Looking for the best marinated olives recipe? Here it is. Save money with this easy olive recipe. It’s a great appetizer for impromptu entertaining and the perfect addition to meat and cheese platters. Serve as is or with marinated feta cheese for easy low carb snacking.
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I love the beautiful gourmet olives at the olive bar in upscale grocery stores. I typically bring home 3-4 different options to try. Some are green and others black, some are brined and others not, but my favorite olives are those marinated with herbs and spices.
How to make marinated olives
Have you ever wondered how to marinate olives? You’ll be surprised how easy they are to make. To make marinated olives you just need olives, herbs and spices, aromatics, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Mix everything together, cover, and refrigerate – that’s it! Just a few simple ingredients result in the best marinated olives.
Marinated Olive Ingredients
These are the ingredients I use when making marinated olives. They’re easy to customize per individual taste and what you already have at hand.
- Assorted olives
- Fennel seeds
- Minced garlic or shallot
- Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme
- Fresh chopped parsley, basil or tarragon
- Red pepper flakes
- Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
How to serve marinated olives
For large gatherings, serve marinated olives in small bowls and place around the room for easy access.
For more intimate or impromptu settings, serve the marinated olives in a larger bowl with a spoon. I like pairing my olives with a bowl of marinated feta cheese or low carb hummus and almond crackers.
Don’t forget to include marinated olives on cheese platters or charcuterie boards. Place the olives in small glass or wooden bowls right on the meat and cheese platters or at least within reach.
Best olives for cheese platter or charcuterie board
I like to include a variety of black and green olives. Try punchy Kalamata olives or green olives stuffed with pimento, jalapeno, almonds, garlic, or cheese. And, mild green Castelvetrano olives are a must. Of course, including this recipe for marinated olives is appropriate.
For the ultimate Mediterranean inspired appetizer board serve marinated olives with Parmesan crisps, low carb focaccia bread, marinated feta cheese, roasted eggplant dip, rosemary crackers, and warm cocktail nuts. Don’t forget to offer a selection of dry and fruity wines.
NOTE: Specialty made olive serving bowls that include containers for olive pits are attractive and practical. Look for ceramic olive serving bowls and wooden olive serving bowls on Amazon or Etsy.
Olive Platter and Olive Tray Ideas
A good meat and cheese platter is always in style, but make olives the star with on-trend OLIVE PLATTERS! What a perfect way to enjoy your homemade marinated olives recipe.
What are olive platters you ask? Olive platters flip the script on traditional appetizer platters by showcasing olives and filling in with other ingredients.
To Make an Olive Platter
Choose a wide, flat platter or cutting board - the size is up to you.
Select 3-4 kinds of olives to showcase:
- Store bought or homemade marinated olives
- Brined tangy olives like Kalamata
- Stuffed olives with: almonds, pimento, jalapeno, garlic or cheese,
- Dry cured olives
- Whole olives like Castelvetrano
Place olives in bowls on the platter or cutting board or arrange them in groups.
Fill empty spaces with a selection of nuts and berries, cheese (try Manchego and soft goat cheese) and selected meats like shaved ham, cooked cut sausage, or roasted chicken.
How do you store marinated olives?
It’s best to store any leftover olives in their original container in the refrigerator. Brined olives and olives packed in oil will last for several months in the refrigerator. Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when handling the olives to avoid contamination.
Store canned olives in a clean container in their brine or salted water for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Store drained olives in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
Store marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Marinated olives last for 1-2 weeks if kept covered and refrigerated.
Marinated Olives Recipe
Equipment
- Small sauce pan (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup medium pitted green olives* (6 oz)
- 1 cup medium pitted black olives* (6 oz)
- 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or thyme)
- 2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (basil or tarragon)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm the fennel seeds in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until fragrant.
- Turn the heat to low and add olive oil, vinegar, rosemary (or thyme) garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat until the oil is fragrant, about 8 minutes.
- Pour over olives, and stir. Add parsley and salt, stirring to combine. Can serve immediately, but let marinate for at least 2 hours for better flavor.
- Alternately, crush the fennel seeds in a mortar with a pestle. Then, add the garlic and work it into a paste. Stir in the next 7 ingredients. Toss the olives with the marinade. Marinate for several hours for best flavor.
- STORE: Place into an airtight container or into a bowl covered with cling film and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Makes approximately 2 cups serving 6 - 8 people. NET CARBS: 4.46g per â…“ cup serving (2 oz, or 57 g, or â…™th of the recipe).
Ana
This recipe is so easy and so good!!! Everyone loved the olives 😊. Thank you!!!
Maria
Very easy to make and great for snacking. Loved them.
Amber
These make the perfect party nibble. They taste great as-is but you could add any herb combo you wanted.
Bill
These are delish. I served them with some cheese and crackers. I wasn't mad that there was a little left over.
Matt
I admit, I am a big fan of the olives. These marinated olives were great. I paired them up with some cheeses, like you suggested. Very delish!