New orleans olive salad

The iconic New Orleans Olive Salad! Also known as "Olive Salad" or "Olive Dressing," this condiment is a staple in Creole cuisine, particularly in New Orleans. It's a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet mixture of olives, vegetables, and spices that's often served as a side dish or used as a topping for various dishes.

Here's a classic recipe for New Orleans Olive Salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
• 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced green and black olives, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Pour the dressing over the olive mixture and toss to combine.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the olive salad chilled or at room temperature.

This olive salad is a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways:

• As a side dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as a crudité with crackers or bread.
• As a topping: Use it as a topping for po' boys, sandwiches, salads, or as a garnish for soups and stews.
• As a dip: Serve it with crackers, chips, or vegetables for a tasty snack.

Some popular ways to enjoy New Orleans Olive Salad include:

• On a muffuletta sandwich: Spread it on a crusty Italian bread, topped with cured meats, cheese, and pickles.
• As a topping for gumbo: Add it to your favorite gumbo recipe for an extra burst of flavor.
• As a side dish for fried catfish: Serve it alongside crispy fried catfish for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your delicious New Orleans Olive Salad!