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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)

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Outrageous Caesar Salad Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

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Ova Sfongia Ex Lacte

Ova Sfongia Ex Lacte is an Ancient Roman recipe that is similar to a pancake.

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Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts

If the amount of oil absorbed by a chicken breast fried in 350 degree F oil (1 tbs) isn't enough to satisfy you health nuts, then here is a recipe for oven-fried chicken.

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Oven-Roasted Potatoes

=Oven-Roasted Potatoes=

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Pabellon Criollo

1 Serving

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Pabellón criollo

is Venezuela's national dish and no visit to this South American country will be complete unless you try it. This flavorful dish consists of shredded flank steak, black beans, rice, plantains or bananas, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

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Pacific Garden Salad

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Paella de Marisco
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Paella de Marisco

Paella de marisco (seafood paella) is the world's most popular paella recipe. It emerged in its modern version in Spain's Valencian coastal region in the early 1800s.

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Paella Rice

Paella Rice from the Recidemia collection

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Paella Salad II

Makes 6 servings

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Paella - Spanish Rice

Paella is a rice dish, originally from Valencia, Spain, where it is eaten especially on Sundays and in Falles.

Paella Valenciana
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Paella Valenciana

and its seafood variation originated in the early 1800s in Spain's Valencian region near lake Albufera. Prior to the 19th century, the ingredients for Valencian paella varied greatly with the most unusual being marsh rat.

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Pan Bagnat I

Sandwiches, Monaco-style Serves 6

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Pancakes with wild rice, tofu, and mushrooms

This savory pancake is great for Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday - or other special occasions. As a main meal, this serves 3 people 2 large pancakes. For appetizers, use a smaller pan and serve 6 people 2 smaller pancakes each.

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Pancetta Fusilli with Herb Shallot Cream

Pancetta Fusilli with Herb Shallot Cream from the Recidemia collection

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Pandora's Feast

Pandora's Feast is a complete vegan meal that can be served several times a week due to the ease with which it can be modified. The meal is easy to prepare in a rice cooker.

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Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Pan Seared Chicken Breast from the Recidemia collection

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Pan Seared Filet Mignon

Tender filet mignon crusted with a blend of spices and seared in a cast iron pan.

Pan-seared Lamb Shoulder Chops
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Pan-seared Lamb Shoulder Chops

Thyme for Delicious Dishes: A food blog focused on sharing food enthusiasm. Delicious Recipes right here. thumb thumb thumb I never really cared for lamb until I went to Ireland, and Ireland was where I really discovered Lamb.

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Pan Seared Pork Chops

Pan Seared Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection

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Pan Seared Pork Chops

Pan Seared Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection

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Pan Seared Scallops

For the past week I've had a powerful desire for these little medallions of happiness. Here's what you'll need for the most awesome plate of pan seared scallops.

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Pan Seared Sea Scallops

Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes

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Pan tomaca

Pan tomaca, also called Pa amb tomàquet is a sandwich style tapa originated in Catalunya but now enjoyed all over Spain. It means bread with tomato.

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Panzanella II

Tuscan bread salad Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad) from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe—public domain government resource Serves: 4

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Papardele with Mackerel

Cooking time: 5 minutes. Serves: 3-4 people.

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Papaya Black Beans and Rice

Fruits and Veggies Matter, Adult Recipe Cards by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—original source of recipe, public domain government resource The sweetness of papaya balances the spice of cayenne pepper in this Caribbean-inspired favorite.

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Paprika Chicken

Paprika Chicken is a dish of Hungarian origin traditionally made with chicken, paprika and lard, served over pasta. There is no official recipe. Preparations of this dish often vary between families.

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Paraguayan Beef Soup

Paraguayan Beef Soup from the Recidemia collection

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Parchment-roasted Vegetables

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 side-dish

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Parchment-wrapped Summertime Shrimp

Parchment-wrapped Summertime Shrimp from the Recidemia collection

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Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia

Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia from the Recidemia collection

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Parmesan Rice and Pasta Pilaf

I suggest using a whole grain pasta and rice here and adjust the cooking time accordingly for better nutrition.

Pasta and Vegetable Medley
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Pasta and Vegetable Medley

This Pasta dish with lightly cooked veggies and a green onion–garlic sauce can be ready in minutes.

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Pasta Chicken

Pasta Chicken from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta e Fagioli

There are as many ways of preparing (or Basta Fazool if you come from southern Italy) as there are Italians. In Brooklyn during the 1940s, all the Italians would have it every Friday night because it is meatless.

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Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta Layers

Pasta Layers from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta Melanzana

* Source: My All Recipes * Servings Per Recipe: 4

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Pasta Norcina

For a richly flavored creamy sauce with sausage - it can't get much easier than this! Plus it pairs perfectly with store bought dry pasta (we recommend rigatoni or penne).

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Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta Salad Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

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Pasta with Egg and Cheese

I started cooking this in Freshman year of college. I did not have a kitchen, but my friend who was a year ahead of me did. I would get together with her and the boy who would become my partner, and we would try to put together something dinner.

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Pasta with Fresh Tomato

Pasta with Fresh Tomato from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta with Green Vegetables and Herbs

Mixing aromatic herbs like mint and basil with asparagus and peas creates a beautiful green dish. Salty feta sparks it up. ChupaNote: the only change I made to this recipe was to replace the black pepper with 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

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Pasta with Meat Sauce

Pasta with Meat Sauce from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta with Oven-roasted Vegetables and Avocado

Pasta with Oven-roasted Vegetables and Avocado from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta with Peas and Lemon

I started cooking this pasta dish because of my love of frozen peas and my equally strong hatred of creating unnecessary dishes. 4 main ingredients, 1 pot, and it's done in as long as it takes to cook the pasta.

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Pasta with Portobello Mushrooms in Mustard Sauce

Pasta with Portobello Mushrooms in Mustard Sauce from the Recidemia collection

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Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops

Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops from the Recidemia collection