Olive Your Heart: 5 Anti-Inflammatory Recipes Spotlighting Nature’s Liquid Gold

Golden Green Goddess Dressing: A Creamy Herb- Filled Dip for Fresh Crudités

A creamy green goddess dressing is the perfect dip for fresh crudités. Made with olive oil, herbs, and spices, this dip is as delicious as it is anti-inflammatory. 

To make the dressing, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or lemon juice, 1 minced shallot or small onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. 

This herbaceous dip gets its vibrant green color from the dill, parsley, and olive oil, which provide healthy fats and antioxidants. The olive oil, in particular, contains oleocanthal, a compound that acts similarly to ibuprofen in reducing inflammation. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, olive oil may help lower heart disease risk. 

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The shallots and garlic also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic, in particular, contains compounds like allicin that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When combined, these ingredients create a nutritional powerhouse of a dip that also happens to be delicious. 

For the crudités, cut up your favorite raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets. Arrange them on a platter with the dip in the center for easy dunking. This healthy snack option is perfect for parties, or keep extras refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Your heart and taste buds will thank you for this simple, satisfying appetizer starring nature’s liquid gold. Dip in and enjoy!

One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca: A Hearty, Healthy Meal With Olives Galore

One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca is a hearty, healthy dish bursting with olives, capers, garlic, and herbs. This flavorful meal comes together in just one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. The anchovies are optional, but they add a savory kick – use them if you like a little extra umami. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
• 2 anchovy filets (optional), minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste 

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Instructions: 

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a large skillet (with a lid) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned, another 3-5 Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies (if using). Bring to a simmer then return the chicken thighs to the
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat, uncover and stir in the fresh Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! 

This hearty puttanesca is best served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple side salad completes the meal. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days – the flavors only improve over time!

Olive Oil Cake With Rosemary and Lemon: An Herbaceous, Citrusy Dessert

An olive oil cake is the perfect way to showcase the fruity, herbaceous flavors of high- quality extra virgin olive oil. This simple cake gets an aromatic boost from fresh rosemary and a bright pop of citrus from lemon zest. The olive oil provides a subtle savory undertone that complements the rosemary beautifully. 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of the sugar with an electric mixer until pale Gradually beat in the olive oil and milk.
4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet Do not overmix.
5. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks
6. Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Fold in the remaining egg whites, rosemary, and lemon
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar and enjoy! The olive oil gives this cake an irresistibly moist crumb.

An olive oil cake like this one, starring fresh rosemary and lemon zest, is a simple way to highlight the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil in a delicious dessert. Heart- healthy olive oil provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects along with a perfect savory-sweet balance.

Mediterranean Salad With Farro and Olives: A Nutrient-Dense, Fiber-Filled Dish

A Mediterranean salad starring olives is a delicious way to pack heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants into one dish. Farro, a nutty whole grain, provides a hearty base for the salad. Pair it with a mix of fresh veggies, olives, lemon juice and olive oil for a light but satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup farro, cooked according to package directions
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

1. Cook the farro according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.
2. Add the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, and Toss to combine.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
4. Serve the salad at room temperature or Enjoy!

This fiber-filled Mediterranean salad is brimming with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olives and olive oil, plus antioxidants like lycopene from the tomatoes. Farro adds chewy whole grains and satisfying protein. Lemon juice provides a bright pop of flavor. This recipe may become one of your go-to healthy dishes for easy lunches and dinners. Your heart will thank you!

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Conclusion

So there you have it, five delicious recipes starring olives, one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients. Whether you’re looking to boost your heart health, reduce inflammation in the body, or simply add more flavor and nutrition to your diet, olives check all the boxes. The next time you’re at the grocery store, do your heart and taste buds a favor by grabbing a few jars of olives. Your body and belly will thank you. Olive on, friends! May these recipes inspire you to get cooking with olives and experience firsthand their healing powers. Your heart will love you for it.