Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Olivade?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Often referred to as olivada, olivade is a tasty olive paste that can be served on fresh slices of bread or a variety of different specialty crackers or toasted flatbreads. The core ingredients for olivade are ripe olives, olive oil, and black pepper. Various recipes of olivade abound, with some using black olives and others calling for the use of green olives. When green olives are used in the recipe for the olive spread, the final result is sometimes referred to as oliverde.

Olivade can easily be prepared at home using fresh ingredients that can be found in just about any supermarket. One simple recipe calls for pitted black olives, olive oil, chives, onions, capers, and ricotta cheese. By utilizing a simple food processor or even a blender, it is possible to prepare the olivade in a matter of minutes.

Capers are often included in olivade.
Capers are often included in olivade.

Most recipes call for creating a base using the cheese, capers, and onions. While red onions are generally recommended, some recipes call for the use of Vidalia onions or Texas sweets. After tossing these three ingredients in a mixing bowl, the chopped olives, minced chives, salt, pepper, and olive oil is folded into the mixture.

The combined ingredients are placed into a food processor or blender, and allowed to puree into a paste. Some people prefer olivade to be somewhat chunky, with small pieces of olive found throughout the paste. Others prefer a smoother texture and will process the ingredients until the desired consistency is reached.

Red onions are often used in making olivade.
Red onions are often used in making olivade.

Olivade can be served immediately after preparation, or may be chilled for use later in the day. The paste can be used with just about any type of bread as an appetizer, or utilized as a condiment in various types of sandwiches. When used as an appetizer, it is customary to garnish the surface of the olivade with herbs such as parsley and add a small drizzle of olive oil to the top. In addition to spreading olivade onto crackers and slices of bread, the dish can also be utilized as a dip for celery and carrot sticks.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Capers are often included in olivade.
      Capers are often included in olivade.
    • Red onions are often used in making olivade.
      Red onions are often used in making olivade.
    • Black olives are often used in olivade.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Black olives are often used in olivade.
    • Olivade is often garnished with parsley.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Olivade is often garnished with parsley.
    • Olivade made with green olives is sometimes called oliverde.
      By: volff
      Olivade made with green olives is sometimes called oliverde.
    • Black pepper is usually a core ingredient in olivade.
      By: kellyschulz
      Black pepper is usually a core ingredient in olivade.
    • Ricotta cheese may be an ingredient in olivade.
      By: Roberto Fasoli
      Ricotta cheese may be an ingredient in olivade.