Olives and capers are tiny yet mighty ingredients that do more than garnish the side of your plate. These culinary powerhouses can transform the most boring dish into a mouthwatering meal. Olives, with their rich, briny depth, and capers, with their tangy, lemony zing, bring a unique combination of flavors that can elevate any meal. Not only do they add a burst of taste, but they also offer a visual and textural contrast, making your dishes more appealing.

Adding olives and capers to your meals is a simple way to add complexity and zest to your cooking—here are some of the best ways to incorporate them into your everyday cooking.

Perfecting Pasta

One of the simplest ways to enjoy olives and capers is by tossing them into pasta dishes. Whether it’s a classic spaghetti aglio e olio or a creamy fettuccine Alfredo, adding a handful of chopped olives and a sprinkle of capers can introduce an unexpected twist of flavors. They work exceptionally well in tomato-based sauces, complementing the acidity with their salty, briny notes.

Salad Days

Salads are another excellent canvas for olives and capers. A traditional Greek salad wouldn’t be the same without Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of capers can add a surprising element to a Caesar salad. Their salty bite pairs well with leafy greens, fresh tomatoes, and cucumbers, providing a contrast in both flavor and texture.

Meat and Fish Dishes

Olives and capers aren’t just for vegans and vegetarians! They can add depth to meat dishes, especially in slow-cooked stews and braises. Think of a hearty beef stew with a spoonful of green olives added toward the end of cooking—the olives absorb the flavors while adding their own. Similarly, the capers can be a delicious addition to fish dishes. A classic example is a chicken or fish piccata, where capers contribute to the tangy buttery sauce.

Tapenade and Relish

One of the most traditional ways to enjoy olives is in the form of tapenade, a rich, olive-based spread that’s perfect on toasted bread or as a dip. Capers add a nice touch to this, providing a tangy profile to the richness of the olives. You can also make a quick caper relish, combining them with lemon zest, herbs, and olive oil, perfect for topping grilled meats or fish.

Pizza and Flatbreads

Let’s not forget about pizza and flatbreads. Both olives and capers can add a punch of flavor to these beloved dishes. Scatter them over a cheese pizza for a simple yet effective upgrade, or use them as part of a more elaborate topping combination. Their saltiness complements cheese beautifully and can cut through the richness of meats like pepperoni or sausage.