Easy Marinated Olives

These marinated olives are savory, aromatic, and easy to prep with gently warmed olive oil, garlic, citrus, and a touch of acid. This flexible base recipe is perfect for healthy snacking, cheese boards, and make-ahead entertaining.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Marinade Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

3 cups mixed olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, green, or Sicilian olives work well) drained and patted dry
1 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic grated
1 strip lemon zest
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
1 tbsp white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar

Optional Flavor Boost

1 to 1 1/2 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Greek Seasoning or Italian seasoning
Optional add-ins: fresh herb sprigs, citrus slices, caperberries

Equipment

Small saucepan: Used to gently warm the olive oil and bloom aromatics
Microplane: For grating garlic
Vegetable peeler: To get 1 strip of lemon zest
Heat-safe bowl or jar with lid: For marinating and storing the olives

Method

Add the olive oil to a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir in the grated garlic, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and optional seasoning if using.
Warm gently for 3 to 5 minutes, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar.
Place the olives in a heat-safe bowl or jar. Pour the warm marinade over the olives and toss gently to coat. Add any optional fresh herbs or add-ins if using.
Let the marinated olives rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
For deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Video

Notes

Patting the olives dry before marinating helps the flavors cling better.
Always serve marinated olives at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Olive oil may solidify when chilled. This is normal and will loosen as the olives warm.
This recipe is designed as a flexible base that can be customized with different herbs, citrus, or seasoning blends.
No salt? Most olives are already salted from brining, so additional salt is usually unnecessary. Taste before adding any extra seasoning.
Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings): 210 calories, 22g fat, 2g carbs, 1g protein, 1g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.