Cooking Oil | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Keto Mediterranean

Olive Oil

Olea europaea Allergen-Free
olive oil

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Oleaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Olives

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 fat obtained from olives, widely used in Mediterranean cuisine for cooking, frying, and salad dressings.

Sensory Profile

TasteFruity, Peppery, Bitter
TextureViscous, Smooth, Oily
AromaGrassy, Earthy, Pungent
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

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.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (14g)
Calories884 kcal
Total Fat100 g
Saturated Fat13.8 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium1 mg
Iron0.6 mg
Potassium1 mg

Chef’s Secret

For drizzling, always use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; its flavor is best enjoyed raw.

Substitutions

Best Match

Vegetable Oil

1:1

General cooking and baking where flavor is not primary.

Avocado Oil

1:1

Higher smoke point, neutral flavor, good for high-heat cooking.

Melted Butter

1:1

Adds rich flavor for baking, not suitable for vegan diets.

Grapeseed Oil

1:1

Light flavor, good for dressings and light sautéing.

Buying Guide

Choose 'extra virgin' for best flavor and health benefits; store in a cool, dark place.

Flavor Pairings

Balsamic vinegar Garlic Tomatoes Herbs Bread

Recipes Using Olive Oil

Preparation Salad Dressings 15 Minutes Or Less Easy

1905 Salad Dressing Recipe

Recreate the magic of Florida's legendary Columbia Restaurant with this authentic 1905 Salad Dressing recipe! This vibrant and zesty dressing, a classic from the famed Columbia Restaurant, adds a touch of Old Florida charm to any salad. Get the recipe and nutritional information here – perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your next meal.

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Cheese Appetizers Dietary Occasion

2Bleu's Mushroom And Swiss On Crostini Toast Appetizers

Elevate your game day or party with these irresistible Bleu Cheese, Mushroom, and Swiss Crostini! This gourmet appetizer combines earthy mushrooms, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy bleu cheese for a flavor explosion that's sure to impress. Perfectly toasted crostini provide the ideal base for this simple yet sophisticated bite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Easy Pork Sausage Dinner Party Beef

2Blue's Pepperoni Ravioli

Impress your guests with these vibrant 2 Blue S Pepperoni Ravioli! This delicious appetizer is ready in just 30 minutes and features a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a party or a romantic dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a taste sensation!

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Vegetables Asparagus Side Dishes Course

Asparagus With Sauce Gribiche

Elevate your asparagus game with this vibrant and flavorful Sauce Gribiche! Similar to aioli or mayonnaise, this luxurious sauce features chopped hard-boiled eggs, briny capers, tangy pickles, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful contrast to the tender asparagus. Perfect as a light lunch, elegant side dish, or even atop fish or meat! This recipe offers a quick and easy method using store-bought mayonnaise, or you can craft your own from scratch for an extra layer of richness. Get ready to impress with this stunning and delicious dish!

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Preparation Nuts Course Eggs Dairy

Asparagus Halloumi And Pine Nut Salad

This vibrant and flavorful salad combines crisp asparagus, salty halloumi cheese, and crunchy pine nuts for a delightful culinary experience. Inspired by Michael Allemeier's recipe, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish. The warm halloumi contrasts beautifully with the fresh asparagus and zesty lemon-parsley dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Easy 15 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Preparation

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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Central American Caribbean Toddler Friendly Kosher

Authentic Cuban Rolls

Craving the taste of Miami? Authentic Cuban bread, the star of the famous Cuban sandwich, is notoriously hard to find outside of South Florida. But now you can make it at home! This recipe offers three methods—manual, mixer, and bread machine—so you can choose the easiest way to bake these delicious rolls. These perfectly crusty and airy rolls will transport you straight to a Cuban cafe. Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor! Don't forget to check out our recipe for the perfect Cuban sandwich (recipe #320914) to complete the experience!

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Soups Stews Soups Stews Cuisine Dinner Party

Authentic French Onion Soup Courtesy Of Julia Child

Experience the magic of Julia Child's classic French Onion Soup! This meticulously detailed recipe, inspired by a vintage episode of "The French Chef," guarantees an unforgettable culinary journey. Unlike other recipes, this version focuses on perfectly caramelized onions, achieving an unparalleled depth of flavor. While slightly longer, the process is rewarding, resulting in a rich, complex soup that's truly out of this world. Optional additions like sage, wine, and cognac elevate the taste even further. Make it ahead of time – the flavors deepen! Vegetarian? Easily adapt it with a beefless broth. Prepare for rave reviews!

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Cuisine Asian Main Dish Curries

Authentic Indian Chicken Curry

Unlock the secrets to a vibrant, flavorful Indian chicken curry! This fresca, saucy recipe is a family heirloom, passed down through generations. Unlike other generic curries, this recipe delivers a burst of authentic Indian spices and tender chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati for a truly unforgettable experience. Omit the butter for a healthier twist, without sacrificing any deliciousness! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Preparation Main Dish Dietary 4 Hours Or Less

Authentic Pasta Sauce

Discover the secret to the best pasta sauce you'll ever taste! This family heirloom recipe, passed down through generations, is bursting with flavor. We've enhanced the classic recipe with juicy meatballs, spicy pepperoni, and sweet Italian sausage for a truly unforgettable experience. Feel free to add grilled chicken, rabbit, pork chops, or steak for an even more decadent meal (served on the side). This recipe easily serves 1 pound of pasta, but adjust to your needs. Freezes beautifully for future enjoyment!

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Preparation Preparation Time To Make To Go

Avocado And Kohlrabi Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring creamy avocado, crisp kohlrabi, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This easy 15-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or healthy appetizer. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the slightly peppery kohlrabi, creating a delightful textural and flavor contrast. Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple salad!

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Deep Fry Stove Top Savory Sauces Vegetables

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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Time To Make Easy Time To Make Citrus

Avocado Orange Salad For Two

A vibrant and refreshing Avocado Orange Salad, ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe, inspired by Cuisine at Home, is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. Sweet oranges and creamy avocado combine beautifully in a zesty dressing. For an extra special treat, try using in-season blood oranges for a deeper, more complex flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!

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Potatoes Meat Canadian Poultry

Awesome Red Potatoes

These Awesome Red Potatoes are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor! Tender red potatoes are sautéed with sweet peppers and onions, then simmered in a rich broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce. A perfect side dish for any meal, ready in under an hour!

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North American Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient

Aztec Casserole

This Aztec Casserole is a hearty, high-protein one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights! Made with tender beans, fluffy grains, and savory spices, this dish is easily customizable – omit the meat for a delicious vegetarian option. Prepare it ahead, freeze for later, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal whenever you need it. A crowd-pleasing recipe that's both healthy and delicious!

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For 1 Or 2 Vegetables Side Dishes Beginner Cook

Baby Bok Choy Saut With Mushrooms

Ready in 10 minutes, this vibrant and healthy Baby Bok Choy & Mushroom Saute is a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love! Tender-crisp bok choy and savory mushrooms come together in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Easily adaptable for vegan diets by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.

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Cheese Vegetables Lentils Time To Make

Baby Spinach And Lentil Salad

This vibrant Baby Spinach and Lentil Salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish. The earthy lentils are perfectly complemented by the fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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