Kalamata olives are a type of olive that pairs well with making a kalamata olive salad. Several different ingredients could be used to create a kalamata olive salad. What remains constant are these savory nuggets, rich yet refreshing. They are complemented by tomato, several cheeses, fresh herbs, olive oil, and a splash of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
These savory, rich, dark brown to purple nuggets are special. They aren’t sharp or tart like green olives. They are almost fruity in texture and flavor. These tasty olives are from Kalamata, Greece. This is an area on the southern peninsula of the Peloponnese.
Uses For Olive Salad
Kalamata olive salad and even mixed olive salads are both delicious and nutritious. Kalamata or any olive salad goes well with cold meats. The subtle, acid-rich flavor of the olive, complemented by some soppressata salami or grilled vegetables and cheese, makes for a great, balanced antipasto. They would also complement a nice steak if served as a subtle complement to the steak.
Along the same note of complimenting meat, olive tapenade pairs extremely well as a light, healthful way to utilize the health benefits of olives in a condiment with Italian cold cuts. A tapenade is typically made from ground olives and capers, oil, and a splash of mustard, possibly with the addition of anchovies and a hint of roasted red pepper. Wow, what a flavorful condiment.
Another thought for using an olive salad is to garnish your seafood martini with a touch of olive salad to cap and close the top of your martini. Just as a martini is complemented by an olive or a Gibson with an onion, your seafood martini might be known for the olive salad. Another great combination of rich olives, fresh seafood, a touch of cocktail sauce, and a note of Cîroc vodka. Check out the Olive Oil Times for more olive news.
Health Benefits Of Kalamata Olives
Suppose I were to say that there is a food that contains 85% fat, and this would be a food that is good for you. What would you say? You would likely say one of two things. The first thing that you might say is, There is no way. The second thing you might say is, well, alright, sign me up. Let’s discuss the health benefits of kalamata olives.
Approximately 85% of the calories in a kalamata olive come from fat. Some of the nutritional information available is that the fats are monounsaturated and also contain oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are essential fatty acids. The high concentrations of monounsaturated fats are recognized for reducing blood cholesterol and the risks of heart disease.
In addition to these nutritional factors, kalamata olives have high levels of healthful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and help fight the development of cancer. There is a lot of evidence and information showing the health benefits of kalamata olives.
A Refreshing Kalamata Olive Salad Recipe
You’re having some friends over for a celebration. You have your food set, some spinach and artichoke dip, and some seafood martinis. You have a platter of antipasto on your food table. The antipasto consists of Artichoke Modena, Soppressata Salad, Calamari Salad, Mussel Salad, and a refreshing Kalamata Olive Salad. While this table may seem luxurious, it is a light and satisfying option.
If your salad contains roasted vegetables, ricotta salata cheese, roasted pepper, parsley leaves, and kalamata olives, then you have a refreshing kalamata olive salad. If your salad contains kalamata olives, lemon, olive oil, and roasted red pepper, then you have a refreshing kalamata olive salad.
Try other options like poached calamari, kalamata olives, roasted red pepper, or steamed mussels with the same. Perhaps your salad features sirloin, roasted vegetables, olives, and roasted peppers, accompanied by lemon and olive oil. Here is another salad option: soppressata, ricotta salata cheese, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Kalamata olives are rich and flavorful, and yet they add complexity to any salad. You should consider these as an option for a refreshing kalamata olive salad. Here you will enjoy a simple refreshing salad, roasted peppers strips, whole flat parsley leaves, lemon juice, a touch of olive oil. Check out our course on Salads and Vinaigrettes for more ideas.
Kalamata Olive Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pint Kalamata Olives pitted
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1 T. Lemon Juice
- 2 oz. Roasted Red Pepper cut into olive sized pieces
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients
- The Flavors are fuller if allowed to rest overnight, however let rest a minimum of 4 hours
- Serve
