Canned Olives Recipes to Add a Pleasing and Rich Flavor to Any Meal

Canned olives are such a gem in the kitchen because they add instant flavor and depth to almost any dish.

I’ve used them in everything from quick tapenades and pasta sauces to slow-braised chicken and warm, rustic breads.

They’re salty, rich, and ready to use straight from the can!

I like how they hold up well in both hot and cold recipes, especially in Mediterranean-style salads and stews with lots of herbs and citrus.

It’s also great that canned olives have a long shelf life, so I never worry about waste.

They bring a subtle brininess that balances sweet, spicy, or earthy ingredients—something I reach for often in busy weeknight meals.

1. Cream Cheese & Black Olive Lasagna

Cream cheese and black olives give this lasagna a creamy, tangy layer that stands out from anything traditional.

The briny bite of canned black olives mixes perfectly with rich cheeses and tomato sauce.

You get a pop of saltiness in every forkful, especially if you use high-quality olives from a can.

Adding a handful of fresh basil really brightens things up.

Fresh mozzarella melts into the sauce for the cheesiest results.

2. Chicken and Black Bean Soup with Olives

Canned olives in chicken and black bean soup give the broth a salty punch that balances everything out.

You get a burst of flavor with every spoonful when those sliced olives mix with the black beans and chicken.

I always use pitted black or green olives—either works well since they hold up to simmering and keep their texture.

The soup comes together fast and is great for busy weeknights, especially since you can keep most of the ingredients in your pantry.

3. Mexican Salsa Dip With Chopped Black Olives

This Mexican salsa dip pairs fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and black olives for bold flavor and great color.

You get extra tang and a little saltiness from the chopped black olives—such a simple way to add layers to your dip.

If you like dips with lots of toppings, the black olives add a nice contrast and look so good sprinkled over the top!

For more inspiration, Mexican layered dips with black olives remain popular for game day snacking.

4. Olive and Basil Pasta Salad

Canned olives make this pasta salad ridiculously convenient.

Just drain and slice them for a punch of flavor.

I find the combo of fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and olives brings great balance and color.

If you want something filling but refreshingly light, this is a good pick for weeknights.

Try using a fun pasta shape to soak up even more of the zesty dressing!

5. Black Olive Tapenade

Black olive tapenade on toasted baguette slices is such a classic way to serve canned olives.

I find blending canned black olives with garlic and olive oil gives you a rich, briny mixture that’s savory and smooth.

This Mediterranean spread comes together in just a few minutes and works especially well as a starter for any get-together.

For a quick appetizer, it’s hard to beat the combo of crispy baguette and tapenade made from canned black olives!

6. Black Olive and Feta Stuffed Peppers

You get such a nice contrast with the brininess of canned black olives against the creamy feta—these two ingredients really make every bite exciting!

When you use canned olives, there’s none of the hassle of pitting or prepping, so you can get right to assembly and enjoy those Mediterranean flavors fast.

Roasting the peppers brings out their sweetness, which balances so well with the saltiness of the feta and olives.

7. Marinated Olives With Garlic, Thyme, and Rosemary

You can easily turn canned olives into something special with just a handful of aromatics.

I always find that garlic, thyme, and rosemary add an earthy, savory note that works great at any gathering.

A quick marinade infuses tons of flavor into the olives, and using canned olives makes prep a breeze.

8. Black Olive and Tomato Bruschetta

Juicy tomatoes and briny black olives work together perfectly as a bruschetta topping.

The creamy burrata adds richness that balances the salty olives in every bite!

I always recommend using good quality canned olives because they keep their flavor and stand out with the burrata.

9. Cauliflower Pizza Casserole with Black Olives

Tossing black olives into this cauliflower pizza casserole adds a briny punch that mixes so well with the cheese and sauce.

The olives hold their shape and bring just the right hint of salt to balance out the bubbly mozzarella.

You can use any pizza toppings you love, but black olives always seem to tie it all together for me.

10. Chicken Enchiladas Boosted With Black Olives

Chicken enchiladas get a noticeable flavor upgrade when you add canned black olives to the mix.

Those olives bring a nice salty bite that really stands out against the cheesy filling and savory sauce.

I always scatter extra olives on top for more flavor and a fun pop of texture in every serving.

This dish is perfect for family dinners and is easy to make your own—some even add green onions or sliced mushrooms for extra flair.

11. Easy Black Olive Salsa

Black olives, juicy tomatoes, and crisp onions come together for a salsa that’s tangy and super quick to make.

This is a great way to use canned olives, since their briny bite adds a punch that fresh olives sometimes lack.

When you pulse everything together in a food processor, the flavors blend beautifully and the salsa looks extra vibrant.

Try adding a handful of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for even more zest!

12. Greek Salad

You get bright crunch from cucumbers and the rich saltiness of canned black olives in every bite.

The creamy feta cheese is the perfect balance, making each forkful a little more indulgent.

I always make sure to use plenty of olives because they add so much flavor and work really well with the simple olive oil and oregano dressing.

It’s an easy way to bring color and freshness to your table.

13. Black Olive and Goat Cheese Crostini

This crostini brings together creamy goat cheese and chopped canned black olives for an amazing bite you can serve anytime.

The briny flavor from the olives pairs so well with the soft tang of goat cheese.

The saltiness from canned olives helps balance the richness, making each bite pop with flavor.

It’s great that you only need a few ingredients, and you can even try mixing in fresh herbs for extra color and taste.

14. Paella With Black Olives Folded In

If you’ve never tried black olives in your paella, you’re in for a treat!

Adding them right at the end lets their flavor stand out without getting lost.

I like how the olives add a subtle briny punch that pairs so well with shrimp, rice, and all those vibrant veggies.

15. Stuffed Dates With Black Olives

This is one of my favorite combinations for an easy appetizer with a twist!

You get the unique salty kick from black olives paired with the sweetness of dates.

Adding a soft cheese like goat cheese or cream cheese brings everything together in one bite.

Stuffed dates using black olives are super simple to assemble, and the olives give a distinctive flavor you just don’t find in most date recipes.

I like using pitted kalamata or canned black olives for a smoother, less briny taste.

16. Quick Olive and Herb Bread Dip

If you want to bring something new to gatherings, try making a bread dip with canned olives and fresh herbs.

The briny flavor from canned olives adds a bold note to the olive oil, especially when paired with chopped garlic and plenty of herbs.

I like to use both dried oregano and parsley since they balance the saltiness and give the dip a fresh kick.

Serve it with slices of warm, crusty bread, and watch it disappear fast!

17. Spicy Olive Relish with chili and garlic

If you want a quick punch of flavor, this spicy olive relish is the answer!

The mix of chopped canned olives, fresh chili, and garlic brings a bold kick that’s perfect for sandwiches or grilled meats.

Canned olives keep things easy and are just salty enough for a great balance.

18. Sautéed Olives with Garlic and Olive Oil

Grab a jar of canned olives—this snack’s a lifesaver when cravings hit out of nowhere.

Just warm them up with some garlic in olive oil, and suddenly they taste richer, softer, and way more interesting.

Want a twist? Toss in a few chili flakes or maybe some lemon zest. It wakes everything up.

Canned olives are perfect here; they soak up all that garlicky oil but don’t fall apart.

Sautéing really pulls out those savory, bold notes and fills your kitchen with the best aroma.

19. Black Olive and Corn Salad

This salad’s all about the combo—canned black olives, sweet corn, and a splashy lime dressing.

The olives bring a salty, briny vibe that works so well with crunchy corn. Honestly, canned olives make this so easy—they keep their shape and taste spot-on.

Lime juice brightens it all up, so you get this refreshing zing. It’s honestly a bright, crunchy side dish that disappears fast at any table.

20. Italian Marinated Olives

Canned olives make this recipe a breeze, honestly.

Drain them well, then toss with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a hit of citrus zest.

If you let them sit in the fridge for a couple days, the flavors really come alive and the herbs mellow out in the best way.

Serve them chilled or let them warm up to room temp if you want the flavors to really pop.

21. Black Olive and Cheese Quesadillas

Quesadillas with canned black olives have such a fun twist!

You get salty bites from the olives in each cheesy, gooey slice, making this super easy for a quick dinner.

Canned black olives really shine here—they’re already sliced and bring a mellow, briny flavor that just works.

Melting your favorite cheese with black olives? That combo packs in loads of savory goodness.