Warm lemon and herb olives

Warm lemon and herb olives are a fragrant and easy appetizer, featuring briny olives enhanced with fresh lemon zest and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful snack.

11 Dec 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

2 cups olives
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tsp rosemary
2 tbsp olive oil

Warm lemon and herb olives are a delightful and aromatic appetizer that combines the briny flavor of olives with the freshness of lemon zest and herbs. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for entertaining guests or adding a special touch to any meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare your ingredients:
- Rinse and drain the olives if needed.
- Zest the lemon to obtain about 2 tablespoons of lemon zest.
- Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
- Finely chop the rosemary if it is not already prepared.

2. Warm the olive oil:
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, but don't let it smoke.

3. Infuse the oil:
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the warm oil.
- Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.

4. Add the herbs:
- Stir in the lemon zest, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary.
- Cook for another 1 minute to allow the flavors to infuse into the oil.

5. Warm the olives:
- Add the olives to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the flavored oil and herbs.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the olives are warmed through and have absorbed the flavors.

6. Serve:
- Transfer the warm lemon and herb olives to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or snack.

This warm lemon and herb olive recipe is an easy yet sophisticated addition to your appetizer repertoire. By following these simple steps and tips, you'll create a flavorful and aromatic dish that will impress your guests and enhance your dining experience.

Warm lemon and herb olives FAQ:

How long do I need to warm the olives for?

Warm the olives in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thoroughly warmed and have absorbed the flavored oil and herbs.

Can I use different herbs instead of thyme and rosemary?

Yes, you can substitute with other herbs, such as oregano or parsley, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the dish.

What is the best way to store leftover warm olives?

If you have leftovers, let the olives cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients. Just ensure any olives used are also vegan.

What type of olives work best for this recipe?

You can use any variety of olives, such as Kalamata, green, or mixed olives. Choose ones that you enjoy for the best flavor.

Tips:

- Choose high-quality olives.: Use a mix of green and black olives for a visually appealing and flavorful dish. Make sure to select olives that are firm and plump.

- Mince the garlic finely.: Finely minced garlic will evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish without overpowering it.

- Use fresh herbs.: Fresh thyme and rosemary will impart a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. If you use dried herbs, reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.

- Gently heat the mixture.: Warm the olive mixture over low heat to infuse the flavors without cooking or burning the olives and herbs.

- Serve warm.: These olives are best served warm to bring out the full flavors of the lemon zest and herbs.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 70kcal
Protein 0.63g
Carbohydrates 3.68g
Fiber 1.20g
Sugar 0.01g
Fat 10g

Warm lemon and herb olives