Quick Weeknight Dinners Using Our Products
Aug 22nd 2025
We get it—after a long day, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours cooking dinner. That’s where the right pantry staples come in. With a few high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars from The Olive Leaf, you can turn simple ingredients into flavorful meals in 30 minutes or less.
From roasted veggies to skillet chicken, these recipes are fast, easy, and packed with flavor—thanks to the oils and vinegars you already love.
Why Use Olive Leaf Products in Everyday Meals?
Our extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars aren’t just for dipping bread or fancy appetizers. They’re versatile cooking essentials that can:
- Add instant flavor to any protein or veggie
- Cut down on prep time
- Help you cook with fewer ingredients, but better results
Each product we carry is fresh, high-quality, and easy to incorporate into weeknight meals. Here’s how.
5 Quick Dinner Ideas Using Olive Leaf Favorites
- Garlic Olive Oil Pasta
What you’ll need:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tbsp Garlic Olive Oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan
Directions:
Cook pasta. While it drains, warm garlic oil and pepper flakes in the pan. Toss the pasta back in, add cheese, and serve. Ready in 15 minutes, and loaded with garlicky flavor.
Optional Add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
- Lemon Chicken with Arugula Salad
What you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Lemon Olive Oil
- Salt, pepper, and dried thyme
- Arugula
- White Balsamic Vinegar
Directions:
Pan-sear seasoned chicken in lemon olive oil until golden and cooked through. Serve with a quick arugula salad tossed in white balsamic and olive oil.
Time: About 25 minutes
Flavor: Bright and fresh, great for spring or summer nights.
- Tuscan Roasted Veggie Bowl
What you’ll need:
- Chopped zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tuscan Herb Olive Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: cooked quinoa or rice
Directions:
Toss vegetables in oil, roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Serve over rice or quinoa and drizzle with Traditional Balsamic for a flavorful, plant-based dinner.
Tip: Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
What you’ll need:
- 2 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp Fig or Maple Balsamic Vinegar
Directions:
Sear pork chops until cooked through. In the last 2 minutes, add balsamic to the pan and let it reduce into a glaze. Spoon over chops to serve.
Pairs well with: Roasted potatoes and a green vegetable like asparagus or green beans.
- Mediterranean Flatbread
What you’ll need:
- Store-bought naan or flatbread
- Basil or Garlic Olive Oil
- Cherry tomatoes, olives, spinach, feta cheese
Directions:
Brush flatbread with olive oil, top with ingredients, and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp. Great with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Time: Under 20 minutes
Great for: Meatless Mondays or a last-minute meal.
Final Tips for Weeknight Cooking
- Use flavored oils as a shortcut. They cut down on prep without sacrificing taste.
- Drizzle at the end. Adding balsamic or olive oil right before serving boosts flavor and keeps dishes feeling fresh.
- Stock up on pantry-friendly proteins and grains. With just a few extras, your Olive Leaf staples can become the star of the meal.
Shop Dinner Essentials at The Olive Leaf
Looking to simplify your weeknight routine? Browse our collection of infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars—hand-picked for quality and freshness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, we’ve got what you need to make dinner easy and delicious.
Stop by the tasting bar or shop online to find your next favorite dinner ingredient.