3 Simple healthy olive recipes

1. Mediterranean Olive and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the halved olives, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Add crumbled feta cheese, if using, and gently mix.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Why It’s Healthy: This salad is loaded with antioxidants from the olives and tomatoes, and the cucumber adds hydration and crunch. The healthy fats from the olives and olive oil support heart health, while the optional feta adds a creamy texture without overwhelming the dish.

2. Raw Olive and Avocado Spread

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped olives, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
5. Serve with raw vegetable sticks, whole-grain crackers, or as a spread on toast.

Why It’s Healthy: Avocado provides a rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, while the olives add additional healthy fats and a burst of flavor. This spread is perfect for a quick, nutritious snack or appetizer.

3. Raw Zucchini Noodles with Olive Pesto

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives
• 1/4 cup raw pine nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the black olives, pine nuts, basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Process until smooth, creating a pesto-like consistency.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini noodles with the olive pesto until well coated.
4. Garnish with cherry tomatoes if desired.
5. Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish.

Why It’s Healthy: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta. The olive pesto adds rich flavor and healthy fats without the need for dairy or processed ingredients, making this dish both delicious and nourishing.