Marinated Olives (Recipe)

If you’re looking for a simple and flavorful appetizer to impress your guests or enjoy as a snack, look no further than marinated olives.

This easy olive marinade recipe will elevate your olives into a delectable treat that can be made right in your own kitchen.

Marinated olives are a popular choice for parties and gatherings, but they are also a delightful indulgence for solo snacking.

With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a homemade marinated olive dish that will leave your taste buds craving more.

The marinade for these marinated olives is a flavorful combination of garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and aromatic herbs like parsley and oregano.

The result is a burst of Mediterranean flavors that perfectly complement the briny and rich taste of the olives.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a gourmet appetizer, this marinated olives recipe is quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious.

Key Takeaways:

• Marinated olives are a delicious and easy homemade appetizer.
• The marinade consists of olives, garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and herbs.
• Use jarred olives or fresh deli olives for the best results.
• Marinated olives are best served at room temperature.
• Store marinated olives tightly covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Ingredients for Marinated Olives

When it comes to creating delicious marinated olives, a key factor is the combination of flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the essential components that make up this delectable dish:

1. Olives: The star of the show! Use any kind of olives you prefer, whether it’s the briny Kalamata, meaty Castelvetrano, or rich and buttery green olives.
2. Garlic: Adds a savory bite and enhances the overall flavor profile.
3. Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the olives and oil.
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality oil with fruity notes is essential for a luscious and silky marinade.
5. Orange: The zest from an orange adds a bright citrusy element that complements the olives and brings a refreshing twist.
6. Chilli Flakes: For those who enjoy a hint of heat, adding some chili flakes gives the marinated olives a spicy kick.
7. Parsley: Fresh parsley adds an herbaceous note and a burst of freshness to the marinade.
8. Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that infuses the olives with its earthy aroma.

Using these high-quality ingredients, you can create a marinade that takes your olives to the next level.

The combination of the brininess from olives, the tanginess of vinegar, the fragrant herbs, and the zesty orange creates a harmonious medley of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients for Marinated Olives

Note: Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your personal taste preferences.

Best Olives to Use for Marinating

When it comes to marinating olives, choosing the right variety is crucial to achieving the best flavor. The ideal olives for marinating are jarred olives in brine or fresh olives from the deli.

These options provide the perfect base for absorbing the delicious marinade. However, it’s important to avoid using olives that are already stuffed or pre-marinated, as they can interfere with the intended flavors of the marinade.

Pitted olives are the preferred choice for marinating, as the absence of pits allows the marinade to penetrate the olives and infuse them with its rich flavors.

This ensures that every bite of the marinated olives is bursting with the delicious combination of seasonings, herbs, and oils.

Whether you prefer green or black olives, jarred olives in brine or fresh deli olives are the top choices for creating the best marinated olive experience.

How to Marinate Olives

Marinating olives is a fairly straightforward process that allows you to infuse them with delicious flavors. To achieve the best results, follow these steps:

1. Use a large shallow dish: Opt for a wide, shallow dish to ensure the olives marinate evenly and absorb the flavors thoroughly.
2. Combine the ingredients: In the dish, combine the oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices of your choice. This creates a flavorful marinade that will enhance the taste of the olives. Consider using ingredients such as garlic, orange peel, oregano, or chili flakes for added depth of flavor.
3. Add the olives: Gently place the olives into the dish, ensuring that they are submerged in the marinade. For an attractive presentation, you can mix different types of olives, such as Kalamata, green, or black olives.
4. Include garlic and orange peel: To enhance the aroma and flavor, add some minced garlic and strips of orange peel to the dish.
5. Marinate for at least an hour: Allow the olives to marinate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to penetrate. However, if time permits, consider marinating the olives for longer to intensify the taste.

The longer the olives marinate, the better the flavors will develop, so feel free to marinate them for several hours or even overnight for maximum deliciousness. Remember to cover the dish and refrigerate it during the marinating process.

A visual guide to marinating olives:

Serving Marinated Olives

Marinated olives are a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack that is best served at room temperature.

When served at this temperature, the oil in the marinade loosens up, enhancing the flavors and making the olives more enjoyable to eat.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a tasty treat, marinated olives are sure to satisfy your cravings.

To serve marinated olives, you can present them on their own or with toothpicks for easy snacking. Their rich, tangy flavors make them a perfect choice for an appetizer that can be enjoyed at any gathering.

The combination of briny olives, aromatic herbs, and zesty marinade creates a delightful taste experience that is hard to resist.

In addition to being a standalone snack, marinated olives also pair well with other dishes. They complement the creamy and salty flavors of baked feta cheese and add a burst of flavor to toasted ciabatta bread.

The versatility of marinated olives allows you to incorporate them into a variety of culinary creations, making them a must-have ingredient in your kitchen.

When serving marinated olives, it’s important to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them.

The olives and marinade can solidify slightly when refrigerated, so allowing them to sit at room temperature for a short while helps to restore their smooth and flavorful consistency.

This step ensures that you fully experience the deliciousness of marinated olives with every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, planning a movie night, or simply treating yourself to a savory snack, marinated olives are a delightful choice.

Their unique combination of flavors, easy preparation, and versatility make them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. So go ahead, serve up a bowl of marinated olives and indulge in their satisfying taste.

Variations and Storage

Looking to add some excitement to your marinated olives? Try these delicious variations that will take your olive game to the next level:

• Herb Infused: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to infuse unique flavors into your marinade.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat in their olives.
• Citrus Twist: Brighten up the flavor by incorporating lemon zest or orange zest into the marinade.
• Mediterranean Mix: Combine marinated olives with feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

When it comes to storing your marinated olives, follow these simple guidelines to keep them fresh:

1. Tightly Covered: Store your marinated olives in an airtight container or jar to prevent air exposure and maintain their flavor.
2. Refrigeration: Keep the olives refrigerated to slow down bacterial growth and maintain their quality.
3. Up to 2 Weeks: Marinated olives can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but they are best consumed within the first week for optimal taste.
4. Bringing to Room Temperature: Before serving, allow the olives to come to room temperature to allow the oil to loosen up and enhance their taste.

So go ahead, get creative with your marinated olives and enjoy the delicious variations. With proper storage, you can savor the flavors for days to come!

Nutritional Information

The nutritional facts of marinated olives can vary depending on the type and quantity of olives used, as well as the amount of oil and other ingredients in the marinade. As a general estimate, a serving of marinated olives (approximately 1/6 of the recipe) contains:

It’s important to note that these values may vary based on individual ingredients and preparation.