Salmon with Blood Oranges and Olive Oil Recipe, Plus Learn How Fruits, Vegetables, Fish, Whole Grains and Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Can Effect Mental Health

The benefits of olive oil can be seen in almost every aspect of our health—and not only physical health, but mental health, too. Research has looked at how extra virgin olive oil, both on its own and as part of the Mediterranean diet, can be a helpful component in an overall plan to combat depression. That’s a powerful message. Cooking and sharing food with others are also powerful mood enhancers—one delicious way to do this is with my olive oil and orange baked salmon recipe!

A Surprising Benefit of Olive Oil: Easing Depression

The Research: 

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Improves Depression Symptoms Without Affecting Salivary Cortisol and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients With Major Depression: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial,” August 2021.

Nutrients, “The Relationship between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Intake of Specific Foods and Depression in an Adult Population (45–75 Years) in Primary Health Care. A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study,” August 2021.

BMC Medicine, “A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trial),” January 2017. 

Research has shown that olive oil included in your diet on a regular basis protects against depression, especially when part of a Mediterranean diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. Research published in 2017 in BMC Medicine looked at whether the diet could help treat major depression as well. Participants who got personalized nutritional consulting from a dietitian, including goal setting and mindful eating, and followed the Mediterranean diet had significantly greater improvement after 12 weeks than did participants who didn’t get that comprehensive plan. On a daily basis, the helpful diet included 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 5–8 servings of whole grains, 6 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of fruit, 2–3 servings of low-fat unsweetened dairy foods, and a serving of raw, unsalted nuts; and on a weekly basis, 3–4 servings of legumes, at least 2 servings of fish, 3–4 servings of lean red meat, 2–3 servings of chicken, and up to 6 eggs. At the same time, sweets, refined cereals, fried food, fast food, processed meat, and sugary drinks were limited to no more than 3 per week. 

A pair of recent studies built on these findings. The study in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that having 25 mL of extra virgin olive oil (about 5 teaspoons) every day for 52 days led to a significant improvement in depression symptoms among study participants with severe depression, making it a potential complementary therapy to mental health counseling and medication. 

The Nutrients study took a more global view, similar to the one in BMC Medicine, investigating the effects of the Mediterranean diet along with the roles of specific foods. It also looked at depression from the opposite point of view—which foods are linked to depression. The researchers came to this positive conclusion: “Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the resulting consumption of nuts, vegetables, and olive oil has been found to relate to a lower presence of depressive symptomatology. On the other hand, a poorer adherence to the Mediterranean diet and an excessive consumption of sugary drinks and red meats has been related to higher depressive symptomatology.” In view of this, they pointed out that assessing the diet of people with depression could help in development of a treatment plan. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that diet is just one facet of depression care; the researchers added that “depression is a very complex issue and the relationship between nutrition and depression must be further examined to obtain additional scientific evidence.” 

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Salmon with Blood Oranges and Olive Oil

• Salmon with Blood Oranges and Olive Oil

  The brilliant red color of blood oranges adds to the tasty appeal of this dish, rich in a variety of healthful fatty acids from both the fish and the olive oil.

  Ingredients

  • 2 blood oranges
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 center-cut salmon fillets, 4 to 6 ounces each, preferably with skin on
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black and white pepper
  • Chopped fresh dill or parsley for serving 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Preheat your oven to 350°F. Juice one of the oranges and strain out any seeds. Whisk in the olive oil. Cut the other orange into thin slices and remove any seeds.

  Step 2

  Arrange the salmon fillets skin side down in a baking dish. Drizzle half the olive oil–orange juice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Season generously with salt and pepper, and then top each fillet with an orange slice. 

  Step 3

  Drizzle the remaining olive oil–orange juice mixture over the orange slices. Bake the salmon, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until done to your liking.

  Step 4

  Transfer to a platter or plates and garnish with the dill or parsley. 

  Yields 8–10 servings.

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Replacing Butter with Olive Oil for Your Health: Orange and Rosewater Olive Oil Cake, Olive Oil Lemon Curd and Chocolate Olive Oil Dipping Sauce & Customized Bark Desserts to Sweeten Holiday Celebrations

Desserts! Desserts! Desserts!

Your Olive Oil Hunter loves to indulge at this time of year, but the secret to being a guilt-free gourmet is reaping the benefits of olive oil by replacing butter as often as possible to slash saturated fat. Instead, you’ll get a wealth of monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFAs, a far healthier choice. From cake to candy, here are three mouth-watering olive oil desserts to enjoy throughout the holidays, either on their own or together as a magnificent dessert table, perfect for New Year’s Eve and beyond. Enjoy!

Orange and Rosewater Olive Oil Cake

• Orange and Rosewater Olive Oil Cake

  Rosewater adds a light yet irresistible perfume to this Moroccan-inspired citrus cake—a little goes a long way. For an equally delicious variation, use lemon juice and zest in place of the mandarin oranges. Note: The whole-wheat pastry flour adds some fiber to the cake.

  Ingredients

  For the cake:

  • ½ cup medium or bold extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon or more for the pan
  • 2 extra-large eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 3 mandarin oranges or clementines
  • ½ cup fresh mandarin orange or clementine juice 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater
  • 1-½ cups pastry flour
  • ½ cup whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 1-½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

  For the icing:

  • 3 tablespoons mandarin orange or clementine juice
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • ¼ cup or more shelled pistachios 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Preheat your oven to 350°F. Oil a Bundt pan with olive oil. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until no whites are visible, and then slowly whisk in the sugar, followed by the yogurt, the ½ cup olive oil, the juice and zest, the vanilla, and the rosewater.

  Step 2

  In a separate bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and fold into the egg-oil mixture with a spatula until combined.

  Step 3

  Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, depending on your oven. The cake’s done when a dinner knife inserted in its center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning the cake out onto a wire rack to cool it to room temperature.

  Step 4

  To make the icing, whisk the juice and sugar until incorporated, and drizzle it over the cooled cake. Carefully sprinkle on the pistachios and let the icing set for about 15 minutes before serving.

  Yields 8–10 servings.

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Olive Oil Lemon Curd

• Olive Oil Lemon Curd

  Extra virgin olive oil gives classic lemon curd all the silkiness of butter without the saturated fat. It’s delicious spooned over Greek yogurt and topped with berries—serve it in a champagne glass for an indulgent yet good-for-you dessert. You can also use it to make a lemon tart—fill a baked and cooled 8″ tart shell with the chilled curd, and top with dollops of whipped cream.

  Ingredients

  • 3 large or 5 small lemons
  • 2 large eggs, plus 1 yolk
  • 10 tablespoons sugar 
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch 
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla paste
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons mild extra virgin olive oil 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Rinse the lemons, dry them thoroughly, and then zest them with a microplane grater. You should have a generous tablespoon of zest. Juice the lemons. You should have a generous cup of juice. Some pulp is fine to include, but remove any seeds.

  Step 2

  In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, use a silicone whisk to blend the eggs thoroughly, and then whisk in one ingredient at a time in this order: sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, vanilla, and salt—this will give you the silkiest results without needing to strain the mixture after cooking.

  Step 3

  Place the pan over medium heat and continue to whisk as you bring the mixture to a very low boil. Cook for two minutes (this activates the cornstarch), lowering the heat if necessary to prevent a rapid boil. The curd should be thick enough to coat the whisk.

  Step 4

  Off the heat, slowly whisk in the olive oil until it’s completely blended in. Pour the curd into a glass pitcher or jar and allow it to come to room temperature before covering and placing it in the fridge to thicken further.

  Yields 1-¾ cups.

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Chocolate Olive Oil Dipping Sauce & Customized Bark

• Chocolate Olive Oil Dipping Sauce & Customized Bark

  Olive oil infuses melted chocolate with a fresh, slightly herby taste that intensifies the rich flavor of dark chocolate. You can dip fruit and other treats in this sauce, create melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bark with it, or simply drizzle it over your favorite ice cream or Belgian waffles.

  Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dark chocolate discs or pieces, preferably 72% cacao, such as Guittard’s Coucher du Soleil
  • 2 tablespoons mild extra virgin olive oil 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Melt 6 ounces of the chocolate in a glass bowl placed over simmering (not boiling) water, stirring with a silicone whisk or spatula until fully melted.

  Step 2

  Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and place on a towel on your counter. A few pieces at a time, add in the rest of the chocolate. This tempers it, or brings it down in temperature, so that the finished treat is silky. (If you have an instant-read thermometer, the chocolate on the stove should reach 118 degrees and go down to 90 after you add in the rest.) Stir in the olive oil until blended.

  Yields about 1 cup of melted chocolate.

  To dip: Prep an assortment of sweet fruits, like whole berries, pineapple triangles, and banana slices; cake squares; and/or pretzels and potato chips. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper, and using a dinner fork, dip your chosen treats, one piece at a time, in the melted chocolate and then place on the waxed paper. Place the sheet in a cool spot for about two hours to allow the chocolate to harden, and then transfer your treats to a platter or tin. (Of course, you can also dip and eat right away, fondue style!)

  

  To create a custom chocolate bark: Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Pour all the tempered chocolate on the wax paper and use an offset spatula to smooth it out to a 12-by-8-inch rectangle. Sprinkle with your choice of toppings in a random pattern—a great combination is 2 tablespoons each golden raisins, pistachios, and crispy chocolate pearls like Valrhona’s Les Perles Craquantes. Let the chocolate harden in a cool spot for two or more hours or, for a firmer bark, in the fridge for 30 minutes, and then break into random-sized pieces and store in a cookie tin.

For more holiday meal inspiration, be sure to check out our recipe library, updated weekly with new recipes!

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Five festive olive oil recipes you’ll love: a celebratory cocktail, classic main course, two delicious sides and an unforgettable dessert!

Olive Oil Martini

• Olive Oil Martini

  This unusual libation features a technique professional bartenders call “fat washing.” And once you strain the infused gin, you can reuse the olive oil in another recipe. Saveur quipped that it could (tongue in cheek) be called a “quarantini.”

  Ingredients

  • One 750 milliliter bottle London dry gin
  • 4 ounces (1/4 cup) best quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 large sprig fresh thyme

  For each cocktail:

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil and herb-infused gin (see above)
  • 1 tablespoon white vermouth
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Pitted green olives, for garnish

  Directions

  Step 1

  A day before you plan to use the gin, start the infusion: To a large jar or airtight glass or plastic container, add the gin, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme. Shake vigorously, then set aside at room temperature to infuse for 12 hours.

  Step 2

  Transfer the jar to the freezer for another 12 hours (or overnight). This will cause the olive oil to solidify and separate. Place a fine mesh strainer over a second large jar or container, then strain the gin. Wash and dry the original jar and the strainer then line the strainer with a coffee filter. Strain the gin once again to remove any remaining sediment and oil. Use immediately or cover tightly and use within 6 months.

  Step 3

  Mix the martini: In a mixing glass filled with ice, add 2 1/2 ounces of the infused gin, along with the vermouth and salt. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe and garnish with as many olives as you like. Serve immediately.

  Makes 1 cocktail (with enough infused gin for several) — Recipe from saveur.com, April 24, 2020

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Rack of Lamb with Garlic, Pimentón and Olive Oil

• Rack of Lamb with Garlic, Pimentón and Olive Oil

  Watch T.J. Robinson create a savory meat dish that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

  Ingredients

  • 1 rack of lamb (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup fresh-pressed olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon pimentón (smoked paprika)
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium slice rye bread, broken into pieces

  Directions

  Step 1

  Heat the over to 450 degrees.  Trim the lamb of excess fat, but leave a layer of fat over the meat. Cut about halfway down the bones between the chops; this allows the meat between them to become crisp.

  Step 2

  Put the oil, garlic, and paprika and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in the food processor and purée; add the bread and pulse a few times to make rough crumbs. Rub this mixture over the meat side of the rack and sprinkle with more salt and pepper.

  Step 3

  Put it in a roasting pan and into the oven; roast 18 to 20 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer straight in from one end into the meatiest part. If it reads 125 degrees or more, remove the lamb immediately. If it reads less, put the lamb back for 5 minutes, no more. Remove and let sit for 5 minutes.

  Step 4

  Serve, separating the ribs by cutting down straight through them.

  Yield: 4 Servings

  Time: 30 Minutes

  Recipe Courtesy of Mark Bittman and NYT Cooking

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Manchego and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

• Manchego and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

  Rich and creamy with a puddle of olive oil on top, these mashed potatoes make a perfect accompaniment to roast chicken. Use a ricer for the fluffiest texture. 

  Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of good mashing potatoes, such as Yukon gold, peeled and cut in half
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese, preferably aged
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional) 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Add the potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and then simmer until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, then return the potatoes to the pot; dry over low heat. Mash with a potato masher, or pass through a ricer. 

  Step 2

  In the meantime, heat the cream, milk, butter, salt, and olive oil in a small saucepan until warm. Gradually add the cream mixture to the potatoes, stirring or mashing to incorporate. Fold in the cheese. Taste, adding more salt if desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil. Top with chives, if desired. 

  Serves 4 to 6 — Recipe adapted from spanishsabores.com 

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Chickpeas with Walnuts and Pomegranate Seeds

• Chickpeas with Walnuts and Pomegranate Seeds

  This combination of ingredients, served to us at the Di Mercurio family’s farm, was a revelation. And stunningly good when liberally dressed with the Hermes oil. Fresh pomegranate seeds, called arils, are sometimes sold in small vacuum-sealed cups if you can’t find whole pomegranates.

  Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed, if canned
  • 1/2 cup English walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate arils

  Directions

  Up to an hour before serving, combine the garbanzo beans, walnuts, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Stir well, adding more olive oil if desired. Gently fold in the pomegranate arils. Serve at room temperature.

  Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish — Recipe courtesy of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

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Annie’s Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

• Annie’s Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

  Annie Paterson, the multitalented proprietress of Nullamunjie Olive Oil in Australia, generously shared one of her signature recipes when we got together. The hazelnuts provide another punch of healthy fats. Serve slices with fresh berries and, for a touch of indulgence, vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

  Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons top-quality cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup finely ground hazelnut meal
  • 4 large eggs, separated

  Directions

  Step 1

  Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with a round of parchment paper on the bottom and a long strip around the inside walls. If making your own hazelnut meal, pulse 2/3 cup toasted whole nuts in a food processor to a mealy consistency, about 12 pulses—don’t go too far or you could end up with a paste. Measure out 1 cup (reserve any excess to sprinkle on cereal or yogurt).

  Step 2

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder and hot water, and whisk until smooth. Melt the chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler, stirring constantly. Add the melted chocolate to the cocoa-hot water mixture along with the olive oil, brown sugar, and hazelnut meal. Stir until thoroughly combined, and then whisk in the yolks, one at a time; set aside.

  Step 3

  Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold half the whites into the chocolate mixture with a rubber spatula. When well combined, fold in the remaining egg whites, and then scrape the mixture into the prepared pan.

  Step 4

  Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean—some moist chocolate may remain as the cake should be fudgy, like a brownie. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then remove it and carefully peel off the parchment.

  Serves 8 — Recipe courtesy of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

For more holiday meal inspiration, be sure to check out our recipe library, updated weekly with new recipes!

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