Italian Marinated Olives Recipe
If you’re looking to add a burst of bold, zesty flavor to your appetizer spread, this Italian Marinated Olives Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish transforms everyday olives into a vibrant Mediterranean delight, perfectly balancing the fruity olive oils with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a delicious snack for yourself, these marinated olives are irresistibly tasty and impressively easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Marinated Olives Recipe relies on a handful of staple ingredients that come together to create a perfect harmony of flavors. Each component plays an essential role, from the bright zest of lemon adding a citrusy spark to the fresh herbs that bring an aromatic earthiness. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- Castelvetrano olives: Known for their buttery texture and mild flavor, these olives provide a creamy base.
- Kalamata olives: Their rich, fruity taste and deep purple hue add complexity and beautiful color contrast.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The silky foundation that carries all the infused flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Peeled and smashed to release their pungent, savory aroma directly into the oil.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Offering a piney, fragrant note to brighten the olives.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: A subtle, earthy herb that complements the rosemary perfectly.
- Black peppercorns: Adding warmth and a bit of crunch to each bite.
- Red chili flakes: Just enough to provide a gentle kick without overpowering the olives.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the marinade.
- Lemon zest: Sprinkled in for a refreshing citrus zing that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Italian Marinated Olives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Oil
Begin by warming your extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the smashed garlic cloves along with the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, letting everything gently sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes. This process infuses the oil with herbaceous and garlicky goodness, releasing head-turning aromas that will be the heart of your marinade. Keep an eye on it – the garlic needs to be fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat, season with kosher salt, and let the oil cool slightly while you prepare the olives.
Step 2: Combine and Marinate
Drain your jars of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, then transfer them to a larger container or bowl for marinating. Pour the fragrant, warm oil over the olives, making sure that every single olive is swimming in that aromatic mixture. Sprinkle in the black peppercorns, red chili flakes, and lemon zest to layer in more flavor depth and a hint of heat. Cover your container tightly and refrigerate. For a quick snack, 30 minutes of marinating is fine, but for best results, let those olives chill and soak up all the flavors for up to 3 days. Trust me, patience here means perfection.
How to Serve Italian Marinated Olives Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, consider scattering a few fresh rosemary or thyme leaves on top for added visual appeal and a fresh herbal pop. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also make those olives glisten and feel even more luxurious.
Side Dishes
These marinated olives are fantastic on their own but also shine alongside crusty Italian bread, a cheese platter featuring parmigiano-reggiano and creamy burrata, or even alongside charcuterie with prosciutto and salami. They’re the kind of appetizer that effortlessly brings a Mediterranean vibe to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the marinated olives in a rustic ceramic bowl or a vintage glass jar that lets the colorful mix of olives and herbs be part of the presentation. You can also skewer several olives on a cocktail pick with a small chunk of cheese and a basil leaf for an elegant finger food option that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover marinated olives keep beautifully in their oil and herb mixture, tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, so feel free to make a big batch ahead of time for hassle-free entertaining.
Freezing
Freezing olives with their marinade is not recommended because it can alter the texture and flavor of the olives and herbs. It’s best to enjoy this Italian Marinated Olives Recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this recipe is usually served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer your olives slightly warm, you can gently bring them to room temperature or warm the oil slightly before pouring over the olives, but avoid hot heat as it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives provide a lovely balance of mild and strong flavors, you can experiment with green olives, Niçoise, or even mixed olives depending on your preference.
How long should I marinate the olives for the best flavor?
While the olives can be eaten after just 30 minutes, allowing them to marinate for up to three days will intensify all the herb and garlic flavors infused in the oil, making every bite more delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red chili flakes add a gentle heat, but it’s quite mild overall. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste, either increasing for more spice or omitting for a milder version.
Can I make this Italian Marinated Olives Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect snack for a variety of dietary preferences without any modifications needed.
What’s the best way to serve these olives at a party?
Serve them in small bowls throughout the table alongside toothpicks or cocktail picks, paired with bread, cheeses, and cured meats for an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer station.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about biting into these Italian Marinated Olives that makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and versatile enough for any occasion, this recipe truly deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. So grab some quality olives, fresh herbs, and a good olive oil, and get ready to wow your friends and family with this irresistible treat!
Print
Italian Marinated Olives Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Italian Marinated Olives are a flavorful appetizer featuring Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives infused with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, black peppercorns, red chili flakes, and lemon zest, all soaked in rich extra virgin olive oil. This quick 10-minute recipe allows the olives to soak up vibrant Mediterranean flavors, making them perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a complement to any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Olives
- 1 (5.3 oz) jar Castelvetrano olives, drained
- 1 (5.3 oz) jar Kalamata olives, drained
Marinade
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6–8 black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavored Oil: In a small pan, combine the extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, black peppercorns, and red chili flakes.
- Heat and Infuse: Warm the mixture over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, gently swirling the pan to allow the garlic to become fragrant and the herbs to lightly sizzle. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once fragrant, remove the pan from heat.
- Season the Oil: Add kosher salt and lemon zest to the infused oil, stirring to combine all the flavors thoroughly. Set the flavored oil aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Olives and Flavored Oil: Place the drained Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives in a serving jar or bowl. Pour the warm flavored oil over the olives, ensuring they are well-covered to absorb the marinade evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate the olives for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. For best results, marinate for up to 3 days before serving.
- Serve: Remove the olives from the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Marinating the olives for longer (up to 3 days) intensifies the flavor.
- Use a mix of olives for complexity; other varieties can be substituted based on preference.
- Store marinated olives in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Allow the infused oil to cool slightly before pouring over the olives to avoid cooking them.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
