
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)
Mushrooms stuffed with Tomatoes and Olives
Mushrooms stuffed with Tomatoes and Olives from the Recidemia collection
Mushroom Stuffing
Mushroom Stuffing from the Recidemia collection
Mushroom Tortellini and Escarole Soup
Mushroom Tortellini and Escarole Soup from the Recidemia collection

Mussels Vinaigrette
Mussels Vinaigrette is a nice light summer meal.
Mussels with Potatoes
Mussel
Mustard and Dill Fish Fillets with Lemon
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves: 3
Mustard-Dill Dressing
Mustard-Dill Dressing from the Recidemia collection
Mutton Shank Kebab
Mutton Shank Kebab from the Recidemia collection
My Mama's Hummous
Pronounced Choo-moose, and not hum-miss! This is the easiest, yummiest hummous you will try outside the Middle East.
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.
Nantucket Shepherd's Pie
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
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.
Nature's Fresh Herb Salad Dressing
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
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.
Neapolitan Sauce
# Place bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic and oil in medium saucepan. # Cook and stir over medium h
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.
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.
Nicoise Tuna Sandwich
Nicoise Tuna Sandwich from the Recidemia collection
Nigerian Pumpkin Pork Stew
serves 2-3
Norwegian Lobster with Potato and Sour Cream Salad
Lobster with Potato and Sour Cream Salad
Nut 'n' Mushroom Soup
.
Nutty Brussels Sprouts
* Source: Light And Easy Diabetes Cuisine * Yield: 4 Servings
Nutty Rice Salad
Makes 6 servings
Nut Vinaigrette
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields
Oatmeal Banana Waffle
Bread

Octopus Salad
Octopus Salad is a light summer dish, best made with baby octopus.
Oil and Lemon Dressing
This recipe is for 6 serves.
Old-fashioned Barbecued Sirloin
com Copyright © 1996-1998 Meals For You.
Olive and Rosemary Flat Bread
Makes two 8-inch diameter, 11-ounce loaves.
Olive and Rosemary Focaccia
.
Olive and Sundried Tomato Focaccia Bread
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
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.
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.
Olive Oil Bread
A quick, easy bread that works well with Italian foods and pastas.
Olive Pasta and Fresh Fig and Baby Spinach Salad
Olive Pasta and Fresh Fig and Baby Spinach Salad from the Recidemia collection
Omani Foul
Omani Foul from the Recidemia collection
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.
Omelette - Tortilla
Omelette - Tortilla from the Recidemia collection
One Fits It All Dressing
Cook Time: No Time Serves: unlimited
Onion Omelette
Onion Omelette from the Recidemia collection
Open-faced "Steak" Sandwiches
Open-faced "Steak" Sandwiches from the Recidemia collection
Open-faced Sunshine Burgers
Open-faced Sunshine Burgers from the Recidemia collection
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.
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.
Open Tomato Sandwich
300px| Open Tomato Sandwich Serves 4
Orange Breakfast Bread
Makes 3 servings
Orange Vinaigrette I
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields
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.
Oriental Noodle Salad
* Source: 1,001 Recipes For People With Diabetes by Sue Spitler * Yield: 8 servings
Orzo, Lamb and Lentil Soup
Orzo, Lamb and Lentil Soup from the Recidemia collection