Des

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Marinated Olives

Easy Marinated Olives are a great addition to a cheese board or for holiday parties. A blend of olives, olive oil, garlic, capers and lemons make these the perfect party appetizer. 

If you are looking for an easy addition, but gorgeous addition to your appetizer spread, you’ve got to try these warm marinated olives. The colors are gorgeous, they are so flavorful and absolutely perfect for snacking.

If we had to pick one course that reigns supreme around here, it  would  be appetizers. They are always the favorite. I could sit down and make an entire meal out of them.  Appetizers like Hot Crab & Spinach Dip, Artichoke Tapenade, Rosemary Cranberry Spread, and Fig and Goat Cheese Bites.

Side angle photo of marinated olives in a white dish.

In addition to all of the deliciousness mentioned above, when it comes to snacking, I cannot forget olives. They are great as an addition to cheese boards. Obviously they are great in cocktails. And, honestly, they are simply great to just snack on by themselves. Especially when the olives are marinated as they are in this recipe.

What ingredients do you need?

Castelvetrano Olives:  These are pretty much my favorite olives. They are firm, buttery and mild.

Bowl of Castelvetrano olives

Kalamata Olives: Gorgeous, dark purple olives with an almost fruity taste.

Bowl of Kalamata olives

DES’ TIP: I recommend using whole olives with their pits in this recipe. The olives with their pits will have more flavor. Just make sure to warn people to be careful of pits when eating. 

EXTRA VIRIGN  OLIVE OIL: This is SUPER important so use a high quality oil. One that is not bitter. I love the Trader Joe’s Kalamata Olive Oil. It’s inexpensive but has a fantastic smooth flavor.

overhead photo of ingredients needed to make marinated olives.

GARLIC: I mean, obviously!

LEMON PEEL: Citrus to add a brighten the flavor.

CAPERS: I just love the salty brininess they add.

CRUSHED RED PEPPER:  Totally option but the adds a nice kick.

How to make Marinated Olives from scratch?

Much like other marinated snacks, you can find marinated olives pretty easily at the grocery store. But, also like other marinated snacks, they can be pretty expensive. Instead, you can make them at home. All you really need is a olives, seasonings, citrus and a high quality olive oil.

All ingredients for marinated olives in a clear bowl.

To make marinated olives, you could simply marinate them in the seasonings and olive oil but for this recipe, I actually warm them. I got the idea from this Ina Garten recipe I found in the Food Network Magazine. The warm olives are even more flavorful!

Cooking olives in oil in a pan.

How long will marinated olives last?

The olives will last a few days in the refrigerator. To serve them you can simply reheat them or remove them from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow them to come to room temperature.

Overhead photo of marinated olives

Serve these warm marinated olives at your next get together and they will be the hit of the party! If you don’t snack on them all first, that is.

Looking for more appetizers to add to your party planning? Here are some of my favorites!

Artichoke Tapenade 

Air Fryer Mushrooms 

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings

Brie Stuffed Bread

Crab and Artichoke Dip 

Olive Tapenade

Note: This recipe was originally written and posted in 2018. It was updated with new photos and nutrition facts in 2020.

Side photo of warm marinated olives in a white dish

Marinated Olives

Marinated Olives are a great addition to party spreads. A blend of olives, olive oil, and seasonings make these the perfect party appetizer. 
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 273 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces whole Castelvetrano olives drained
  • 6 ounces whole kalamata olives drained
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons non-peril capers
  • lemon peel
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • pinch crushed red pepper

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Mix well to coat the olives completely.
  • Add all ingredients, except parsley, to a pan and heat over medium heat just until the olives start to sizzle a bit. Reduce heat slightly and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
  • If you are making them ahead of time, you can reheat them or simply remove them from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow them to come to room temperature.

Notes

Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 2.4gProtein: 0.1gFat: 29.5gSaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 1500mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.1g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: marinated olives, olives, snack

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    2048
    January 21, 2021 at 10:48 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely perfect for snacking!

  • Reply
    Allison
    December 7, 2018 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    These will be the perfect addition to my holiday cheese board. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    December 7, 2018 at 3:24 am

    5 stars
    I love olives. I should make them at home! It seems so easy with your recipe!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    December 6, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    5 stars
    They look like they’re bursting with flavor! I can’t wait to try!

  • Reply
    Chrissie Baker
    December 6, 2018 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    These look amazing. I’ll definitely be giving this a shot soon. They look perfect for a cheese and salami plate

  • Reply
    Demeter
    December 6, 2018 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    These are a party must have! So amazing!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    December 6, 2018 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    These are dangerously addicting! Once I eat one, it’s so hard to stop!

  • Reply
    Meghan
    December 6, 2018 at 9:18 am

    This would be a great gift for my mom – she LOVES olives.

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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