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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-VG.005.0126.001

Mushrooms stuffed with Tomatoes and Olives

Mushrooms stuffed with Tomatoes and Olives from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0933.001

Mushroom Stuffing

Mushroom Stuffing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0440.001

Mushroom Tortellini and Escarole Soup

Mushroom Tortellini and Escarole Soup from the Recidemia collection

Mussels Vinaigrette
RCI-SF.002.0177.001

Mussels Vinaigrette

Mussels Vinaigrette is a nice light summer meal.

RCI-SF.002.0178.001

Mussels with Potatoes

Mussel

RCI-SF.001.0251.001

Mustard and Dill Fish Fillets with Lemon

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves: 3

RCI-SC.003.0137.001

Mustard-Dill Dressing

Mustard-Dill Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0221.001

Mutton Shank Kebab

Mutton Shank Kebab from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0942.001

My Mama's Hummous

Pronounced Choo-moose, and not hum-miss! This is the easiest, yummiest hummous you will try outside the Middle East.

RCI-ND.001.0061.001

My Marinara Sauce

To make a good marinara sauce you have to start with good tomatoes. Finding a good tomato product can involve a bit of trial and error. Look for canned tomatoes with no citric acid or calcium chloride added.

RCI-SP.004.0222.001

Nantucket Shepherd's Pie

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

RCI-SC.003.0139.001

Napa Valley Raspberry Vinaigrette

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Edmonds Estate in Canton, Texas in 1987.

RCI-SC.003.0140.001

Nature's Fresh Herb Salad Dressing

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

RCI-SP.004.0223.001

Navarin Lamb

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Tinsley Estate in Venus, Texas in 1987.

RCI-SC.001.0039.002

Neapolitan Sauce

# Place bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic and oil in medium saucepan. # Cook and stir over medium h

RCI-SC.007.0219.001

Nettle Pesto

– Forage for Stinging nettles at a location free from chemical sprays, using thick gloves and scissors to clip off leaves. Boil in water for 60 seconds to remove sting’in toxins. Servings: 16. Serving size: 1 ounce. Yield: 16 ounces.

RCI-VG.002.0098.001

New Potatoes with Three-cheese Fondue

Although a fondue pot suits this recipe, it isn’t absolutely necessary. Simply put the fondue in a decorative microwavable bowl, and serve it warm. When the fondue gets too cold, just rewarm it in the microwave.

RCI-SW.001.0054.001

Nicoise Tuna Sandwich

Nicoise Tuna Sandwich from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0228.001

Nigerian Pumpkin Pork Stew

serves 2-3

RCI-SF.002.0183.001

Norwegian Lobster with Potato and Sour Cream Salad

Lobster with Potato and Sour Cream Salad

RCI-SP.003.0459.001

Nut 'n' Mushroom Soup

.

RCI-VG.004.0963.001

Nutty Brussels Sprouts

* Source: Light And Easy Diabetes Cuisine * Yield: 4 Servings

RCI-RC.004.0196.001

Nutty Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SC.003.0141.001

Nut Vinaigrette

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-BR.008.0134.001

Oatmeal Banana Waffle

Bread

Octopus Salad
RCI-SF.002.0185.001

Octopus Salad

Octopus Salad is a light summer dish, best made with baby octopus.

RCI-SC.003.0142.001

Oil and Lemon Dressing

This recipe is for 6 serves.

RCI-MT.001.0179.001

Old-fashioned Barbecued Sirloin

com Copyright © 1996-1998 Meals For You.

RCI-BR.002.0076.001

Olive and Rosemary Flat Bread

Makes two 8-inch diameter, 11-ounce loaves.

RCI-BR.001.0180.001

Olive and Rosemary Focaccia

.

RCI-BR.001.0181.001

Olive and Sundried Tomato Focaccia Bread

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

RCI-SP.003.0467.001

Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

The Olive Garden is known for their creamy chicken and gnocchi soup. This is a rich soup that you can make a full meal from this soup alone. This soup features roasted chicken, potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, and spinach.

RCI-MT.004.0603.001

Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Chicken

In this recipe you could just make the Parmesan chicken breasts and serve them just like that, or you can add the pasta, broccoli and more and make a copy cat recipe of this dish and serve this anytime at home.

RCI-BR.001.0182.001

Olive Oil Bread

A quick, easy bread that works well with Italian foods and pastas.

RCI-ND.005.0090.001

Olive Pasta and Fresh Fig and Baby Spinach Salad

Olive Pasta and Fresh Fig and Baby Spinach Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0977.001

Omani Foul

Omani Foul from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0421.001

Omega Insalata di Rucola e Finocchio

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-EG.001.0040.001

Omelette - Tortilla

Omelette - Tortilla from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0144.001

One Fits It All Dressing

Cook Time: No Time Serves: unlimited

RCI-EG.001.0043.001

Onion Omelette

Onion Omelette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0073.001

Open-faced "Steak" Sandwiches

Open-faced "Steak" Sandwiches from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0074.001

Open-faced Sunshine Burgers

Open-faced Sunshine Burgers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0227.001

Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-VG.001.0425.001

Open My Door to You Horiatiki Greek Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-SW.001.0058.001

Open Tomato Sandwich

300px| Open Tomato Sandwich Serves 4

RCI-BR.003.0301.001

Orange Breakfast Bread

Makes 3 servings

RCI-SC.003.0148.001

Orange Vinaigrette I

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-VG.001.0429.001

Oregon Cranberry Pistachio Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-ND.005.0092.001

Oriental Noodle Salad

* Source: 1,001 Recipes For People With Diabetes by Sue Spitler * Yield: 8 servings

RCI-VG.004.0980.001

Orzo, Lamb and Lentil Soup

Orzo, Lamb and Lentil Soup from the Recidemia collection