Olives
Olives add a briny, savory depth to any dish. Their rich, salty bite adds contrast to fresh ingredients, like in my Radicchio Salad with Pear and Blue Cheese, where they balance the sweetness of pears and the creaminess of blue cheese. Olives also shine in Mediterranean flavors, making them a great addition to a Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad or as a major ingredient in my favorite Agrodolce Sauce. Tip: many of these recipes use Castelvetrano olives, the bright green Sicilian olives with a mild, buttery flavor. To pit them quickly, press each one firmly with the flat side of a knife and the pit will pop right out.