Olive Salsa Recipe + The Big Traveling Potluck
This olive salsa recipe is full of fresh flavors, and the rough chopping method gives the dish so much versatility in how you’d like to serve it!
Small Talk
A little part of me falters each time I shake a new hand, as I look into the eyes of another face, and hear their name. For someone who loves meeting new people, I am terrible at it; names slip by me within seconds, and approaching a circle of strangers leaves me with a treble of nervousness.
Can’t we just skip forward to really connecting? When I learn more about you than the weather you left behind in your home state? All this small talk tires me.
I’ve gotten better at this whole networking thing, though. At least it felt that way last weekend, when I flew down to Southern California for a food conference. The Big Traveling Potluck was more of a retreat, it turns out, and it was to great relief, as I have had my share of gigantic conferences where it was easy to be an anonymous fly on the wall, where it was tempting to hide in the shelter of my hotel room rather than enter a ballroom of name tag wearing chatter, glasses of wine clutched preciously at the ready, for momentary swigs of courage. I secretly think I’m not alone when it comes to this kind of stuff.
The Big Traveling Potluck
My trip to Southern California felt closer to a family reunion than big, scary conference, even though I have never attended The Big Traveling Potluck or met many of the attendees. But when you see kind, (familiar) faces, and are welcomed so warmly, the swirls of granache in your wine glass no longer feels like a crutch, but a lovely accessory.
Intimate in every sense, I loved reuniting with old friends, finally meeting friends I have made along the way in this blogging journey, and being introduced to new ones. I loved being able to chat with the speakers, who were not put on pedestals above us, but were approachable and quite real. I loved being able to meet the faces behind brands, some of whom I have worked with, and others, completely new to me. Most of all, I loved seeing everyone be open and giving. I loved that there was kindness.
The integration of a small group of brand sponsors into the experience felt organic and sincere, and truly genuine. I was fortunate to attend the Big Traveling Potluck thanks to my friends at California Ripe Olives. In the true spirit of a potluck, both brands and bloggers brought something to the table, shared from platters of food and ideas, and came away, like I have, with a feeling of excitement for the future.
My plate was filled.
Filled with the realization that I am not alone.
There are others who see the beauty and allure of a simply sliced onion. Others who care more for sharing than the drudgery of SEO. There are others who show their love through food. There are others who wonder how much to share, and how. Others who work to make time for the ones they love. There are others, just like me.
The Food
My plate was filled: my creativity was nourished, and so was my belly. Can I just confess something? This was the first conference I have been to where I did not leave hungry, both literally and figuratively. I may have learned a lot, but I ate a lot, too. Everyone worked so hard to make BTP a success. Everyone cooked from the heart, and the delicious ingredients from the BTP sponsors – well, it was all delicious. We ate, and we ate well.
Tomato Olive Salsa
I may emerge from other conferences feeling overwhelmed, but after Big Traveling Potluck, I returned home inspired. Once I was back in my kitchen, I was excited to make something with California Ripe Olives. I loved seeing olives integrated into so many of the dishes served over the course of the weekend, and so creatively, too. Sometimes, my kids want nothing more than to open the can, drain the liquid, and pop the juicy olives into their mouthes as a snack. But with grilling season here at last, I thought you might like this Tomato Olive Salsa. It’s a great addition to the table, whether you are serving pork chops or chicken, or even a nicely grilled fish.
It could even be just the right dish for a potluck.
Disclosure: I am grateful to California Ripe Olives for sponsoring my Big Traveling Potluck experience. I attended with appreciation for their sponsorship; however, as always, all opinions are my own.
Love the Tomato Olive Salsa? Here’s more Potluck Favorites!
Summer Wheat Berry Salad with Stone Fruits and Goat Cheese
Peppadew Pepper Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Hummus Chicken Salad Sliders
Lemon Raspberry Cake
Pesto Pull-Apart Rolls
Tomato Olive Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz olives (black or green) chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 2 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped (use less if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/3 cup capers
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rough chop your vegetables to your desired size.
- If you want to use this like a traditional salsa, fine chop or use a food processor.
- Combine the olives, tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and capers in a bowl.
- Add the vinegar with a drizzle of olive oil, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- The salsa can be prepared a day in advance; keep it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
I love your salsa recipe!! SO flavorful, my mouth watered up. :)
And what a wonderful time you all had at the event! I’m jealous!! Now I really WISH I didn’t live in Indiana… :-))
Really lovely post, I felt like I was right there with you. And, I have to agree, with you 100%. I feel the same way with networking, and really stink at it, which is not great for business or with the blog. UGH.
That being said, I have heard that the BPL picnic is more like family, and it is easier to mingle and meet. Maybe we will have to go next year!
Thank you so much, Denise, I’m glad I’m not the only one who dreads networking! But you are right, The Big Potluck is definitely more like a family picnic, and I hope you do go next year!
Beautiful post and photos! And I’m loving this salsa, too. I have a friend’s recipe for her olive salsa…love what those olives bring to the bowl. Yum!
Thank you so much, Brenda – I had never tried olives in salsa until now, and I loved how it made the salsa sing!
That really is the amazing part about the Potluck… how inspiring it is. Reminds us why we started doing this in the first place.
Love your recap… and I know how hard it is meeting new people. Like you, I’m terrible at names. And, yes, small talk is exhausting.
Such a wonderful recipe too. Love the addition of the olives in there!
Brian, this is a late but sincere thank you for being such a happy sight at BTP – it was so good to see you again! I really had an amazing time, and a big part of it was having the chance to catch up with you!
Liren – what a great recap of this event! Looks like you had a blast and met some wonderful folks. This salsa is right up my alley and will make it to a Friday Night Bite for sure! Hope you are doing well!
i hope you are well, too, Lisa! BTP was definitely a lovely time; you should come next year!
I know exactly what you mean about conferences and the networking scene. It’s a difficult situation for me and I always feel like a fish out of water. I’m much more comfortable around fewer people, people I can connect with or already know than the walking up to a group and trying to fit in/converse. :) Your images are just beautiful, Liren. These photographs can be the official images for the event and absolutely publication/mag worthy!
Cristina, that means so much, I’m so glad you liked the photographs. There was so much beauty that weekend, i could have been happy to hide behind my camera all day. But, thankfully, everyone was so nice, and I was grateful that BTP is a smaller event. It made it more meaningful. You should join next year, it’s not too far from your neck of the woods :)
Lovely food, lovely people and a beautiful setting. Can it get any better?
I don’t think so, Brooke! It was a perfect weekend :)
I’m with you when it comes to conferences and the size of them… I’m not really good in big groups. I like smaller groups where it is easier to connect and really talk to people. In Europe there are not a lot (that I know of) other than foodblogger connect, which I will sadly miss this year but your potluck looks amazing. That location alone would be worth traveling there! Beautiful shots!
Oh, Simone, it would be amazing if you could fly out here next year and experience BTP for yourself. It really is worth it, for both the small group camaraderie, and the photogenic surroundings. You would love it!
What a wonderful time you must’ve had…it was just beautiful there! This Olive Tomato Salsa sounds so fresh and delicious!
Marcie, I had no idea how gorgeous Temecula was! It truly was a lovely place to spend the weekend.
Gorgeous. What a beautiful event. From start to finish. I only wish I could have been there! I’m such an introvert that a conference would be hard for me…and yet after seeing these pictures and hearing your words, I wish I could have gone.
Oh Monet, you would be in good company, if you decided to go. I think as bloggers, we are all a bit introverted in a way! I know I would have loved your company. Perhaps one day you can join us!
Thank you for sharing about this event with all the photos and your very honest feelings. I am glad it turned out to be such a positive event for your. Your reasons were solid as to why you felt that way. This is a waaay different salsa than I think I have ever eaten. We or I anyway get so locked in on This Is The Way It’s Done. It’s one of the reasons I am soooo enjoying reading food blogs. I love new and creative ideas in any form, but food is extra wonderful.
Carol, I’m so glad you understood my feelings about conferences through this post – I love meeting new people, but conferences can be so intimidating! One things is for sure, it was wonderful to be around similar minded people, who embrace creativity and good food!
Sounds like an amazing get together. I can’t wait to try this salsa!
It truly was, Meredith. Have you ever been to The Big Potluck? If not, I think you would really enjoy it!
What a tasty salsa, I love all the vibrant colors!
Thanks, Laura! I love the colors in this salsa, too :) So different!
now I see that you merely suggested either green or black. I am going to use half and half when I make the salsa!
Liren,
Love your recap. All very much my experience as well. So happy to have met you.
And the salsa–gorgeous and I especially like that you used 2 kinds of olives, green and black.
Letty, meeting you was such a pleasure! So glad we had a chance to get to know one another better on those bus rides! Hope you are well :)
Wow – these photos look amazing! Looks like you ate a lot of wonderful food on your retreat in the most gorgeous of places.
Thank you, Shelly! It was definitely a delicious weekend, that’s for sure.
What a lovely recap Liren. I too was touched and walked away happy to know that others share my vision. It was wonderful to finally meet you in person and I can’t wait to spend more time – now that we know we live so close to each other! It only took a flight to SoCal to discover that coincidence, LOL!
Jane, a very belated but sincere thank you for this comment! I can’t tell you how happy I was to learn that we are neighbors! Let’s reconnect soon!
Beautiful recap and even more gorgeous photos as only you can take them. I’m so glad you went, Liren. Thanks for sharing!
I have you to thank for encouraging me to attend BTP, Betty Ann. Thank you. You were so right.
Liren, your recap is such a visual feast. I’m so glad we got some good one-on-one time.
I also wanted to let you know that after you left on Sunday, someone brought out the rest of your caramel corn and I, well, I pretty much ate the entire thing. (Yes, I’m aware that there were two varieties. This just meant there was more for me to hoard.) Is that recipe up on your site? I kind of need it.
Cheryl, I’m so glad we were able to have some quality time together at BTP, too! I always find you inspiring, whether it is one on one, or when you present. Your words are still with me :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed the caramel corn! I confess that I can eat a whole trayful all by myself, and yes, of course the recipe is here. You can find it here: Baked Caramel Corn. Come to think of it, I kind of need it, too. Time to make another batch :)
This post really touched my heart. Your candid writing and the beautiful pictures form a little masterpiece. Thank you for a really nice ending to my day.
Why thank you so, so much! Knowing that you enjoyed this post means a lot to me!
What an amazing trip the photos and whole experience sound awesome. And olive tomato salsa, even better. My fiance hates olives so I will have to make this for myself or maybe a party (although I secretly don’t want to share).
I’m so glad this salsa speaks to you, Raquel! I wonder if it could convince your fiance to give olives a try!