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olive oil

Oils & FatsYear-round availability, though freshly pressed oils from the autumn harvest (September–November in the Northern Hemisphere) offer peak flavor and quality for several months following production.

Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil is associated with cardiovascular health benefits; extra virgin varieties contain higher concentrations of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

About

Olive oil is a liquid fat extracted from olives (Olea europaea), the fruit of the olive tree native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is produced through mechanical pressing or crushing of ripe or unripe olives, with production methods ranging from traditional stone-grinding to modern centrifugal techniques. Quality and flavor vary significantly by harvest time, olive cultivar, growing region, and production process. Extra virgin olive oil, the least processed form, is obtained from the first cold pressing and retains the most flavor, aroma, and polyphenols. Virgin and refined olive oils undergo additional processing for higher smoke points and more neutral flavors. The oil's color ranges from pale yellow to deep green, depending on olive ripeness and processing methods, with flavor profiles spanning from buttery and fruity to grassy, peppery, and herbaceous.

Culinary Uses

Olive oil is fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine and widely used across global cooking traditions. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for finishing dishes, dressings, and dips where its flavor is highlighted, while refined or light olive oil is suited for cooking at higher temperatures. The oil is essential in Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines for sautéing, roasting, emulsifying vinaigrettes, and drizzling over soups, grains, and vegetables. Regional preferences influence usage: Spanish oils often accompany hearty stews and grilled meats, while Greek and Italian oils complement tomato-based dishes, fresh herbs, and cheeses. Beyond savory applications, olive oil appears in Mediterranean desserts and breads.

Used In

Recipes Using olive oil (1,807)

RCI-SF.001.0219.001

Low Carb Catfish Broiled with Tomato, Onion, and Cheese Hash

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Yield: 4 servings

RCI-SC.005.0088.001

Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce

Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0173.001

Lynn's Best Herb-and-Garlic Pork

Contributed by Healthy R

RCI-SP.003.0386.001

Macaroni and Vegetable Soup

300px| Macaroni and Vegetable Soup Serves 6.

RCI-ND.005.0073.001

Macaroni-Tuna Salad

Macaroni-Tuna Salad

RCI-ND.001.0051.001

Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables

Many of us know we need to eat whole grains, but what makes them so important? Whole grains are especially nutritious because they include all parts of the grain: the bran, endosperm and germ, which contain a variety of beneficial phytochemicals.

RCI-BR.001.0150.001

Macedonian Bread

Macedonian Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0357.001

Macedonian Salad

Macedonian Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0052.001

Makaronada me Garides

Greek-style pasta with shrimps

RCI-VG.004.0824.001

Makhloota

Lebanese bean and grain soup Contributed by World Recipes Y-GroupThis Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

RCI-SF.002.0164.001

Malagache Lobster with Rice

Malagache Shrimp with rice - Serves 25

RCI-SP.003.0388.001

Maltese Fish Soup

Serve 4.

RCI-ND.001.0053.001

Mama's Pasta e Fagioli

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my Old Rec

RCI-MT.005.0157.002

Man Burgers

Man Burgers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0157.001

Man Burgers

Man Burgers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0158.001

Mango Avocado Tartar

Mango Avocado Tartar from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0096.001

Mango, Ginger and Cilantro Sauce

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-SC.007.0198.001

Mango Marinade

Mango Marinade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0227.001

Mango Salmon

Absolutely delicious. Even my kids love the flavor. If it is overcooked by accident, it still tastes good. The best is tender fresh salmon and mango pieces that have juice combined with firm, ripe, whole slices.

RCI-SC.005.0100.001

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0102.001

Mango-Serrano Salsa

Mango-Serrano Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0228.001

Manhattan Catfish Chowder

A Catfish recipe. Serves 4.

RCI-SC.003.0133.001

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-MT.004.0558.001

Maple Planked Chicken Breasts

Maple Planked Chicken Breasts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0231.002

Maple Planked Salmon with Rum Glaze

Maple Planked Salmon with Rum Glaze from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0231.001

Maple Planked Salmon with Rum Glaze

Maple Planked Salmon with Rum Glaze from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.004.0120.001

Maple-spiced Apple

Tangy, spicy, sweet and it won't wreck your meal plan. Try this on roast pork or chicken. The sauce may be stored a few days in the refrigerator and warmed prior to serving. The recipe doubles nicely if you need more.

RCI-VG.005.0114.001

Mardi Gras Peppers

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0560.001

Margarita Grilled Chicken

Margarita Grilled Chicken from the Recidemia collection

Marinara Sauce
RCI-SC.001.0031.001

Marinara Sauce

(mariner's) sauce is a southern Italian tomato sauce usually made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs (such as basil), and onion.

RCI-VG.001.0370.001

Marinated Beet Salad

A delicious salad for any occasion. If you are lucky enough to live where you can get fresh letuce in december this would be fantastic on a Christmas table. Don't be squeemish about onions and Raisins, they go really well together.

RCI-MT.004.0561.001

Marinated Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella and Veggies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.001.0376.001

Marinated Garden Salad

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SF.001.0234.001

Marinated Salmon with Balsamic

Part of Hopper's entry in Iron Chef SA 028:Balsamic Battle

RCI-VG.001.0377.001

Marinated Tomatoes

It serves 6 people. To serve, layer half the lettuce, cilantro and drained tomatoes in a serving bowl, then repeat layers.

RCI-SF.001.0235.001

Marinated Tuna Steak

Marinated Tuna Steak from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0837.001

Marinated Vegetables

Marinated Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0378.001

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Makes 8 servings.

Mariscada
RCI-SF.005.0033.001

Mariscada

right|MARISCADA

RCI-SP.004.0205.001

Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew

Maron's Marvelous Meat Stew

RCI-VG.001.0379.001

Maroulosalata

Maroulosalata Lettuce salad

RCI-MT.004.0563.001

Marsala Chicken Scallopini

Marsala Chicken Scallopini is a meal in the style of Italian cuisine, with mouthwatering flavors gotten from the fortified Marsala wine.

RCI-ND.001.0054.001

Martha Stewart's Pasta with Marinated Tomatoes

Created by Martha Stewart

RCI-RC.001.0119.001

Marvelous Mushroom Pilaf with Walnuts

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0565.001

Mary's Fave Stir-fry

An easy dish that can be made quickly after work, this stir fry has a ton of flavor and most people like these ingredients so it's a crowd pleaser. Plus, I use low-sodium soy and just a bit of honey so it's a pretty healthy, quick dinner.

RCI-SP.004.0207.001

Matata

Clam and peanut stew. Matata is a typical Mozambique entree made with pumpkin leaves. We have used spinach as a substitute. This is one dish that wasn't influenced by the cooking of Portugal.

RCI-SF.001.0239.001

Mayo Salmon

Baked Salmon topped with mayonaise and spices.

RCI-MT.005.0181.001

Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Try these very tender meatballs over baked spaghetti squash or low-carb pasta.

RCI-VG.004.0853.001

Meatless Sloppy Joes

This recipe is a great choice for a yet still lets you convince the kids that it's a Sloppy Joe! I serve the finished product on whole-wheat hamburger buns.

RCI-VG.005.0117.001

Meat Salad - Kjød Salat

Serves 6 Meat Salad - Kjød Salat