Zesty Creole Olive Medley
Elevate your culinary repertoire with this Zesty Creole Olive Medley inspired by Emeril Lagasse, a vibrant and flavorful salad perfect for any gathering or festive occasion, especially Mardi Gras! This recipe emphasizes the importance of quality, fresh olives, avoiding canned varieties for an authentic taste. Whether you visit an olive bar or select a variety of imported olives, feel free to mix and match to your preference. This hearty salad shines as a delightful topping for muffuletta sandwiches or served over a bed of mixed greens. The explosion of flavors from the brine-cured olives, fresh herbs, and rich olive oil make it a must-try for olive lovers.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
brine-cured black olives
1 cup (pitted and sliced)
pimento-stuffed green olives
1 cup (sliced)
extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (good quality)
shallots
2 tablespoons (minced)
celery
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
celery leaves
1 tablespoon (minced (optional))
fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized non-reactive mixing bowl, combine the sliced brine-cured black olives and pimento-stuffed green olives.
2
Add the high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, minced shallots, finely chopped celery, minced fresh parsley, and garlic.
3
Sprinkle the fresh ground black pepper over the mixture and stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
For optimal taste, serve the salad at room temperature, as this brings out the vibrant flavors.
6
Traditionally, this Olive Medley is used as a dressing for muffuletta sandwiches, but you can also enjoy it served over a bed of mixed greens such as arugula.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Creole Olive Medley?
It is a vibrant and flavorful olive salad inspired by Emeril Lagasse, perfect for festive occasions like Mardi Gras or as a topping for muffuletta sandwiches.
Who inspired this Zesty Creole Olive Medley recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the famous chef Emeril Lagasse.
Can I use canned olives for this recipe?
It is highly recommended to avoid canned varieties and instead use fresh, quality olives from an olive bar or imported selections for an authentic taste.
What are the primary types of olives used in this medley?
The recipe uses 1 cup of brine-cured black olives and 1 cup of pimento-stuffed green olives.
How should the olives be prepared?
The black olives should be pitted and sliced, while the green pimento-stuffed olives should also be sliced.
What kind of oil is best for this olive medley?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
What aromatic vegetables are included in the mixture?
The medley includes minced shallots, finely chopped celery, and minced garlic.
Are there any fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, it contains 2 tablespoons of minced fresh flat-leaf parsley.
Is salt added to this recipe?
The recipe does not list extra salt, as the brine-cured olives and pimento-stuffed green olives typically provide sufficient saltiness.
How much garlic is used in the medley?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What is the recommended seasoning for this salad?
The dish is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I add celery leaves to the medley?
Yes, adding 1 tablespoon of minced celery leaves is an optional but recommended step for extra flavor.
What type of mixing bowl should I use?
A medium-sized non-reactive mixing bowl is recommended for combining the ingredients.
How long should the olive medley sit before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
What is the best temperature to serve this dish?
For optimal taste and the most vibrant flavors, serve the olive medley at room temperature.
How is this medley traditionally served in New Orleans cuisine?
It is traditionally used as a dressing for muffuletta sandwiches.
Can this medley be served as a salad?
Yes, it can be served over a bed of mixed greens, such as arugula.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians.
Can I customize the olive selection?
Absolutely, you can mix and match different varieties of imported olives to suit your personal preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional celery leaves.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include olive salad, creole recipe, emeril lagasse, mardi gras, muffuletta, vegetarian, and mediterranean.
How should I store the salad while it is chilling?
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
What makes the flavor profile of this medley unique?
The combination of brine-cured olives, fresh herbs, aromatic shallots, and high-quality olive oil creates a complex and hearty explosion of flavor.
Is this dish considered an appetizer?
Yes, it is categorized as an appetizer and a salad.
What is the preparation for the shallots?
The shallots should be finely minced before being added to the olive mixture.
How finely should the celery be cut?
The celery should be finely chopped to integrate well with the sliced olives.
Does this recipe work for Italian-style sandwiches?
Yes, it is the classic topping for the muffuletta, which is a famous Italian-style sandwich from New Orleans.
What is the recommended amount of shallots?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced shallots.
Can I use curly parsley instead of flat-leaf?
While fresh flat-leaf parsley is specified for its flavor, curly parsley can be used as a substitute if needed.
Why is the quality of the olive oil important?
Since the olive oil acts as the base of the dressing and a major flavor component, high-quality extra-virgin oil ensures a rich, smooth taste.