While many of us primarily associate olives with their starring role in martinis, where they add that perfect briny finish to the classic cocktail, these versatile Mediterranean fruits offer so much more to the world. Whether used as a garnish, ingredient, or standalone appetizer, olives add a distinctive depth of flavor and a touch of sophistication to any meal, and so will these olive recipes.

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Olives Shine Beyond Martini Garnishes

While often associated with cocktails, olives are a versatile ingredient that elevates appetizers, salads, breads, and main dishes with their distinct flavor and sophistication.

Diverse Olive Varieties Amp Up Flavor

Using a mix of green, black, and Kalamata olives introduces a range of saltiness, umami, and texture, enhancing summer dishes like tapenade, salads, and focaccia.

Showcase Mediterranean Flair in Simple Recipes

Olive-centered recipes—such as tapenade, watermelon salad, and pasta salad—are easy to prepare and infuse meals with classic Mediterranean tastes perfect for entertaining.

Olives Pair Well with Fresh Herbs and Citrus

Pairing olives with ingredients like lemon, fresh herbs, and vinegar brightens flavors and balances the olives’ natural brininess in both cold and warm-weather dishes.

Olives Suit Both Appetizers and Main Courses

These recipes demonstrate olives’ adaptability, from crowd-pleasing breads and bruschetta to hearty main courses like olive-topped grilled chicken and fish en papillote.

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From tangy green Castelvetranos to rich Kalamatas, olives come in numerous varieties, each bringing unique character to dishes. Their natural salt content and umami qualities make them perfect for summer entertaining, adding flavor and visual appeal to your table.

This collection of olive-forward recipes celebrates the wonderful world of olives, incorporating them into both traditional and innovative dishes that are perfect for warm-weather dining. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner al fresco, these recipes will help you make the most of this beloved staple.

@kroger

The best olive tapenade recipe!! 🫒 #kroger #olive #olivetapenade #tapenade #diprecipes #easyrecipes @yess i do the cookingg

♬ original sound – Kroger

Mediterranean Olive Tapenade

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed pitted olives (Kalamata, green, and black)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 4 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, basil, oregano)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Roughly chop olives and herbs.
2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
3. Pulse until desired consistency is reached.
4. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Summer Olive and Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup halved Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Arrange watermelon cubes on a platter.
2. Scatter olives and feta cheese over watermelon.
3. Tear mint leaves and sprinkle over top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

@_lacebakes_

Olive Tapenade Focaccia 🫒 OLIVE TAPENADE 1 cup (125g) black olives, chopped very finely 1 cup (125g) green olives (with or without pimentos), chopped very finely 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced 2 teaspoons emon juice 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Freshly cracked pepper to taste Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and let flavours marinate for at least 30 minutes before using. Can be stored in sealed container in fridge for up to a week. Take out of fridge to let come to room temp before using. If using as a topping for focaccia, use any of my base dough recipes: same-day, overnight or sourdough focaccia (see my FOCACCIA TUTORIALS playlist). When it’s ready to be dimpled, spread at least half of the tapenade over the dough and then dimple thoroughly. Bake according to the focaccia bread recipe instructions – it may need a couple extra minutes because of the moisture from the olives. Use the remaining tapenade as a dip/topping for the fresh bread. Enjoy! #breadtok #focacciatok #olivebread

♬ Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan

Olive and Herb Focaccia

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, and water to form dough.
2. Let rise for 1 hour.
3. Press into oiled baking sheet.
4. Top with olives, rosemary and salt.
5. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

Grilled Chicken with Olive Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Blend olives, oil, garlic, and lemon for sauce.
2. Marinate chicken in half the sauce.
3. Grill chicken until cooked through.
4. Serve with remaining sauce.

@carolinelfranco

All recipes can be found on my website and youtube channel! #Mediterraneandiet #mealideas #latesummer #mediterraneanfood #bluezonesdiet #mediterraneancooking #mediterraneansummer #healthymeals #healthyliving #pastasalad #pastatiktok #healthypastarecipes #healthypastasalad #olivepasta #castelvetranoolives #easymealideas #quicklunchideas #quickdinnerideas #veganpastarecipe #vegetarianmeals

♬ Walking up with You – Omar Enfedaque

Summer Olive Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 cup mixed olives, sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 8 oz mozzarella balls
• Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and cool completely.
2. Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
3. Toss with dressing.
4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

@mamaghanouj_kitchen

Tomato & olive bruschetta

♬ Twisted – Keith Sweat

Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 cup chopped olives
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Toast baguette slices.
2. Rub with garlic cloves.
3. Mix olives and tomatoes.
4. Top bread with mixture and basil.

@downshiftology

I’d say this Mediterranean fish recipe (or cod en papillote) is the most genius way for a simple, delicious, and healthy dinner! 😉 🐟 Find the full recipe on my website (link in bio). #mediterranean #mediterraneandiet #fishrecipe #dinnerideas #healthyrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfree

♬ original sound – Lisa Bryan – Downshiftology

Mediterranean Olive Fish en Papillote

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets
• 1 cup mixed olives
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Place each fillet on parchment paper.
2. Top with olives, lemon, and herbs.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Fold parchment into packets.
5. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

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