Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive

Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive Recipe - Italian Green Olive Salad

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive is a delicious and refreshing Italian olive salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This salad is bursting with flavors and is a great addition to any summer meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where olives are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of olives, garlic, celery, and other ingredients creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cup of drained pimento-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp of red wine vinegar
0.5 tsp of grated lemon zest
0.25 tsp of dried oregano
0.25 tsp of hot red pepper flakes
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of freshly ground pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and toss them together.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve at room temperature.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a burst of freshness.
Top the salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop the olives, garlic, and celery finely to ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

- Refrigerating the salad for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier salad, add more flakes, or omit them altogether for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp, cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking and is mostly a matter of chopping and mixing the ingredients together. The key is to let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green olives on hand, you can use black olives instead. You can also substitute the red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or platter and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch. You can also serve it in individual ramekins or small bowls for a more refined presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, seafood, or pasta. It also goes well with crusty bread or a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this salad comes from the extra virgin olive oil. Each serving contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

This salad is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Olives are a good source of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress. Additionally, celery is rich in vitamin K and potassium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and blood pressure.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals. If you have a known allergy to olives, it is best to avoid this dish.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a healthy and nutritious option that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without compromising on their health goals.

Summary

Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive is a simple yet flavorful salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its combination of olives, garlic, celery, and other ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, and savor the delicious flavors of Italy in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I found myself browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive caught my eye.

I had never heard of this dish before, but something about it intrigued me. The ingredients were simple yet elegant: ripe black olives, fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. The instructions were straightforward, but the combination of flavors seemed so unique and enticing.

I decided to give it a try, and as I gathered the ingredients and began preparing the dish, memories of my own culinary journey flooded back to me. I remembered the first time I learned how to cook from my mother, who taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and cooking with love and care.

I thought about the time I spent in Italy, where I fell in love with the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. I recalled the cooking classes I took with local chefs, who shared their family recipes and passed down their culinary wisdom to me.

As I finished preparing the Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive, I couldn't wait to taste it. The aroma of the fresh basil and olive oil filled the air, and I knew that this dish was going to be something special.

When I took my first bite, it was like a symphony of flavors dancing on my taste buds. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes paired perfectly with the briny olives, while the basil added a fresh, herbaceous note. The olive oil tied everything together, creating a light and refreshing dish that was perfect for a summer day.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again for family and friends. It reminded me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and moments of joy.

As I sat down to enjoy my Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive, I felt grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment. I thought about all the people who had inspired me along the way, from my mother and grandmother to the chefs in Italy who had shared their knowledge and passion with me.

Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me – it's a way of connecting with my roots, of honoring the traditions and flavors that have shaped me. And as I savored each bite of the delicious salad in front of me, I knew that I would continue to explore new recipes and culinary experiences, always seeking to learn and grow in the kitchen.

So here's to the Open Kitchen Insalata di Olive, a dish that has become a part of my culinary repertoire and a symbol of the rich and diverse world of food that I am privileged to be a part of. May it bring joy and nourishment to all who taste it, and may it inspire others to embark on their own culinary adventures, just as it has inspired me. Buon appetito!