
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)
Pumpkin Risotto
American cuisine | Holiday | Rice
Pumpkin Soup with curry
Pumpkin Soup with curry from the Recidemia collection
Puréed Zucchini Soup with Basil Oil and Ricotta
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Purée of Portabello Mushroom Soup
Purée of Portabello Mushroom Soup from the Recidemia collection
Purple Potato Salad
Peruvian purple potatoes
Puttanesca Sauce by Viridius
Submitted by viridius Uploaded by Schpyder This is a delicious, quick, and cheap pasta sauce that will keep well in your refrigerator to be reheated during the week. I adapted this recipe from the Dean and DeLuca cookbook.
Puttanesca Sauce over Spaghetti
This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.
Quick and Easy Hummus
Quick and Easy Hummus from the Recidemia collection
Quick Coriander Chicken Breasts
Makes 6 servings
Quick Creole Chicken
Quick Creole Chicken from the Recidemia collection

Quick garlic croutons
Croutons
Quick Hummus
Garbanzo bean dip
Quick Pork Chops
Quick Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection
Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew
Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew Serving Size: 4
Quick Shrimp Paella with Sausage and Veggies
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings.
Quick Veggie Wraps
Quick Veggie Wraps from the Recidemia collection
Quinoa Risotto
Serves 2 – 6, depending on whether or not you serve this as a main or a side dish.
Quinoa Salad with Dried Apricots and Baby Spinach
This spicy salad with little jewels of dried apricot in the mix would be welcome at lunch or a simple weekday dinner. You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time.
Quinoa, Shiitake Mushrooms and Adzuki Beans
Quinoa, Shiitake Mushrooms and Adzuki Beans from the Recidemia collection
Rabbit in Tarragon Sauce
Contributed by Darlene in BC via Catsrecipes Y-Group
Rabbit Pie
Serve 4.
Radiatore Provençal
Radiatore Provençal from the Recidemia collection
Radish and Butter Bean Salad
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.
Radish Slaw
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 10 – 12
Ragu
classic Italian ragù A staple of northern Italy's Bologna, Ragu is a meat sauce that is typically served with pasta. Though different than the French Ragout, both are derived from the verb ragouter, which means to stimulate the appetite.
Ragu Napoletano
When making this, I ended up with ground chuck instead of the regular boneless. I opted not to remove this from the recipe, nor the Sausage, which I crumbled. They gave it a nice texture, so just go with whatever you are able to get.
Rakott Krumpli
(potato casserole) baked in the oven, a popular dish in Hungary.
Ranch Dressing
Makes 3 1/2 cups, takes 15 minutes to prepare. This is a great dressing to use for, just not salads, but for sandwiches and as a dip with crudités.
Raspberry Dressing
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.
Ratatouille
200px|right Provençale recipes | Vegan Cuisine is a traditional Provençale stewed vegetable dish that can be served as a meal on its own, accompanied by rice, potatoes or French bread, or as a side dish. It can be served hot or cold.
Ratatouille Dip
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re
Ratatouille I
Source: TJ Hill - Appetites Catered * 6 Servings
Ratatouille Pasta
Ratatouille Pasta from the Recidemia collection
Ratatouille with Polenta
Ratatouille with Polenta from the Recidemia collection
Ravioli con la Trota
Smoked ocean Trout ravioli, with crunchy asparagus and mint leaves. To serve five.
Red and White Onion Tapenade
Prep. Time: 10 min. Cook Time: 0 min.
Red Bean Soup with Guacamole Salsa
Red Bean Soup with Guacamole Salsa from the Recidemia collection
Red Crab Gazpacho with Avocado Chutney
This is a spicy, wild, Asian style gazpacho. This gazpacho showcases all of my favorite foods, fresh avocados, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, this soup is lip smacking good! Low fat, High Taste!
Red Curry Chicken
Red Curry Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Red Fried Potatoes
This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com
Red Lentil Kofte
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Red Lobster Shrimp Pasta
This dish is filled with flavor as shrimp and clam juice combine to give you a pasta dish bursting with seafood flavor. Besty sent in her recreation of this wonderful dish from the Red Lobster. This is very easy to make.
Red Pepper and Zucchini Quiche
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Red Pepper Soup
Red Pepper Soup cold soup is a nice flavourful treat on a hot summer day.
Red Roasted Potatoes
Red Roasted Potatoes from the Recidemia collection
Red Snapper with Coconut Sauce
Red Snapper with Coconut Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Red, White and Blue Salad
Featured for the Fourth! When fresh tomatoes are in season, I could literally live on this salad. ” and the colors are just right for the patriotic 4th (or 14th) of July. From Chef June Jacobs,sdapted from Pierre Franey Contributed by SF&SC Y-Group.
Refried Beans I
Original recipe Yields 6 servings, each one equal to ½ cup
Rice and Beans with Sauce and Tasso
Rice and Beans with Sauce and Tasso from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Garbanzo Beans
Makes 4 servings