Marinated Olives – Quick and Easy Mediterranean Appetizer
Marinated olives are a quick and delicious appetizer, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meal. This simple recipe combines a mix of green and black olives with fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus for a Mediterranean-inspired treat. The olives soak up the marinade's aromatic goodness, becoming even more flavorful over time. Serve them as a snack, with a cheese board, or alongside grilled meats. This is a no-cook, make-ahead recipe that gets better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted or unpitted)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
Directions
Prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and red wine vinegar.
Add the olives. Toss the olives into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Mix well so the flavors are evenly distributed.
Marinate. Transfer the olives to a jar or an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. The longer the olives sit, the more flavorful they will become.
Serve. Let the olives come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Serve them in a small bowl with a drizzle of the remaining marinade on top.
Recipe tips
The better the olives, the better the result. Look for firm, briny olives from the deli section of your supermarket. You can customize the marinade by adding orange zest, fennel seeds, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist. While two hours is the minimum marinating time, allowing the olives to sit overnight or for a couple of days will deepen their flavor. The leftover marinade can be used in salad dressings or as a drizzle for grilled vegetables.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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