16 Delicious Ways to Turn Olives into Your Secret Ingredient
Olives are more than just a garnish—they’re a powerhouse of bold, briny flavor that can transform any dish. Whether you’re tossing them into pasta, or baking them into bread, these little gems add a savory depth that takes recipes to the next level. From Mediterranean-inspired meals to unexpected sweet-savory combos, these 16 olive-infused dishes will make you see this ingredient in a whole new light. Get ready to elevate your cooking with the magic of olives!
Vegetarian Niçoise Salad
This Vegetarian Niçoise Salad is a riff on the traditional recipe, but without any fish! Featuring green beans, potatoes, and eggs, it’s an easy and healthy salad that’s simplicity at its best.
Olive Tapenade
This olive tapenade is bursting with the bold flavors of briny Kalamata and green olives, aromatic garlic, zesty capers, fragrant herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a simple 5-minute appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. Enjoy it as a dip or spread.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Chickpea Salad is loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tasty onions, Kalamata olives, green bell peppers and creamy Feta cheese. Tossed in a simple Greek Salad Dressing, this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is fresh and super easy to make.
Cuban Picadillo Recipe in the Instant Pot
Cuban Picadillo is an authentic beef recipe made in the Instant Pot! It’s filled with olives, onions, green peppers, and ground beef. This Cuban recipe is ready in a 20 minute (ish) cook time and is delicious with rice and beans, or in tacos, or rice bowls.
Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe
Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe is a flavorful and tender chicken dish that is unique enough to serve guests but easy enough to cook for yourself. Give this salty, delicious chicken a try to dress up some simple chicken thighs!
Greek Chickpea Salad with Feta & Herbs
Greek chickpea salad made with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta, and then tossed with fresh herbs and a quick greek dressing for a light, flavorful, and healthy chickpea salad recipe. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and an easy lunch or dinner side dish.
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One Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake
All of your favorite pizza ingredients and baked penne pasta wrapped into a hearty one pot Italian inspired pasta bake dinner! Italian sausage, pepperoni, loads of vegetables, sauce, melted cheese and pasta create a savory and satisfying combination!
Chickpea Kale Greek Salad
Tomatoes, Feta, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes pluskale and chickpeas? It’s everything you want in a Greek salad but with kale! This Chickpea Kale Greek Salad is a heartier, healthier Greek salad!
Baked Feta with Veggies
Baked feta and veggies is one of my favorite sheet pan meals. Red onion, bell peppers, garlic cloves and a handful of cherry tomatoes are roasted to perfection alongside a block of sharp, rich, melty feta and served with healthy brown rice. YUM!
Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca
These incredibly delicious Spaghetti alla Puttanesca originate from Napels, Italy and as the name implies the name puttanesca translates to “spaghetti in the style of a prostitute.” The exact origin is unknown but what is known for sure are the ingredients a puttanesca must have: anchovies, capers, tomatoes, onions and olives – basically the delicious ingredients from that region. Some (us as well) add chili too, just to spice it up a bit. This easy pasta is made in 15 minutes so it’s perfect for a quick midweek lunch/dinner or even as a starter. Best way to serve it is with spaghetti. Quick, easy, affordable and darn delicious.
EASY ENCHILADA CASSEROLE
It’s time for a meal that’s boldly flavorful and and easy like this foolproof Easy Enchilada Casserole. No need to roll tortillas one at a time; just layer up all the good stuff!
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Easy One Skillet Ground Beef Recipe with Orzo
Your whole family will love this delicious, Skillet Ground Beef Recipe made with orzo and briny olives. Topped with yummy feta cheese, this one pot easy dinner meal is a family favorite! Because it’s made in just one pan, you’ll not only love how it tastes, but clean-up is a breeze!
Chicken Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
Easy Hawaiian Haystacks is a family favorite Dinner Recipe! A creamy chicken gravy served over rice topped with diced chicken and all sorts of toppings! Mandarin Oranges, pineapple, olives, green onions, carrots, and (my favorite) Chow Mein noodles. This is a dinner everyone will love!
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Easy Keto Shakshuka Recipe – Vegetarian
This easy Keto Shakshuka recipe is the perfect vegetarian dish that can be used as a side dish or a main dish. We keep it easy by using jarred marinara but you can also make this with homemade marinara sauce.
Wholemeal Olive Focaccia
A rustic wholemeal focaccia topped with black olives and rosemary.
Pastel de Choclo Recipe from Chile
A hearty and filling dinner, this warm casserole is the Chilean version of a shepherd’s pie. Filled with beef, chicken and eggs and topped with a delicious corn topping, Pastel de Choclo is a great introduction to Chilean comfort food.
