Your new favorite appetizer is hiding in a jar of olives 🫒☀️ These Marinated Olives are proof that simple ingredients can make the BEST recipes. A little olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, citrus, and seasoning transforms everyday olives into a flavorful appetizer that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make!

Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

  • Give the olives time to marinate. Two hours is the minimum, but overnight is even better. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
  • Use good olive oil. Since the marinade doubles as a dressing, a good-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
  • Let them come to room temperature. Olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator. Set the olives out for about 30 minutes before serving so the oil liquefies and the flavors really shine.
  • Adjust the heat. Like things spicy? Add a little more crushed red pepper. Prefer them mild? Cut the amount in half or leave it out.
  • Don’t toss the marinade. Spoon the extra marinade over whipped ricotta, grilled bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for even more flavor.
  • Choose pitted olives. Pitted olives are much easier for snacking and serving on charcuterie boards.
Kelley

Ingredients for Marinated Olives

Fresh herbs near a lemon, jar of olives, garlic and olive oil.
  • Olives: I like using a mix of green olives and Kalamata olives for the perfect balance of buttery, briny, and bold flavor. Be sure they’re pitted for easy serving.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the marinade and complement the olives beautifully.
  • Fresh herbs: Parsley, oregano, and thyme add fresh, vibrant flavor that’s much better than dried herbs in this recipe.
  • Garlic & crushed red pepper: Thinly sliced garlic infuses the oil as the olives marinate, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

How to Make Marinated Olives

  1. Add the olives and other ingredients to a jar or bowl.
  1. Stir everything together, or if you’re using a jar with a lid, simply seal it and shake until well combined. Cover and allow to marinate for 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator.
  2. Serve as is, on a charcuterie board or over whipped ricotta with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.

Easy Marinated Olives FAQ

How long do marinated olives last?

Store marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For the best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs give the olives the brightest flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How to serve marinated olives?

Besides serving them in a bowl, try:

Pairing Options

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    Marinated olives over whipped ricotta in a white bowl.
    Recipe

    Marinated Olives

    These easy Marinated Olives are packed with fresh, zesty flavor and make the perfect addition to any appetizer spread.
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Chill time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
    Serves 6 servings
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 4 oz green pitted olives
    • 4 oz kalamata olives pitted
    • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 1 zest of 1 lemon
    • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
    • 4 garlic cloves sliced
    • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
    • 2 tsp fresh thyme
    • 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Instructions

    • Add ingredients to a jar or bowl and stir to combine. Cover and allow to marinate for 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator.
    • Serve as is, on a charcuterie board or over whipped ricotta with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
    • Note: Olive oil will solidify in the refrigerator so allow to sit at room temperature for half an hour to allow the oil to liquify and to make the flavors more pronounced.

    Notes

    • Give the olives time to marinate. Two hours is the minimum, but overnight is even better. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.
    • Use good olive oil. Since the marinade doubles as a dressing, a good-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
    • Fresh herbs are best. Fresh parsley, oregano, and thyme give the marinade a bright, vibrant flavor that’s hard to match with dried herbs.
    • Adjust the heat. Like things spicy? Add a little more crushed red pepper. Prefer them mild? Cut the amount in half or leave it out.
    • Don’t toss the marinade. Spoon the extra marinade over whipped ricotta, grilled bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for even more flavor.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gSodium: 788mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 297IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
    Marinated olives over whipped ricotta in a white bowl.

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