Simple Yet Delicious Dinner for the Hectic Holiday Season: Elevate Busy Days with Prime Spice and Olive Tapenade

The holiday season rush can make meal preparation feel overwhelming. With a long list of tasks to tackle, from gift shopping to decorating, it's easy to neglect the importance of enjoyable meals. However, meals don't have to be time-consuming or complicated to be delightful. With just a few quality ingredients, we can whip up quick, delicious dishes that elevate our dining experience in no time.

Let me guide you on how to harness the flavors of The Prime Spice, olive oils, and olive tapenade to inspire simple, yet incredibly satisfying meals. I’ll share a fantastic salmon recipe topped with olive tapenade and a fresh salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. You’ll see that one standout ingredient can truly enhance your meals!

picture of salmon with olive tapenade

Salmon with Olive Tapenade

Let’s highlight one of my favorite recipes that showcases the adaptability of olive tapenade: Salmon with Olive Tapenade. This dish is quick, flavorful, and sure to impress, making it an ideal choice for busy winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

• 1/2 cup olive tapenade

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   
   

2. Arrange the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   
   

3. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

   
   

4. Generously spread olive tapenade on top of each fillet.

   
   

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.

   
   

6. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

   
   

This dish pairs seamlessly with a simple salad, making a complete meal ready in no time.

Refreshing Salad with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Dressing

To accompany the salmon, I like to create a refreshing salad that is light, vibrant, and satisfying. Here’s a straightforward recipe for a salad using olive oil and lemon juice that you’ll love.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 medium cucumber, sliced

• 3 tablespoons Tuscan Robust olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.

   
   

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

   
   

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

   
   

4. Serve immediately alongside the salmon.

   
   

This salad is not just fresh and vibrant; it complements the salmon perfectly. The olive oil provides a rich flavor, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing touch.

Making Meals Special During Hectic Days

As I navigate the busy holiday season, I've come to realize that good food doesn’t need to be complex. With a few quality ingredients, I can create meals that feel truly special, even on the most hectic days.

The trick is to embrace simplicity. With The Prime Spice and my olive tapenade within reach, I can elevate any dish, cutting down on kitchen time without sacrificing flavor. The key is making thoughtful choices with the ingredients I use. Happy Cooking