The choice of olives for salads depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile. Here are some popular types of olives: Kalamata: Greek, dark purple to black olives with a rich, fruity flavor with a hint of bitterness. They are popular for Greek salads and Mediterranean dishes. Castelvetrano: Bright green Italian olives with a sweet and buttery flavor. Spanish: Green olives, typically larger and firmer than black olives with a mildly briny and slightly tangy flavor. Nicoise: Small, dark olives originating from France with a distinct, intense flavor. Cerignola: Large, meaty, Italian olives that come in both green and black varieties. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.