Muffuletta Dressing

• drained pitted kalamata olive, chopped↗1 cup

  or other brine cured Mediterranean

• drained pitted mediterranean style green olives, chopped1 cup
• chopped pimento stuffed olives, brine reserved1 jar
• large onion, chopped↗1
• celery, chopped↗4 stalks
• chopped red sweet bell pepper1⁄2 cup
• garlic, minced, more to taste↗6 -8 cloves
• drained capers, chopped↗3 tablespoons
• giardiniera, chopped, 1/4 cup brine reserved↗1 cup

  Italian pickled vegetables

• mild pepperoncini pepper, chopped, 1/4 cup brine reserved↗1⁄2 cup

  Italian pickled peppers

• chopped fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves3 tablespoons
• chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil3 tablespoons
• chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme1 tablespoon
• fresh ground black pepper↗1 teaspoon
• anchovy fillets, drained, rinsed, and finely chopped↗1 can

  optional

• teaspoon dry mustard1
• cup wine vinegar↗1⁄2
• cup extra virgin olive oil↗1
• additional garlic or fresh ground black pepper

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Vegetables can be chopped not too fine in a food processor, but much better done by hand.

2. 2

   Combine all vegetables in a medium bowl.

3. 3

   Toss with oregano, basil, thyme, and black pepper.

4. 4

   Add 1/4 cup olive brine, Giardineria brine, and peperoncini brine, and toss again to combine.

5. 5

   Let sit for 1-2 hours.

6. 6

   Drain thoroughly, but carefully, to minimize loss of herbs, discarding brine.

7. 7

   Return to bowl.

8. 8

   In a small bowl, thoroughly combine chopped anchovy fillets, dry mustard, and wine vinegar, and let sit for 10 minutes.

9. 9

   Whisk rapidly while adding olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified.

10. 10

    Pour dressing over vegetable mixture, and toss to combine thoroughly.

11. 11

    Cover, and refrigerate overnight.

12. 12

    Bring to room temperature, taste, and adjust amount of garlic and black pepper as desired.

13. 13

    We like lots of garlic!

14. 14

    Spoon mixture into a sealable container, and refrigerate.

15. 15

    Bring to cool room temperature, just enough for olive oil to liquify, and mix thoroughly just before serving.

16. 16

    Serving Suggestions: Muffulettas, obviously!

17. 17

    Cut Kaiser rolls or really big, round French rolls in half horizontally.

18. 18

    Brush cut sides with a little of the liquid from the dressing.

19. 19

    Cover bottom of the split rolls with lots of thinly sliced ham, salami, and provolone cheese.

20. 20

    Top with several tablespoons of olive dressing and the top of the roll.

21. 21

    Salad dressing- Combine some of the olive dressing with more olive oil and wine vinegar.

22. 22

    Serve with mixed green, bell peppers, onions, croutons, cheese, etc.

23. 23

    Spread or Dip- Combine 1/2 cup olive dressing with softened cream cheese.

24. 24

    Serve with assorted crackers.

25. 25

    Thin with some of the brine to use as a dip for veggies and/or chips.

26. 26

    It’s better as a spread on crackers or Melba toast than as a dip, however.