27 Scrumptious Olive Recipes for a Delicious Holiday Dinner

Sandra Walker

September 18, 2025

Here’s the ultimate treat for olive enthusiasts! Not only do we have an array of delectable olive recipes to tantalize your taste buds, but they also promise to elevate your regular dinner routine with their unique flavors and aromas. Olives are often the unsung heroes in the culinary world, adding a depth and richness to dishes that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients.

From quick, zesty appetizers to satisfying main courses, they bring an unmatched level of complexity and sophistication to any meal!

Gourmet Marinated Olives

Gourmet Marinated Olives

Handy snacks can make all the difference when unexpected guests arrive. Many people swear by having a bowl of marinated olives on hand. These flavorful bites are not only visually appealing, but they’re also incredibly delicious. The combination of rich flavors and herbal notes is sure to tantalize even the most discerning palate.

Spanish Spaghetti with Olives

Spanish Spaghetti with Olives

Salami Olive and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Salami Olive and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Varying your snacking routine can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding something that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Salami olive and cream cheese pinwheels are an ideal solution – they’re perfect for school lunches or parties, making them a great option for a crowd. What’s more, this recipe is a clever way to introduce picky eaters to the taste of olives, disguising their flavor in a tasty package.

Not only that, but these pinwheels are impressively easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of preparation time.

Kalamata Olive and Rosemary Fougasse with Fresh Herb and Pepper Dipping Oil

Kalamata Olive and Rosemary Fougasse with Fresh Herb and Pepper Dipping Oil

Unlock the full flavor potential of your bread with this incredible fougasse recipe, which elevates plain ol’ bland loaves to new heights. Infusing each bite with juicy olives, fragrant herbs, and a luxurious dipping oil is what sets this bread apart.

Sicilian Swordfish with Olives and Capers

Sicilian Swordfish with Olives and Capers

Kick-start your culinary journey with a Sicilian-inspired recipe that’s bursting with flavor! If you’re on the hunt for a delicious way to prepare fish, look no further. This mouth-watering dish combines tender swordfish with a saucy tomato base, perfectly complemented by the salty tang of capers and olives. The best part? It all comes together in a flash, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more.

Farro Kale And Olive Salad

Farro Kale And Olive Salad

Certainly one of the key reasons why this salad is so well-received by many is due to its unique combination of textures and flavors. The inclusion of a variety of fiber-rich ingredients ensures that it not only tastes great, but also offers several health benefits. Each bite of this salad provides a delightful contrast of briny, nutty flavors with soft and crisp textures. Furthermore, the dressing adds just the right amount of acidity to round out the overall taste experience.

Whether you’re hosting dinner parties or need a convenient make-ahead lunch option for the week, this salad is an excellent choice.

Chicken with Cracked Olives

Chicken with Cracked Olives

A truly delectable recipe for chicken with cracked olives and herbs that stands out due to its simplicity – it’s essentially a one-pot wonder. The dish is infused with the rich flavors of various culinary traditions, where fragrant herbs and salty olives combine to create an irresistible taste experience. Notably, the inclusion of peppers adds a delightful kick, elevating this dish to new heights.

What’s more, preparing this recipe is remarkably effortless, requiring minimal effort; simply marinate the chicken, throw all ingredients into a pot, and let the magic unfold as it cooks.

Cheddar Green Olive Dip

Cheddar Green Olive Dip

Delighting the senses with its rich flavors, this cheddar green olive dip is an ideal accompaniment for social gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to indulge in a solo evening of relaxation, this dip fits the bill perfectly. Who can resist the allure of olives? Their distinctive salty and savory taste has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many food enthusiasts. However, when paired with cream cheese, mayo, and cheddar cheese, they become truly irresistible.

This versatile dish is an excellent choice as a party appetizer and can be enjoyed in conjunction with various dippers such as crackers, tortilla chips, or even fresh vegetables.

Pan Seared Fish With Tomatoes & Olives

Pan Seared Fish With Tomatoes & Olives

Achieving a balanced diet can be challenging, but incorporating dishes like pan-seared fish with olive-tomato sauce can make it more accessible. This preparation method is not only quick but also packed with heart-healthy ingredients that are essential for overall well-being. The bright and flavorful sauce complements the fish perfectly, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly time-efficient, ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks seeking to add a nutritious meal option to their repertoire.

Olive Pizza with Red Onions

Olive Pizza with Red Onions

Creating a delicious olive pizza recipe is an excellent starting point for those new to olives. This particular combination takes traditional pizza flavors, which typically include red onions and olives, and elevates them to the next level. The result is a perfect blend of salty, savory, and spicy flavors from the olives, red onion, and melted cheese respectively. As the dish cooks, it will fill your home with an enticing aroma that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Indulge in this slice of heaven and savor every bite, allowing yourself to experience the harmony of flavors and textures in each mouthful.

Fried Olives

Fried Olives

Yearning for something unique at your next gathering? You’re in luck because fried olives are an amazing appetizer option. These bite-sized treats have a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and warm interior, making them incredibly enjoyable. Not only will they be the talk of the party, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments such as cheese, salami, or dips, ensuring that everyone finds something they love.

What’s more, is that fried olives are remarkably easy to prepare, requiring nothing more than coating the olives in an egg batter and breadcrumbs before letting the air fryer do its magic.

Olive Tapenade

Olive Tapenade

Utilizing its distinctive salty and briny flavor, olive tapenade is an incredibly versatile spread that can be paired with a wide range of foods. Its primary ingredients include olives, capers, herbs, and anchovies, which combine to create a rich and complex taste experience. A personal favorite use for olive tapenade is as a dip for crackers or crudités, allowing the flavors to shine through without overpowering the delicate crunch of the accompaniments.

Additionally, it makes an excellent spread for crusty bread and baguettes, adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to match with other toppings. Furthermore, olive tapenade can also be used as a unique pizza sauce alternative, providing a savory and aromatic base for a variety of toppings.

Green Olive Pasta with Toasted Lemon Breadcrumbs

Green Olive Pasta with Toasted Lemon Breadcrumbs

Looking for a new pasta recipe to spice up your culinary routine? The green olive pasta is an excellent choice if you’re on the hunt for something exciting! With its bold flavors of briny olives, zesty lemon zest, and fragrant herbs, this dish is sure to leave you and your taste buds impressed. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on its distinctive taste profile.

Creamy Chicken with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Chicken with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Generally speaking, individuals seeking a swift and satisfying meal would do well to try this dish. While it employs minimal ingredients, it possesses an impressive depth of flavor, which is primarily attributed to its use of olives and sun-dried tomatoes. The chicken is submerged in a rich and velvety sauce that expertly complements the savory qualities of the olives.

This harmony of flavors is further enhanced by the subtle tartness of the sun-dried tomatoes, creating an overall culinary experience that is both enjoyable to prepare and delightful to consume.

Olive and Pepper-Stuffed Pork Loin (Paleo, Whole30)

Olive and Pepper-Stuffed Pork Loin (Paleo, Whole30)

Sophisticated pork dishes have been my focus lately, and this particular recipe for stuffed pork loin stands out from the rest. It masterfully combines traditional pork flavors with an added layer of savory goodness that elevates the overall taste experience. The balance of salty, meaty, and slightly peppery notes is spot on, resulting in a dish that’s both visually stunning and mouthwateringly tender.

This show-stopping main course is sure to be the highlight of your next family gathering or dinner party, impressing even the most discerning guests with its rich flavors and impressive presentation.

Cod with Tomatoes

Cod with Tomatoes

Taking the classic combination of fresh fish, tomatoes, capers, and olives, you’ll find that it yields a culinary masterpiece that’s both light and satisfying. The delicate flavors of the fish are perfectly complemented by the rich, tangy taste of the tomato sauce, which is infused with the salty nuances of capers and the brininess of olives.

This dish is not only easy to prepare for a quick weeknight meal but also impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.

Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta

Not only does warmer weather signal the start of outdoor activities, but it also calls for refreshing dishes to enjoy. A perfect way to celebrate a sunny day is by indulging in Mediterranean pasta, which is light, simple, and packed with flavor. This dish is a delightful mix of angel hair pasta, zesty lemon, and classic Mediterranean ingredients that will transport you to the dreamy Italian seaside getaway from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Chicken Provencal

Chicken Provencal

Unlocking a quick yet satisfying dinner solution is crucial for those hectic days when time seems to be ticking away. Utilizing the effortless chicken Provencal recipe is an excellent way to satisfy your cravings without exerting too much effort. This delightful dish seamlessly blends the flavors of succulent chicken, crisp white wine, juicy tomatoes, savory olives, and fragrant basil, all in one pan. And the best part?

It’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect solution for those rushed evenings. For an added touch of elegance, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serving it alongside a crusty French bread to elevate your dining experience.

Potato Salad With Olives And Capers

Potato Salad With Olives And Capers

Certainly, there’s no denying that a well-made potato salad is a staple at any gathering or special occasion. But for those looking to mix things up, this unique recipe offers a refreshing twist on the traditional dish. By incorporating salty olives and capers, it brings a new level of flavor and excitement to the classic side dish. This version is packed with briny undertones, rich creamy textures, and an abundance of carbohydrates that are sure to satisfy any appetite.

Chicken with Preserved Lemons & Green Olives

Chicken with Preserved Lemons & Green Olives

Known for its vibrant and aromatic flavors, Moroccan cuisine has captured the hearts of foodies worldwide. This recipe showcases the bold and rich flavors that make Moroccan dishes so beloved. The preserved lemons play a starring role in this dish, infusing the chicken with their tangy, citrusy flavor. Meanwhile, the olives add a savory, slightly salty element that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

To complete the meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous, allowing each bite to transport you to the bustling souks and vibrant markets of Morocco.

Chopped Greek Salad

Chopped Greek Salad

Just like a traditional Greek taverna, this salad recipe brings the authentic taste of Greece to your plate. Juxtaposed with the vibrant colors of the vegetables, the combination of fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese creates an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

One-Pan Greek Chicken with Artichokes and Olives

One-Pan Greek Chicken with Artichokes and Olives

Navigating a busy schedule can leave you craving something satisfying for dinner, and that’s where this one-pan wonder comes into play. If you’re anything like me, you’ll adore the bold flavors of this incredible dish, packed with the perfect blend of olives, artichokes, aromatic spices, and tender chicken. The best part? It can be ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights.

Green Olive And Egg Potato Salad

Green Olive And Egg Potato Salad

Ditch the same old boring side dishes at your next summertime cookout and try something new with this refreshing green olive and egg potato salad instead. Its unique combination of flavors, equal parts salty, savory, and creamy, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe will not only tantalize your taste buds but also leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours, making it the perfect accompaniment to your outdoor gatherings.

25 Best Ways to Use Olives for a Flavorful Meal

A variety of culinary delights can be elevated by the addition of olives. Whether you’re cooking up a hearty spaghetti dish, grilling some swordfish, or preparing a tasty pizza or dip, having a jar of olives on hand is always a good idea. This versatile ingredient adds flavor and depth to a wide range of meals.

Instructions

Instructions

Among the array of recipes available, choose one that resonates with you. Assemble a list of necessary ingredients to avoid any last-minute trips to the store. To save time and effort, prepare an olive-based dish within the next 30 minutes.

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