
olive oil
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)
Mediterranean Baked Chicken
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Prep: 10 minutes |
Mediterranean Beef Stew
This is a hearty and flavoursome beef stew inspired by the Mediterranean. It is based on a dish cooked by Keith Floyd in his Floyd around the Med TV series.
Mediterranean Catfish and Roasted Vegetable Chowder
A Catfish recipe.
Mediterranean Catfish Stew
Mediterranean Catfish Stew from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Lima Bean Salad with Cumin
Humble limas are transformed into a sensational Mediterranean spread that is vibrant with a mix of fresh herbs and spices.
Mediterranean Pizza
Meterranean Pizza from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—oiginal source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 12
Mediterranean Quinoa
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Mediterranean Red Pepper Sauce
* Source: Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook * Formatted by Chupa Babi in MC: 07.12.07 * Prep time: 10 mi
Mediterranean Salad with Clementines, Fennel and Olives
Mediterranean Salad with Clementines, Fennel and Olives from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Seafood Supper
Mediterranean Seafood Supper from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad
Makes 4 servings.
Mediterranean Shrimp Pilaf
Makes 6 servings.
Mediterranean-style Beef Stir-fry
Mediterranean-style Beef Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean-style Soup
Serve 8.
Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry
Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Vegetables
Mediterranean Vegetables from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Vegetables I
Packet up these veggies and take them out to the grill. The secret to crisp tender Mediterranean Vegetables is adding a few ice cubes to the packet before grilling for just the right amount of moisture.

Mejadra
Extremely simple to cook, this dish is a fundamental component of Middle Eastern cuisine. It provides carbohydrates, proteins, and a full stomach. It also tastes great. When cooked with rice, this recipe is gluten-free.
Melitzanes Fournou
Baked Eggplants. Try them with a cheese garnish!
Melitzanosalata
Eggplant salad
Melon Pasta Salad
Melon Pasta Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mesquite Chicken Sandwich
Mesquite Chicken Sandwich from the Recidemia collection
Mesquite Chicken Wraps
Mesquite Chicken Wraps from the Recidemia collection
Mexicali Rose Taco Salad
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Mexican Bean Salad I
Servings per recipe: 8
Mexican Potato Salad
Mexican Potato Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Shrimp
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Mexican Sopa de Fideos
Mexican sopa de fideos (noodle Soup), from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 4 to 6
Microwave Risotto
. This risotto is made using the microwave. It requires very little stirring and turns out quite well.
Microwave Roasted Garlic
Easy peasy roasted garlic, why not give this a try? com. It's nice to have more than one head, this goes quickly into dips, for veggies, pizzas, pastas, chicken, most anything.
Middle Eastern Lamb Kabobs
Middle Eastern Lamb Kabobs from the Recidemia collection
Middle Eastern Tomato Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cabrera Estate in Malakoff, Texas in 1986.
Middle Eastern Tuna Salad
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Yield: 4 servings (about 3½ ounces tuna) From: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible
Mike's Bean and Rice Bake
Vegetarian | Vegan Cuisine
Mike's Saffron Rice and Beans
This recipe originally started as a vegetarian approximation to paella. It has since diverged from its resemblance to paella.
Minestra
- a typical Genoese dish not to be confused with the Basque ‘menestra’ which is simply mixed boiled vegetables, or with Italian minestrone, a thick vegetable soup.
Minestra Dagnello
This is THE Lamb SOUP for a quiet, intimate evening on a rainy day. My family uses white Burgundy wine which blends wonderfully with the vegetables and ends up tasting a bit sweet. Children wont even know there's wine in the soup.
Minestra di Riso con Cavolo Rosso
I have more cookbooks... but many do not have recipes on page 17. It's usually some part of an intro to the cookbook.
Minestrone Vegetable Soup
Minestrone Vegetable Soup means big soup, this soup is a meal full of vegetables, you can easily substitute for another vegetable if desired.
Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Mini Meatball Soup
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Show: 30 Minute Meals Episode: 30-Minute Chocolate Blast From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Mint Chutney I
Active time: 10 min | Start to finish: 30 min Makes about 1¼ cups
Mint Cucumber Feta Salad
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cabrera Estate in Malakoff, Texas in 1986.
Minted carrot and green bean salad
Minted carrot and green bean salad from the Recidemia collection
Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad
Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad from the Recidemia collection
Miraval Omelet
Miraval Omelet from the Recidemia collection
Misir Wot
Lentil stew - Elisabeth Freeman This is an Ethiopian recipe. Berbere is a traditional Ethiopian spice, which is hard to find in the US (don't know about other countries). If you can't find it, you can fake it.
Miso and Mustard Tofu Scramble
Miso and Mustard Tofu Scramble from the Recidemia collection
Miso-seared Chilean Seabass
Miso-seared Chilean Seabass