Appetizers & Snacks

Appetizers & SnacksCategories
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Peppery Pink Guava Pineapple Salsa

Sweet and tangy -- this salsa can be used as a dip, topping for chicken, mixed in with seafood or fish. This is a versatile combo that will delight.

Tandoori Pineapple

Tandoori Pineapple skewers are a tantalizing fusion of tropical sweetness and bold spices, showcasing the vibrant flavours of tandoori masala. 

  • note - there is a marination time of 30 minutes not included in the prep time.
Grilled Peach & Prosciutto Pizza

Forget tomatoes… This grilled pie combines savory and sweet with caramelized peaches, oozing mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and fragrant basil. All grilled together on your backyard BBQ, so you can skip turning on the oven

Forget the oven! The easiest way to cook pizza at home is on your BBQ. Grilled pizza is a backyard staple for us in the summer time (or really all year round) not just so we don’t heat up the house by turning on the oven, but because most ovens can only reach a temperature of around 450°F, where are your BBQ can get closer to 600°F. While this isn’t quite as hot as a typical pizza oven, it’s the next best thing.

Crispy “Okanagan Magic” Chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas are more than just a delicious snack; they’re a choice that fuels your body and mind. When you choose wholesome snacks like these, you’re making an investment in your well-being and productivity.

Don’t keep this snack discovery to yourself! Snap a pic of your crispy chickpeas and share it with your fellow students or parents. Encourage them to ditch the less nutritious options and join you on the path to healthier snacking.

 

Caesar Salad Crostini

Perfect little appetizer bites using your garlic olive oil that satisfies any crowd.

 

Kimchi Jjigae (with option for vegans)

There are many ways to use our Gochujang olive oil with its spicy-umami “flavour-fest” combining the rich, savoury, fermented flavours inherent in the epic Korean condiment for which its named. Many use it for eggs dishes, stews, soups, pasta, marinades, dressings and making a very unique mayonnaise but this recipe for Kimchi is really an ideal way to use Gochujang olive oil. 

Lychee Lime Shrimp Salad

The juicy lychee and zesty lime perfectly complement the succulent shrimp, creating a light and flavorful dish that's ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Coconut Pumpkin Curry Soup

Coconut Pumpkin Curry Soup is a delightful blend of creamy coconut milk and rich pumpkin puree, enhanced with aromatic curry spices. This vegan soup is not only flavourful but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal on a chilly day. 

Cranberry Balsamic Meatballs

Cranberry Balsamic Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavours that make them irresistible. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the rich, savoury meatballs, while the sweetness of Olive the Best's Tangerine Dark Balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavour with its subtle sweetness and acidity. 

Baked Brie with Figs & Rosemary Crostini

Baked Brie with Figs & Rosemary Crostini is an elegant appetizer that combines the creamy richness of brie with the sweetness of fresh figs and the aromatic touch of rosemary. The brie is baked until gooey and topped with a fig mixture, then served with crispy rosemary-infused crostini. This dish is perfect for entertaining, offering a delightful blend of flavours and textures that will impress your guests. Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, for the best experience.

Rachel’s Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad

A healthy, cool, hearty, delicious, Mediterranean Diet inspired meal that has a little something for everyone... what more could we ask for?

Having trouble finding true Nicoise olives? Find them in-store  and online in the gourmet foods section at OlivetheBest.ca 

Basil, Strawberry, Lemongrass-Mint Salad DressingA dressing that has a fresh and flavourful combination of Olive the Best's Thai Lemon-Grass Mint white balsamic, Basil olive oil and Strawberry dark balsamic. Especially good with spinach feta cheese, nuts and strawberries as a salad but you can dress it over poultry or meats as well.
Harissa Honey Chicken with a Cara Cara Glaze

Indulge in the vibrant fusion of flavours with our Harissa Honey Chicken with a Cara Cara Glaze. This dish is a celebration of taste, featuring succulent chicken thighs marinated in a spicy Harissa Olive Oil blend, sweetened with a smokey honey, and kissed with the zest of lemon. The pièce de résistance is the luscious Cara Cara Orange-Vanilla White Balsamic glaze that envelops the chicken in a tangy, caramelized sheen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe promises a palate-pleasing experience that will leave your guests craving more. 

Warm Kale Salad with Shallots & BaconIndulge in the harmonious blend of flavours with a Kale Shallot Bacon Salad, a dish that marries the earthy tones of fresh, crisp kale with the sweet sharpness of shallots and the savoury depth of perfectly crisped bacon. The salad is elevated to a new level of culinary delight with a generous drizzle of Pomegranate White Balsamic, introducing a fruity tang that cuts through the richness, while a finishing touch of Garlic Olive Oil adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
Caramlized Onion, Mushroom, Goat Cheese PizzaEmbark on a Culinary Adventure with Our Homemade Pizza Recipe! pizza✨ Welcome to a world where the aroma of freshly baked dough and the allure of melted cheese beckon you to the kitchen. Our pizza recipe is more than just a meal; it's a canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you to create a masterpiece that's uniquely yours. Gather your favourite toppings, ignite your oven, and prepare to craft a pizza that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart. It's time to turn your home into the neighbourhood's favourite pizzeria!
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Apricot & Milanese Gremolata VinaigretteThis salad is a perfect way to enjoy the sweet and nutty flavour of Delicata squash, a winter squash that does not need to be peeled. The squash is roasted with salt, pepper, and olive oil until tender and caramelized, then tossed with baby spinach and arugula, apple, dried apricots, cranberries, toasted Styrian pumpkin seeds, and creamy chevre cheese. The salad is then drizzled with a tangy and aromatic vinaigrette made with Milanese Gremolata olive oil, apricot white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. The Gremolata oil adds a burst of freshness and complexity, with notes of lemon, garlic and parsley. This salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served warm or cold, and pairs well with roasted chicken, pork, or fish.
Champagne Balsamic Roasted VegetablesI love these Balsamic Roasted Vegetables and cook them often. They are a nutritious and easy way to prepare veggies for the week. *Note: when time restricted I suggest skipping potatoes and yams as they can take 30-45 minutes. (all times for each vegetable are given in the recipe)
Pear Walnut Pomegranate Baked BrieIf you are looking for a simple and elegant appetizer for your next party, try this Pear Walnut Pomegranate Baked Brie. It is a warm and gooey cheese topped with fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of Pomegranate Dark Balsamic. It is easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Garlic and Herb Olive Oil DipIf you're looking for a delicious spin on simply dipping in olive oil and balsamic and love garlic and herbs you definitely need to try this dip! Wow...
Tuscan Herb FocacciaOlive the Best Tuscan Herb olive oil smells and tastes like focaccia but if you have our Whole Herb Fused Rosemary that will beautifully as well. This focaccia is the quintessential Italian flavour we all look for when wanting a good bread for dipping and serving with a hearty Italian meal.
Portobello Mushroom CapsIndulge your taste buds with our Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic & Butter (vegan) Olive Oil Portobello Mushrooms – a savoury symphony of flavours! As they bake to tender perfection, bocconcini cheese melts into creamy goodness, and cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. The finishing touch of fresh parsley and basil adds a fragrant herbaceous note, elevating this dish to a culinary masterpiece. Perfect as an appetizer or a unique side, this recipe promises a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
Spicy Fried ChickenButtermilk coated chicken makes a great coating to dip your breading in for that crispy chicken that everyone loves. If you love your fried chicken just try this straight-forward recipe. Just remember that you should make the buttermilk mixture and refrigerate it 4 hours ahead. *Note: time for this recipe does not include the 4 hour refrigeration time *
EVOO Pumpkin DonutsWhy not make your own doughnuts with this easy recipe? All you need is a doughnut pan and you're set with these ingredients. The pumpkin adds tons of flavour. Great treat to share.
Spicy Korean Chicken WingsCombine the sweetness of Olive the Best Red Apple Dark Balsamic and brown sugar with the spiciness of Olive the Best Baklouti Olive Oil and Korean chili powder and you will find yourself with a mouthful of delicious flavour combo. Try these wings for a snack or as a sidekick to salad. The recipe is easy and it cooks up in a half hour.
Apple Maple Bacon Jam Nachos featuring Terrapin RidgeIntroducing you to a Favorite Fall Recipe of Terrapin Ridge! This dish is incredibly easy to make and extra delicious. Whether you are making it for yourself as an afternoon treat or as a cozy treat for your guests, this recipe is a winner! Recipe developed by Sall Roeckwell of TableandDish.com. Author: Sall Roeckwell of TableandDish.com
Raspberry Amaretto Oatmeal and Frosting BarsTerrapin Ridge's Raspberry Amaretto Jam is used in these easy to make dessert. Bright, tangy raspberries and the subtle flavor of almonds and vanilla combine to make a delightful and tasty jam for oatmeal & frosting bars. This jam is also a perfect spread over bagels and cream cheese, pancakes and waffles. Excellent for chocolate layer cake or thumbprint cookies. Add to sauteed chicken breast to make a savory sauce or to grilled cheese panini's. Gluten-Free Vegan Dairy-Free
Butternut Squash Soup with Pumpkin Seed Oil DrizzleAhh, the autumn has arrived. With Canadian Thanksgiving happening in October as the squash are in season it's a perfect time for inspiration. Try a drizzle of Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil as the perfect compliment before serving.
Healthier Tuna SaladI've always loved tuna salad but I gravitate towards the mayo which is higher in fat. It's surprising how much more flavourful this is with Olive the Best Lemon Olive Oil (or try Persian Lime Oil). If you'd like it little creamy, like I do add a couple tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt.
Leek & Potato SoupReady in 30 minutes this soup can make a hardy meal especially as we get into colder days. In this recipe we use the dark greensIf you like a higher protein version try using the white beans instead.
Thai Sesame Lemongrass Mint SlawCombine the tangy flavour of our Lemongrass Mint White Balsamic with Persian Lime Oil and Sesame oil and you have a Thai flavour explosion that's hard to beat. This will change your opinion of coleslaw- guaranteed!
Daniela’s GuacamoleI absolutely love guacamole! I can't imagine how I turned my nose up at avocados when I was young but it was guacamole that showed me the way to the flavour and benefits of eating this healthy fat. I thought I would share my version. Enjoy!
Key Lime Balsamic Miso Noodle BowlThis versatile, flavour-packed dressing makes everything taste better. Use in stir fries, over raw or roasted veggies, in salads, over noodles as we've done in this recipe or with seafood or on sandwiches.
Tomato Cucumber SaladNothing feels like summer as much as a freshly harvested tomatoes and cucumbers cut up up into a cool, refreshing flavourful salad.
Stuffed MusselsWhat do you do when you want to do something different than cooking them in a wine sauce and serving them as "Moules et Frites"? Try this twist on taste featuring Olive the Best chipotle olive oil. You will still using white wine but adding chopped cucumber, peppers, onions, lemon juice and capers. A nice easy appetizer or meal add-on.
Tropical Grilled Chicken Wings with Mango Pineapple SalsaEvery once in awhile no matter what the weather is we need a little taste of the tropics. Here's a good go-to mango salsa recipe: Whip up this mango pineapple salsa recipe to serve it with grilled chicken, fish, tacos or great for a snack with tortilla chips. *** Prep time does not include marinating the wings for 4 hours to overnight ****
Chicken FlautasThis is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Try out these crispy flautas made from rolled tortillas filled with juicy chicken and topped with salsa (or try some pico de gallo), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and cheese. In this recipe we fry then bake but you can also just fry, bake, or air fry! Fun, easy to make and much tastier than buying the small frozen taquitos - by far.
Taco SaladTaco salad is a quick weeknight meal with crisp lettuce, lots of seasoned ground beef & cheese, & all the classic taco toppings. In only 20 minutes you'll have the whole family enjoying this EASY taco salad recipe.
Peanut Sauce RecipeFeaturing Olive the Best's Maple Dark Balsamic and Japanese Roasted Sesame Oil --- "Ridiculously Delicious!" Perfect for: Thai or Vietnamese dishes Salads with rice noodles, tofu or chicken Dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls ---- be creative and enjoy!
Cauliflower Chowder – by Saltspring Kitchen Co featuring Olive the Best Olive OilA smooth, creamy chowder thats packed with deliciously roasted vegetables. The Onion Thyme Spread is the base for the soup making an incredibly delicious vegetable stock, preventing the need for any additional bouillon or stock to be added. The Thyme Spread mixed with the sweetness of creamy coconut milk, a splash of tart lemon and unmistakeable flavour of roasted garlic, every bite shares a different aspect of this soup. It’s a warm cozy hug in a bowl.
Cooked ApricotsCooking up apricots is fairly easy but let's ramp up the flavour using our Blushing Blenheim Apricot White Balsamic.... once you try it you won't ever want to go without.
Ginger & Black Garlic Seared Sea ScallopsA new flavour combination for scallops! Our Ginger & Black Garlic gives an earthy caramelized garlic flavour contrast to the ginger and makes a great contrast with the acidity of the white wine and lemon. Definitely great with risotto (as pictured) but also delicious served over rice,polenta, pasta, with garlic bread or steamed vegetables.
Cinnamon Pear Cupcakes – inspired by a recipe from OTB customer, Ray CerantolaCustomer Ray Cerantola came into the store the other day and was telling us about his cupcake recipe using Olive the Best's Cinnamon Pear Dark Balsamic. We encouraged him to send it to us to try out. .... well we misinterpreted the unsalted vegan butter (his daughter is lactose intolerant) as going INTO the recipe rather than being used as the icing. And of course, we had to use Olive the Best Butter Olive Oil (vegan; dairy free) rather than butter. They turned out fluffy and flavourful ! But no icing for the photo - this time. They were excellent without! If you need an icing on your cupcakes we suggest a simple buttercream icing but you can skip the milk if you're lactose intolerant or vegan.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts on ToastArtichoke hearts used to be a delicacy and today we have the luxury of the flavour. They are a delicious and healthy snack to fuel up anytime & anywhere. Take this artichoke mix to work for a quick lunch or enjoy at leisure at home.
Orange Oatmeal Cranberry CookiesOrange and Cranberry make such a wonderful sweet balsamic pairing - without any added sugar! Take oatmeal cookies to another level with the added balsamic combo as well as cinnamon & nutmeg and you have a cookie that your family and family will keep asking for more of.
Olive Oil Bread DipWho doesn't like a big thick piece of crusty bread dipped in a high quality olive oil ? mmmm .... what a delicious treat. There are many ways to create different flavours other than simply using one of our Ultra Premium olive oils with a little sea salt or combined with balsamic. You can also use one of our flavoured oils too, like the Tuscan Herb olive oil --- but here is another idea to try and it's worth the 5 minutes it takes to make it.
Peach Mascarpone CrostiniMascarpone is a sweet creamy cheese with rich buttery notes that is delightful when combined with many fruits and our balsamic vinegars. This recipe combines our Honey Ginger White Balsamic with the mascarpone and adds sliced peaches as an extra layer of flavour. The drizzle of Denissimo adds yet another heavenly flavour on top. In no time got yourself a fabulous appetizer recipe! This is a quick and easy recipe for a show stopping appetizer for any party or get together, this last minute appetizer is an all season recipe that will shine both on new Year's Eve and in the warm summer months!
Truffle Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Dipping SauceOne never forgets the thrill of the senses as when you first experience dipping bread in good olive oil and a deliciously aged dark balsamic. Wow! Now just imagine switching that up to the next level by using our White Truffle Oil and 25-year aged dark balsamic (called Denissimo). We dare you to try it and not like it 😉
Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Baby Artichoke Spinach RisottoMushrooms are so versatile and many perfect for stuffing. The Champagne wine vinegar takes this to another level. Served as an appetizer, side or main dish this portobello is flavourful and filling. They are good for you and packed with vitamins. What's not to like?
Crostini 4 WaysHave you ever been in the position of inviting people over but at a loss on what type of interesting appetizers to serve? Yes. I think we all have. Here are just four ideas for making crostinis that may give you inspiration for new ideas of your own.
Cream of Roasted Pepper & Tomato SoupThe aroma of Tuscan flavours in a warm bowl of soup satisfies the need of comfort food on a cold day. Alternatively, the soup can be super tasty using your own tomatoes from the garden during growing season rather than cans of tomato puree. The Romano cheese and heavy cream add the decadence to this flavourful combination.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts on ToastLunch or a snack -- this is a healthy and delicious alternative. Artichoke hearts are so underrated. They are loaded With Nutrients. ... May Lower 'Bad' LDL Cholesterol and Increase 'Good' HDL Cholesterol. ... May Help Regulate Blood Pressure. ... May Improve Liver Health. ... May Improve Digestive Health. ... May Ease Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. ... May Help Lower Blood Sugar. --- but nevertheless, are delicious. Combine with our Tuscan Herb olive oil, oregano, chili flakes and top it on your favourite bread with cream cheese or ricotta and some tomato --- totally delightful. ****** Allow time for artichoke mixture to cool - not included in total time.
Gourmet PizzaEveryone should have a delicious easy to make pizza dough pizza dough on hand. Then create a nothing like you've tasted before pizza with garam masala curried tomato cream sauce and a creative array of toppings.
Herbes de Provence HummusEveryone loves hummus. And those that haven't tried or don't should try a different version. I make many different versions each time I need a little hummus. Freshly cooked chickpeas taste best, but busy people will often rely on canned beans—that’s okay too.
Elderberry Beef JerkySweet -n- spicy with a little bit of smoke. That's the way to make a tasty bit of jerky! Actual prep time is about 15 minutes, then 9 hours of marinating followed by 4 hours dehydrating.
Butternut Squash with PestoWho is ready for autumn recipes?! Here's a really fun one, BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH PESTO. What are you cooking this weekend?
Sweet Potato CrostinisLooking for a vegetarian appetizer? This combines sweet and savoury and is packed with delicious nutrition! So simply and easy to make.
Elderflower Zucchini & Carrot MuffinsHere's a delicious way to use some of that zucchini and carrots you have from the garden 🙂 Such a great combination with Olive the Best's Elderflower White Balsamic!
Vietnamese Fresh Shrimp Spring RollsRefreshing appetizer or snack on a hot day or any day. These fresh healthy rolls are so delicious combined with our Honey-Ginger White Balsamic and Japanese Roasted Sesame Oil.
Crab Stuffed MushroomsFresh mushrooms in season are a great way to go for entertaining. These tasty morsels are filled with cream cheese and crab -- and OTB's Spicy Calabrian Pesto and Basil Olive Oil. Try them for your next gathering.
Cucumber Summer SaladSummer brings lots of goodness from the garden -- the cucumbers and tomatoes are ripe this time of year, why not take try this oregano vinaigrette to season your harvest?
Honey, Soy, Ginger, Tangerine Balsamic Glazed WingsTangerine? Yes - TANGERINE DARK BALSAMIC together with CAYENNE OLIVE OIL, GARLIC OLIVE OIL and our 100% traditional JAPANESE SESAME OIL puts a new twist on this wing recipe! So sweet and tangy with just the right amount of heat that you would be able to resist cooking it again!
Weekend SlidersIt's the WEEKEND -- and who couldn't resist sliders? Of course, if you don't want turkey or beef, try them instead using portobello mushrooms. The flavouring makes the difference on these, of course 😉 And don't worry about the amount of prep time - it takes an hour for marinating onions. The rest of the prep is 15 minutes. EASY.
Duck Confit Flat Bread – by Chef Michael Geneste, Executive Chef of the Hart House / Owner / Chef of Fraser Valley Farm to Table"This is really the best flat bread combination I have tasted!", Daniela, owner of Olive the Best Great contrast of flavours with the smokiness of the cheese, savoury flavours of duck, pepperiness of arugula and the sweetness of the grapes. Outstanding! And he does private dinner parties! ---or for more recipes by Chef Michael Geneste, please check out: Insta chef_mike_geneste *** Rising time for bread is included in the "Prep Time" for the recipe
Olive Oil Fried Squash BlossomsZucchini blossoms are a tasty treat --- if you've found out that planted more than enough zucchini then now's the time to try! They are so tender and delicious
Asparagus CrostinisThis flavourful asparagus crostini makes a delicious appetizer or addition to many meals!
Persian Lime & Coconut Marinade: Halibut FiletsHalibut on the BBQ is one of the best ways to cook halibut - but this recipe takes the flavour to another level without masking the special flavour of halibut. No halibut? This flavour combo works great on any white fish and seafood like prawns and scallops.
Lemon Stuffed Olive TapenadeWhen not snacking on these delicious lemon-stuffed olives or using them in martinis, try using them as a dip! This will do the trick ---- Lemon stuffed olive tapenade with fresh crushed Olive the Best Ultra Premium EVOO Frantoio-Leccino  (or ask for current alternatives)
Homemade Ricotta -Using Vancouver Island Salt Co. NIGARIAn essential ingredient for traditional style tofu, liquid nigari is an all-natural product created through our sea salt harvesting process. This mineral rich brine consists of magnesium chloride, as well as magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate and potassium chloride. It is this concentration that gives nigari its strong bitter taste (nigari is from the Japanese word for bitter). Used in creating tofu, ricotta and other types of fresh cheeses, nigari is also a game-changer in the world of fermentation and sourdough bread baking.
Mandarin Orange Olive Oil GranolaSeeds are a great source of minerals and oils. Using Fused Mandarin Orange Olive Oil is a zesty complement to this healthy snack or breakfast cereal.