If you are on the lookout for a zesty, aromatic, and utterly irresistible appetizer, the Marinated Olives Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your table and excite your taste buds. This recipe masterfully blends the peppery freshness of garlic and herbs with the bright zing of citrus zest, transforming simple olives into a savory, flavorful treat that makes every bite a delight. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, these marinated olives offer a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color that will have you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Marinated Olives Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that complex, mouthwatering flavor. From the rich olive oil that carries the aromatics, to the fresh herbs and citrus zest that provide a fresh zing, every element shines in this dish.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to ensure the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Garlic (4 cloves, sliced and divided): Adds a punch of sharp, savory depth.
- Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs, divided): Brings an earthy, piney aroma that complements the olives beautifully.
- Fresh thyme (4 sprigs, divided): Offers a subtle herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- Orange zest (3 strips, about 2 inches each, divided): Adds a sweet, citrusy burst that livens the dish.
- Lemon zest (3 strips, about 2 inches each, divided): Provides a sharp, refreshing contrast to the olives’ salty bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a mild kick of heat.
- Pitted Castelvetrano olives (8 ounces, drained): Known for their buttery, mild flavor and crisp texture.
- Pitted Kalamata olives (8 ounces, drained): Offer a rich, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the herbs and citrus.
How to Make Marinated Olives Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Olive Oil
Start by gently warming the olive oil in a small pot along with half of your sliced garlic, one sprig of rosemary, two sprigs of thyme, and one strip each of orange and lemon zest. If you want a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes now. Warm just until fragrant—not hot enough to fry. This step is magical because the flavors slowly melt into the oil, creating a fragrant base that saturates the olives with every bite. After about 5 minutes, remove from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes to let all those aromas really deepen.
Step 2: Layer the Olives and Remaining Flavorings
While the oil cools, take a lidded glass or ceramic container and start layering your olives in. Add the other half of the garlic slices, the remaining sprig of rosemary, thyme, and the rest of the citrus zest strips. This layering approach helps the flavors to mingle evenly and soak into every olive piece, ensuring each bite is bursting with herbaceous, garlicky, and citrus notes.
Step 3: Combine and Marinate
Pour the cooled, infused oil—herbs, garlic, zest, and all—directly over the layered olives. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the olives fully in the aromatic oil. Cover the container tightly and pop it in the refrigerator. While you can enjoy the olives after just 30 minutes, allowing them to marinate longer will intensify the flavors even more. Remember, patience pays off when it comes to this delicious Marinated Olives Recipe!
How to Serve Marinated Olives Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, think fresh and vibrant. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few extra thyme leaves on top for a burst of green color and extra freshness. A light drizzle of additional good olive oil just before serving can add a pleasant slick sheen and enhance the mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
Marinated olives are wonderful finger food on their own but shine brilliantly alongside crusty artisan breads, assorted cheeses like manchego or feta, and a charcuterie board with cured meats and nuts. They are perfect for dipping sauces such as hummus or a simple herbed yogurt dip, creating a Mediterranean-inspired snack spread that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests visually? Serve the marinated olives in small rustic bowls or mini terracotta pots. You can also thread a few olives on cocktail picks along with small cubes of cheese or chunks of sun-dried tomatoes for elegant olive skewers. Adding whole sprigs of rosemary or thyme alongside the dish adds a lovely aromatic touch and elevates your presentation to a new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Marinated Olives Recipe is actually better the next day, so leftovers are a win in this case. Store the olives in their marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their fantastic flavor and texture for up to two weeks, making it easy to prepare this tasty snack well in advance of any occasion.
Freezing
Freezing olives in marinade is not recommended because the texture of the olives can become mushy upon thawing, and the oil may separate. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated to fully appreciate the flavors and the satisfying bite.
Reheating
If you wish to enjoy the olives slightly warm, gently heat them in a small saucepan over low heat until just warm, being careful not to cook the olives themselves. Warmed olives release a fuller aroma from the herbs and oil, but enjoy them at room temperature or chilled for the best texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use different types of olives in the Marinated Olives Recipe?
Absolutely! While Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives provide a wonderful balance of mild and robust flavors, feel free to experiment with green olives, Niçoise olives, or even a mix of your favorites. Just keep in mind that some olives are saltier or more bitter, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
How long should I marinate the olives for the best flavor?
While you can enjoy the marinated olives after just 30 minutes, allowing them to sit for at least 24 hours in the fridge helps the flavors blend and deepen remarkably. The longer marinating time enhances the herbs, citrus, and garlic infusion throughout the olives.
Can I skip the crushed red pepper flakes?
Yes, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional and only add a mild heat. If you prefer a completely mild and herbaceous flavor profile, simply leave them out without affecting the deliciousness of the recipe.
Is this Marinated Olives Recipe suitable for vegans?
Definitely! All ingredients are plant-based, making this recipe perfect for vegans and vegetarians. It’s a great way to add a flavorful snack to your menu without any animal products involved.
What can I do with the leftover infused olive oil?
Don’t toss it! The infused olive oil is packed with flavor and makes a fantastic drizzle over grilled vegetables, salads, or freshly baked bread. Just strain out the solids and keep the oil in a sealed container in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips to make your own sensational Marinated Olives Recipe at home, there is no reason to wait. This simple yet utterly delicious snack is guaranteed to become a staple, impressing friends and family with its layered flavors and vibrant aromas. Give it a go and watch as these marinated gems disappear quickly from your table!
Print
Marinated Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful marinated olives recipe featuring Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives infused with aromatic herbs, citrus zest, and garlic in warm olive oil. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced and divided
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
- 3 (2-inch) strips orange zest (from 1 orange), divided
- 3 (2-inch) strips lemon zest (from 1 lemon), divided
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Olives
- 8 ounces pitted Castelvetrano olives, drained (1 jar)
- 8 ounces pitted Kalamata olives, drained (1 jar)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil and Aromatics: In a small pot, gently heat the olive oil with half of the sliced garlic, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 strip of orange zest, 1 strip of lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Warm the mixture until fragrant, being careful not to boil or burn the garlic. Remove from heat and let the infused oil cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Olive Container: In a lidded container suitable for marinating, layer the drained Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives along with the remaining half of the sliced garlic, remaining rosemary sprig, thyme sprigs, and the leftover orange and lemon zest strips.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour the cooled infused olive oil, including all the herbs, garlic slices, and citrus zest, over the olives in the container. Stir gently to combine, cover the container, and refrigerate the olives for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- The olives can marinate for several days; flavor intensifies over time.
- Serve at room temperature for optimal taste.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust quantity or omit based on preference.
- Store marinated olives refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
