Description
This Italian Marinated Olives recipe is a flavorful and easy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Featuring a blend of green and black olives marinated in extra-virgin olive oil, fragrant herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and spices, these olives develop a rich, aromatic taste after a few hours of marinating. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or enjoy with crusty bread for a delicious Mediterranean-style snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Olives
- 2 cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted or with pits)
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives: Place the mixed green and black olives in a medium bowl or jar, making sure they are clean and ready to absorb the marinade.
- Make the Marinade: In a small saucepan, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, then remove from heat.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper into the warm oil mixture to create the marinade.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour the warm marinade over the olives and toss well to ensure all olives are coated evenly. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Serve: Before serving, bring the marinated olives to room temperature and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve as part of an antipasto platter or alongside crusty bread.
Notes
- Store marinated olives in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a richer flavor, incorporate strips of roasted red peppers or a splash of balsamic vinegar into the marinade.
- These olives make a great addition to antipasto platters and pair wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
