Marinated olives

These marinated olives feature a delightful blend of flavours, combining olives with orange zest, garlic, and herbs. A simple marination process enhances their taste, making them an ideal Mediterranean appetizer.

18 Dec 2025
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 500 min

Ingredients:

1.50 cups olives
1 orange
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp rosemary
2 red hot chili peppers
2 bay leafs
1.50 cups olive oil
Marinated olives

Marinated olives are a flavorful and versatile appetizer that can add a touch of Mediterranean flair to any meal. Simple to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe combines olives with orange zest, garlic, rosemary, red chili peppers, bay leaves, and olive oil to create a savory and aromatic dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
- Rinse the olives under cold water to remove any brine.
- Zest the orange, making sure to avoid the white pith. After zesting, cut the orange in half and juice it. Set both zest and juice aside.
- Thinly slice the garlic cloves and chili peppers.
- Gently crush the rosemary so it releases its aroma.
2. Combine the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the olives, orange zest, sliced garlic, rosemary, chili peppers, and bay leaves.
- Pour in the orange juice and mix well to ensure all the ingredients are well-distributed among the olives.
3. Marinate:
- Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container.
- Pour the olive oil over the olives mixture, making sure they are completely submerged. The olive oil will act as a preservative and carrier of all the wonderful flavors.

4. Refrigerate:
- Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. For best results, let the olives marinate for 2-3 days. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will become.
5. Serve:
- Before serving, let the olives come to room temperature. This step will allow the olive oil to liquefy and the flavors to meld better. Stir the olives to mix the flavors one last time.
- Use a slotted spoon to serve the olives, leaving most of the marinade behind. You can, however, drizzle some of the infused oil over the olives for added flavor.
6. Storage:
- Store the marinated olives in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to two weeks.

With minimal effort, you can create a delightful and impressive dish with marinated olives. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a tasty snack, these marinated olives are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Marinated olives FAQ:

How long should I marinate the olives?

For optimal flavor, marinate the olives for at least 24 hours. However, letting them sit for 2-3 days will enhance the flavors even more.

What size container do I need for marinating olives?

Use a clean, airtight container that can comfortably hold 1.5 cups of olives along with the marinade ingredients. Ensure there's enough space to keep the olives fully submerged in olive oil.

Can I use other types of olives for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute different varieties of olives such as green, black, or mixed olives based on your preference, but keep in mind that each type may add a different flavor profile.

How should I store leftover marinated olives?

Store the marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you don't have orange juice, you can use lemon juice or another citrus juice, but the flavor will differ. Adjust the quantity to taste.

Tips:

- Use a mix of different olive varieties for a more complex flavor profile.

- Gently crush the garlic cloves to release more flavor without overpowering the olives.

- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes or use more chili peppers.

- Marinate the olives for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld together, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

- Serve the marinated olives at room temperature to fully appreciate their flavors.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 81kcal
Protein 1.03g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 1.75g
Sugar 3.05g
Fat 66g

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