Herbed Olive Oil

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Herbed olive oil offers a fragrant, versatile infusion of herbs and spices, perfect for enhancing salads, breads, or grilled dishes, suited for herb lovers and home cooks.

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Ingredients

  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 sprigs marjoram
  • 3 sprigs oregano
  • 2 small stems basil
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 1 quart olive or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place the herbs, garlic, and spices in a clean jar or bottle.
  2. Pour in the olive or vegetable oil to cover the ingredients completely.
  3. Seal the container and let it infuse at room temperature for at least 2 weeks.
  4. Remove the garlic after 2 weeks to prevent it from overpowering the flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in your herbed olive oil. If you don't have all the herbs listed, feel free to substitute with others like dill or parsley. Ensure the jar is completely clean to avoid contamination. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This oil can also be used as a Zero-Calorie Salad Dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this herbed olive oil over grilled vegetables or use it as a dipping oil for crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, adding depth to dishes like Marinated Veggies And Rice. You can also use it to dress salads or enhance roasted meats, giving them a flavorful finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store the herbed olive oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and freshness. It can last for several months if kept sealed. If the oil solidifies in cooler temperatures, let it sit at room temperature until it returns to liquid. Always check for any off smells before using.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herbed Olive Oil contains roughly 1498 calories, with 47g protein, 250g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (316% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1433mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

1498 kcal 75% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 46.7g 93% DV
Total Fat 57g 73% DV
Carbs 250.3g 91% DV
Fiber 88.5g 100% DV
Sugar 15.3g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1433mg 62% DV
Potassium 3134.3mg 67% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1008.4mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 122.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if that's what you have. However, use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just remember that the infusion time may need to be adjusted, as dried herbs may infuse faster than fresh.

How do I know if the oil has gone bad?

If your herbed olive oil develops an off or rancid smell, or if you notice any unusual cloudiness or sediment, it's best to discard it. Proper storage in a cool, dark place helps prolong its shelf life. Always check for any changes before using.

What can I do with the leftover herbs after infusing?

After straining the oil, you can use the leftover herbs to flavor soups or stews, or chop them finely to sprinkle on roasted vegetables. They can also be added to marinades or dressings for extra flavor, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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