Kalamata olives are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be paired with many foods and used in a variety of recipes. Known for their distinctively rich, fruity taste and almond-shaped appearance, Kalamata olives originate from the city of Kalamata in southern Greece. They have a deep purple-black color and smooth, firm texture. While Kalamata olives can make a great snack on their own, they truly shine when combined with complementary flavors and textures. So what goes best with these iconic Greek olives? Here we’ll explore the most delicious food pairings and recipes that bring out the best in the unique flavor of Kalamata olives.
Cheeses
Kalamata olives go fantastically with cheeses, adding a tangy, salty punch to rich and creamy flavors. Some of the best cheese pairings include:
Feta
Briny, crumbly feta cheese is a classic match for Kalamata olives. This Greek pairing is often found together in appetizers like olive tapenade with feta and crackers or in salads like a Greek salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives. The salty flavors complement each other perfectly.
Goat Cheese
The tangy, earthy flavor of goat cheese contrasts beautifully with Kalamata olives. Try adding olives to a goat cheese tart or flatbread pizza for a flavorful combination. You can also crumble goat cheese over salads that contain Kalamata olives.
Manchego
Spanish Manchego cheese has a distinct nutty, sheep’s milk flavor that pairs amazingly with the fruitiness of Kalamata olives. Enjoy this duo together on a cheese board with crackers and wine. Manchego also tastes delicious when stuffed with an olive tapenade mixture.
Parmesan
The sharp saltiness of aged Parmesan cheese heightens the rich, briny taste of Kalamata olives. Grate some Parmesan over pasta dishes that incorporate Kalamata olives like linguine with olive oil, olives, tomatoes, and Parmesan. You can also sprinkle Parmesan over olive tapenades and dips.
Mozzarella
The mild, creamy taste of fresh mozzarella balances out the strong flavor of Kalamata olives. Caprese skewers with alternating mozzarella balls, olives, and cherry tomatoes make a perfect appetizer pairing. Fresh mozzarella and olive pizza is another popular combination.
Breads
Breads make the perfect vehicle for enjoying the flavor of Kalamata olives. The olives pair well with a variety of artisanal breads and crackers. Top recommendations include:
Focaccia
The chewy texture and olive oil-enriched dough of focaccia bread is a natural match for Kalamata olive tapenade or whole olives sprinkled on top. The flavors marry perfectly.
Pita Chips
For a perfect Greek-inspired pairing, serve Kalamata olive tapenade with toasted or fresh pita chips for dipping. The savory pita enhances the ripe, briny olives beautifully.
Ciabatta
Grilled ciabatta bread rubbed with olive oil and garlic makes a delicious base for a Kalamata olive bruschetta topping. Let the juices from the tomatoes and olives soak into the crispy ciabatta.
Bagels
A schmear of olive tapenade on a toasted everything bagel makes a quick, satisfying snack. The onion and garlic seasonings in the bagel seasoning amplify the flavors of the olives.
Crackers
Sturdy crackers like water crackers work perfectly for scooping up olive tapenades and cheese spreads containing Kalamata olives. Try a combination of wheat and seed crackers for variety.
Vegetables
In addition to cheeses and breads, Kalamata olives also taste fantastic when paired with fresh vegetables. Bright, crisp vegetables balance the rich, concentrated flavor of the olives. Recommended veggie pairings include:
Tomatoes
Sweet cherry tomatoes and meaty tomato wedges complement the soft texture and bold flavor of Kalamata olives. Enjoy them together in salads like a Greek or Caprese salad. You can also thread them onto skewers for a pretty appetizer.
Cucumbers
Crisp, cooling cucumbers offset the intensity of Kalamata olives nicely. Thinly sliced cucumbers taste great in olive tapenade sandwiches or salads with olives.
Onions
The sharp zing of red onions accentuates the fruitiness of Kalamata olives. Thin slices or slivers of red onion are perfect for olive tapenades, salads, pizzas and more.
Bell Peppers
The sweet crunch of bell peppers contrasts sublimely with the rich, salty flavor of olives. Try them together in pasta salad or on antipasto platters. Roasted red peppers also taste amazing blended into olive tapenades.
Artichokes
Briny, hearty artichoke hearts taste fantastic alongside Kalamata olives. Toss them together with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for an easy marinated vegetable side. Or add them to salads and pasta dishes containing olives.
Proteins
In addition to making a perfect garnish, Kalamata olives also pair well with a variety of protein-rich foods like meat, fish and eggs. Some especially tasty combinations include:
Salmon
The buttery fattiness of salmon is offset beautifully by the briny zing of Kalamata olives. Try baking salmon topped with an olive tapenade crust or salad nicoise with olives, green beans and potatoes.
Chicken
The mild flavor of chicken is enhanced by the intense, fruity notes of Kalamata olives. Stuff chicken breasts with a Kalamata olive tapenade or chop olives into chicken salad.
Lamb
The rich flavor of lamb and Kalamata olives are a match made in heaven. The olives cut through the fattiness of lamb for a balanced bite. Marinate lamb chops in olive oil, lemon, garlic and olives or add olives to stews.
Prosciutto
Salty prosciutto ham has flavors that mirror and amplify those in Kalamata olives. Enjoy thin slices of prosciutto wrapped around olives or mixed together in an antipasto spread.
Eggs
The creamy yolkiness of hard boiled, poached or fried eggs tastes wonderful when paired with the briny pop of Kalamata olives. Top egg dishes like omelets or egg salad with chopped olives.
Oils and Condiments
Certain oils, herbs, spices and other condiments really bring out the best in the flavor of Kalamata olives. Some top picks include:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Good quality extra virgin olive oil has a fruity, peppery flavor that perfectly complements and enhances the natural fruitiness of Kalamata olives. Use it for dressing salads or drizzling over olive tapenades.
Balsamic Vinegar
The sweet, rich tang of aged balsamic vinegar balances the salty brininess of Kalamata olives beautifully. Use it to dress olive salads or marinate olives with herbs.
Capers
Tiny, pungent capers have an intense briny flavor that harmonizes flawlessly with Kalamata olives. Add capers to olive tapenades or salads with olives.
Garlic
Garlic adds a pungent kick that brings out the aromatic qualities of Kalamata olives. Sauté chopped garlic in olive oil, then toss with olives.
Lemon Juice
The bright acidity of lemon juice cuts through the rich fattiness of Kalamata olives. A squeeze of lemon over salads and tapenades makes olives sing.
Dried Oregano
The woodsy, aromatic flavor of oregano accentuates the fruitiness of Kalamata olives. Sprinkle dried oregano over olive oil-based dishes.
Crushed Red Pepper
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick that enhances the flavor of Kalamata olives. Use it to spice up olive tapenades or marinades.
Wine and Cocktails
Kalamata olives aren’t just for eating – they also make fantastic additions to cocktails and pair wonderfully with certain wines. Recommended pairings include:
Dry Sherry
The nutty, caramel flavors of dry Sherry bring out the herbal notes in Kalamata olives. Enjoy them together as a pre-dinner drink with olives.
Gin Martini
Add a few Kalamata olives to your next gin martini for a deliciously briny, botanical twist. The juniper notes in gin complement the olives.
Bloody Mary
Skewer some Kalamata olives and add them to Bloody Mary cocktails for a savory, olive-y garnish. They taste amazing with the tomato juice.
Pinot Noir
The dry, earthy flavors of a Pinot Noir red wine match seamlessly with Kalamata olives. Sip them together as an appetizer.
Sangiovese
The light tannins and tart cherry flavors of a Sangiovese wine pair beautifully with the rich, fruity taste of Kalamata olives.
Negroni
Muddle a few Kalamata olives in your next Negroni cocktail for a sophisticated salty-sweet accent to the drink’s herbal flavors.
Recipes
Kalamata olives shine when incorporated into a variety of delicious recipes like appetizers, salads, pasta dishes and more. Here are some top recipes that make the most of their unique briny, fruity flavors:
Olive Tapenade
This olive-based spread is easy to make and perfect for dipping bread or crackers. Combine pitted Kalamata olives, olive oil, capers, garlic and herbs in a food processor.
Olive Pizza
Top a pre-made or homemade pizza crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Kalamata olives, red onion, artichoke hearts and Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil.
Greek Salad
Toss crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese and Kalamata olives with a dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano and garlic.
Pasta Puttanesca
For a savory pasta dish, sauté garlic and anchovies in olive oil, then add Kalamata olives, capers, tomatoes and seasonings to toss with hot pasta.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kalamata olives | 1 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Anchovies | 4 fillets |
| Capers | 2 Tbsp |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Pasta | 8 oz |
Olive Chicken
Season chicken breasts with oregano, garlic and olive oil, then stuff with a Kalamata olive tapenade before baking until browned and cooked through.
Salmon with Olive Relish
Top baked salmon fillets with a relish of chopped olives, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Elevate classic egg salad by folding in chopped Kalamata olives, mustard, mayo, green onion, lemon juice and seasonings. Enjoy on bread or lettuce cups.
Conclusion
With their uniquely fruity, briny flavor and versatile texture, Kalamata olives have the ability to enhance and elevate a wide variety of foods and recipes. Pairing them thoughtfully with ingredients like cheese, bread, vegetables, proteins, herbs and wines allows their flavor to shine and brings out their best qualities. Whether used in a simple salad or fancy cocktail, Kalamata olives add a delicious salty-savory pop of flavor. So next time you break out a jar of these iconic Greek olives, try them in a new combination or recipe for a taste sensation.