The Best Simple Kalamata Olives Substitutes

Looking for an alternative to Kalamata Olives? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Kalamata Olives substitutes.

What are Kalamata Olives?

Kalamata Olives are the fruit of the olive tree, a hardy shrub originating in the Mediterranean. Raw olives are incredibly bitter so they need to be preserved by either pickling or salting to remove the bitterness and transform them into a briny punchy flavour bomb.

Simple Kalamata Olives Substitutes

1. Feta

This is taking things in a completely different direction but crumbled feta can provide a salty tang and burst of flavour to replace your olives. If I don’t have olives, feta is my first choice.

2. Capers

While olives tend to be stronger and of course more ‘olive-y’, capers will work in most cases where olives are used.

3. Gerkins or Cornichons

Diced cornichons or gerkins or even dill pickles will provide a little burst of punchy flavour that can work well to replace your olives.

4. Caper Berries

If you do happen to have caper berries, they can be diced and used to replace olives.

5. Roast Almonds or Pinenuts

Roast nuts will provide a similar textural and flavour highlight to a dish that is different from olives yet no less delicious.

6. Fresh Herbs

This is taking things in a completely different direction but torn fresh herbs like basil, flat leaf parsley or tarragon will add a different aromatic flavour highlight to replace the pungent brininess of your olives. In a dish like olive tapenade, the herbs will produce a completely different sauce more like a pesto but it will still be delicious..

7. Preserved Lemons

Another left field idea, but diced preserved lemon flesh will add a tangy saltiness to your dish in a similar manner to olives. As preserved lemon tends to be super salty, start with less and add more as needed.

8. Sea Salt Flakes

If you don’t have any of the above, a good sprinkle of sea salt flakes will go some way to making up the salty flavour burst of your olives.

How to Store Kalamata Olives

In an airtight container in your pantry. Once a jar of olives is open I keep them in the fridge.

Kalamata Olives Flavour Pairings

Anchovy & Olives
Fish & Olives
Capers & Olives
Tuna & Olives
Spinach (or other greens) & Olives
Feta & Olives