healthy appetizer. Easy to make in just 5 minutes!

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Time To Make Preparation Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Chicken Pita

Crispy pita bread pockets filled with creamy avocado, juicy chicken, and melted cheese! This quick and easy recipe, inspired by Simple & Delicious magazine (March/April 2008), is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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60 Minutes Or Less Vegetables Sauces Main Ingredient

Avocado Fries With Chipotle Ketchup

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These crispy avocado fries, made with a homemade chipotle ketchup, are the perfect appetizer or side dish. Perfectly golden-brown on the outside and creamy on the inside, they're unbelievably delicious. Easily customizable, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether served alongside chicken, as a vegan snack, or as a fun twist on traditional fries.

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Preparation Vegetarian Easy Cuisine

Avocado With Alfalfa

This vibrant and healthy appetizer or light lunch is ready in 5 minutes! Packed with the goodness of avocados – known for lowering cholesterol, fighting cancer, and protecting your eyesight – and the delightful crunch of alfalfa sprouts, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious treat. Inspired by the September 2005 issue of Delicious magazine (Australia).

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Dips Appetizers Salsas Sauces

Avocado Feta Salsa

A vibrant and flavorful Avocado Feta Salsa, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens! This easy appetizer comes together in minutes, boasting creamy avocado, salty feta, and bright summer flavors. Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight snack with tortilla chips!

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Mixer Breads Equipment Low In Something

Awesome Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

From "The Bread Winners Cookbook," these unbelievably delicious whole wheat dinner rolls are a Thanksgiving staple and perfect for any occasion! This recipe yields a large batch, easily halved for smaller gatherings. The rich, nutty flavor of whole wheat flour creates a satisfying texture and nutritional boost that your family will adore. Get ready for rave reviews – these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast!

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Beans Course Vegetables Summer

Baby Greens And Garlicky White Bean Salad

This vibrant and flavorful Garlicky White Bean & Baby Greens Salad is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal, perfect for a light dinner or lunch! A slightly adapted recipe from "Weight Watchers Miracle Foods," this salad is bursting with garlicky goodness and fresh flavors. Red onion adds a mild bite, while the creamy white beans and peppery baby greens create a delightful texture. Let the flavors meld for a truly unforgettable taste experience. (Approximately 3 Weight Watchers points per serving, adjust sauce for preference).

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Vegetarian Dinner Party Brunch Equipment

Baby Spinach Pear And Walnut Salad

A vibrant and delicious salad featuring sweet Corella pears, crunchy walnuts, and tender baby spinach. This refreshing side dish is visually stunning and pairs perfectly with any main course – from grilled meats to pasta dishes and rice bowls. Inspired by a recipe from the latest issue of Australian 'New Idea' magazine, this updated version specifies Corella pears for the best flavor and texture. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make salad!

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Holiday Event Low Saturated Fat Main Ingredient Savory

Insalata Di Ceci Corsican Chickpea Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of Corsica with this incredibly delicious chickpea salad! Inspired by Clifford A. Wright's "Little Foods of the Mediterranean," this recipe is bursting with fresh herbs and a zesty vinaigrette. Letting it sit for 30 minutes allows the garlic to mellow, creating a truly unforgettable taste. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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