The Mediterranean diet is full of delicious, healthy, and versatile dishes. One such dish that stands out is olive salad. This tangy, briny mixture of olives, pickled vegetables, and seasonings is best known as the essential component of the famous muffuletta sandwich. However, the uses of olive salad recipe go far beyond sandwiches.
In this guide, we will surely cover everything you need to know about making the perfect olive salad, its various uses, and how you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Additionally, we’ll link to other recipes that complement this dish, giving you a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
What is Olive Salad?
At its core, olive salad is a blend of green olives, Kalamata olives in addition to a selection of pickled vegetables like giardiniera, mixed with herbs and a dressing made of olive oil and lemon juice. Originating from Italian cuisine, this salad has become a staple in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- ¾ cup pimento-stuffed green olives
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup jarred giardiniera (a mixture of pickled vegetables)
- 2 large pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 3-4 small pickled onions
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
These ingredients make for a simple, yet rich blend of flavors. The giardiniera adds a crunchy texture while the olives and capers provide a briny, salty bite. Pepperoncini peppers bring a mild heat, while garlic and oregano complete the Mediterranean flavor profile.
How to Make Olive Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the olives, giardiniera, and also capers to remove any excess liquid. If you want your salad to be less salty, rinse the olives before draining them.
- Chop the Ingredients: You can either chop everything by hand or use a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until they’re coarsely chopped but still retain some texture. Be careful not to over-process the mixture.
- Mix in the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice in addition to oregano. Pour the dressing over the chopped ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: For the best flavor, refrigerate the olive salad for at least 2 hours before serving. The flavors meld together as it sits, creating a more robust taste.
Particularly for those who love experimenting with recipes, consider pairing this olive salad with other Mediterranean sides like sourdough discard recipes, which provide a rich, hearty base for your meal.
Variations of Olive Salad
While the classic olive salad is delicious on its own, you can always tweak the ingredients to match your preferences. the followings are a few ideas:
- Anchovy Olive Salad: Add chopped anchovies for an extra salty, umami flavor.
- Herb-Infused Olive Salad: Toss in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
- Spicy Olive Salad: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Nutty Olive Salad: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.
Healthier Options
In case you’re looking for a lighter version of olive salad, reduce the amount of oil used in the dressing or swap the oil for a vinegar-based dressing. You can also add more fresh vegetables to increase the volume of the salad while cutting down on calories.
Additionally, for more ideas on how to use sourdough in healthier meals, check out what can you do with sourdough discard.
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of olive salad makes it undoubtedly suitable for a wide range of dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this delicious salad:
- As a Sandwich Topping: The most well-known use for olive salad is as a topping for the muffuletta sandwich. Layer it on top of meats like salami, ham, and also provolone cheese for a truly satisfying sandwich.
- On Crostini: Spread olive salad on crostini or crackers in order to achieve a flavorful appetizer. This makes for a great snack at parties or as an antipasto.
- With Cheese Plates: Olive salad pairs beautifully with cheese boards. Its briny flavor contrasts well with milder cheeses like mozzarella or brie.
- As a Side Salad: Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish as a bright, tangy side dish. It’s especially delicious with seafood such as shrimp or grilled fish like salmon or sea bass.
For a light summer meal, you could serve the olive salad with mint lemonade. The refreshing lemonade pairs perfectly with the rich, salty flavors of the olives and capers.
Storing Your Olive Salad
One of the best things about olive salad is that it stores well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep in particular.
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will surely stay fresh for up to two weeks. In fact, the flavor improves the longer it sits, as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
- Freezing: If you want to keep your olive salad longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.
Nutritional Benefits of Olive Salad
Olive salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. The following is why it’s good for you:
- Rich in Healthy Fats: The olives and extra virgin olive oil used in the salad are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats help reduce bad cholesterol and support overall heart health.
- Low in Carbohydrates: With no added sugar and low carbs, olive salad fits well into low-carb and keto diets.
- High in Antioxidants: Olives are packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body and reduce inflammation.
- Good Source of Fiber: Olives, giardiniera, and other vegetables in the salad provide a healthy dose of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Looking to add more fiber-rich vegetables to your meal? Consider pairing the olive salad with a broccoli-cauliflower salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
Yes! While green olives give the salad a bright and briny flavor, black olives work just as well and provide a slightly milder taste.
2. How long does olive salad last in the refrigerator?
Olive salad can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to stir it before serving to redistribute the dressing.
3. Can I use olive salad as a pizza topping?
Absolutely! Olive salad makes for a fantastic pizza topping, especially on Mediterranean-style pizzas. The briny flavor pairs well with cheeses like feta or goat cheese, as well as toppings like artichokes and roasted red peppers.
4. Is olive salad gluten-free?
Yes, the traditional olive salad recipe is indeed gluten-free. Just ensure that any jarred giardiniera or other ingredients you purchase are gluten-free in case you have sensitivities.
Furthermore, for more ideas on gluten-free or alternative recipes, you can check out this pancake recipe with no milk, which provides a dairy-free breakfast option.
Conclusion
Last but not least, olive salad is a versatile, flavorful, and healthy dish that can elevate a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it as part of a muffuletta sandwich, using it as an appetizer with crostini, or tossing it into a cheese board, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is sure to impress.
With easy customization options and a long shelf life, you can surely make a big batch and enjoy it for weeks. Give this classic olive salad recipe a try, and don’t forget to explore other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like lobster pasta for a complete meal experience.