Olive Oil and Olives in Mediterranean Cuisine

Absolutely! Olive oil and olives are staples of Mediterranean cuisine, known for their rich flavors and health benefits. Here are some delicious **Mediterranean-style recipes** featuring olives and olive oil:

 

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### **1. Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)**

A refreshing and vibrant salad that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges

– 1 cucumber, sliced

– 1 red onion, thinly sliced

– 1 green bell pepper, sliced

– 1 cup Kalamata olives

– 200g feta cheese, cubed

– 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
2. Top with cubed feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
4. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss gently and serve immediately.

 

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### **2. Olive Tapenade**

A versatile spread perfect for bread, crackers, or as a condiment.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

– 2 tbsp capers

– 2 cloves garlic

– 3 anchovy fillets (optional)

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 1 tbsp lemon juice

– 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. In a food processor, combine olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies (if using).
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Slowly add olive oil and lemon juice while blending until smooth.
4. Stir in thyme leaves.
5. Serve with crusty bread or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

 

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### **3. Mediterranean Olive Oil Cake**

A moist and fragrant dessert infused with olive oil and citrus.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1/2 tsp baking soda

– 1/4 tsp salt

– 3/4 cup sugar

– 3 large eggs

– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 1/2 cup plain yogurt

– Zest of 1 lemon

– Zest of 1 orange

– 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

– Powdered sugar for dusting

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add olive oil, yogurt, citrus zest, and orange juice.
5. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

 

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### **4. Mediterranean Olive Oil Roasted Vegetables**

A simple and flavorful side dish.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 2 zucchinis, sliced

– 1 eggplant, cubed

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

– 1 red onion, cut into wedges

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– 1 tsp dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

 

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### **5. Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta**

A quick and flavorful pasta dish.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 12 oz spaghetti or linguine

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
5. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

 

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### **6. Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip (Za’atar Bread Dip)**

A simple yet addictive dip for bread.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 tbsp za’atar spice blend

– 1 tsp sumac (optional)

– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– Warm pita bread or crusty bread for serving

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, za’atar, sumac, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Serve with warm bread for dipping.

 

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### **7. Mediterranean Olive Oil and Herb Grilled Chicken**

A flavorful and healthy main dish.

 

#### **Ingredients**:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 tbsp lemon juice

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

 

#### **Instructions**:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

 

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These recipes highlight the versatility of olive oil and olives in Mediterranean cooking. Whether you’re making a salad, pasta, or dessert, these dishes are sure to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table! Enjoy!