Simply Delicious Marinated Olives are the perfect addition to any gathering, whether itβs a cozy dinner at home or a lively party with friends. This easy recipe enhances the natural flavors of olives with a delightful marinade, making them a versatile snack or appetizer. With a mix of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, these marinated olives are sure to impress your guests!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious marinated olives ready to enjoy.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic, parsley, and orange peel creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates the humble olive.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these marinated olives can complement any meal or occasion.
- Make Ahead Option: They can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing you to save time on busy days.
- Healthy Snack Choice: Low in carbs and packed with healthy fats, they make for a nutritious addition to your diet.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large shallow dish
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large shallow dish: Ideal for combining ingredients evenly and allows for better marination.
- Whisk: Helps blend the marinade ingredients smoothly for consistent flavor throughout.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for quickly chopping herbs and slicing garlic.
Ingredients
Here Iβll show you a simple and delicious marinade to wrap around olives!
For the Olives
- 14oz / 400g Olives, (pitted (see notes))
For the Marinade
- 1/3 cup / 80ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup / 20g very finely diced Fresh Parsley
- 4 fat cloves of Garlic, (peeled & cut into 3 or so slices each)
- 1 Orange, (peeled to around 3/4 strips with vegetable peeler)
- 1 tbsp Red apple vinegar Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Chilli Flakes, (or to spice preference)
How to Make Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large shallow dish, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red apple vinegar, parsley, oregano, and chili flakes until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add in the olives along with the orange peel and sliced garlic. Toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated in the marinade.
Step 3: Marinate
Cover the dish and allow the mixture to marinate for at least one hour. If youβre able to let it sit longer than an hour, place it in the fridge. Before serving, remember to bring it back to room temperature so that the olive oil loosens up nicely.
Enjoy your Simply Delicious Marinated Olives as a flavorful treat that everyone will love!
How to Serve Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
Serving your Simply Delicious Marinated Olives is easy and versatile. These olives are perfect for various occasions, whether as an appetizer or a snack. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- Arrange the marinated olives on a platter alongside cheeses, nuts, and cured meats for a beautiful charcuterie board.
With Fresh Bread
- Serve the olives with slices of crusty bread or breadsticks. The olive oil marinade complements the bread perfectly.
On Salads
- Toss these olives into your favorite salads for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
As a Topping
- Use the marinated olives as a topping for pizza or flatbreads to add Mediterranean flair.
In Tapas Style
- Present the olives in small bowls as part of a tapas spread with other small bites like roasted peppers and hummus.
As a Snack
- Enjoy them straight from the bowl for a quick and delicious snack any time of day.
How to Perfect Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
To make your Simply Delicious Marinated Olives even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose the right olives: Use a mix of green and black olives for varied flavors and textures.
- Experiment with herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma.
- Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- Let them marinate longer: For richer flavors, marinate the olives overnight before serving.
- Use quality oil: Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Serve at room temperature: Bring them to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
Pairing side dishes with your Simply Delicious Marinated Olives can enhance a meal. Here are some great options:
- Bruschetta β Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes a refreshing accompaniment.
- Pasta Salad β A cold pasta salad with vegetables and Italian dressing complements the savory olives well.
- Caprese Salad β Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil work beautifully alongside marinated olives.
- Hummus Platter β Pair with assorted dips like hummus or baba ganoush for a delightful snack spread.
- Roasted Vegetables β A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers β Sweet bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa create a hearty side that pairs nicely with olives.
- Cheese Platter β Include various cheeses such as feta or goat cheese that harmonize well with the olive flavors.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers β Tender chicken skewers seasoned simply can complement the bold flavors of marinated olives perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Simply Delicious Marinated Olives, itβs easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using the wrong olives: Not all olives are created equal. Choose high-quality, pitted olives for the best results. Avoid canned olives that may have added preservatives.
- Skipping the marination time: Rushing this step can lead to bland flavors. Allow the olives to marinate for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Not adjusting spice levels: If you love spice, donβt hesitate to adjust the chili flakes to your preference. Start with a small amount and increase as needed.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness to your dish. Use very finely diced fresh parsley instead of dried for a vibrant flavor.
- Serving straight from the fridge: Cold olive oil can be thick and less flavorful. Bring your marinated olives to room temperature before serving for the best taste. 
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Ensure the olives are submerged in the marinade to maintain freshness.
Freezing Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Allow thawing in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Spread olives on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place olives in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Simply Delicious Marinated Olives that might help you get started with your recipe.
What makes Simply Delicious Marinated Olives unique?
Simply Delicious Marinated Olives stand out due to their rich blend of flavors from fresh ingredients like garlic and orange peel, enhancing their natural taste.
Can I use different types of olives?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix various types like green, black, or kalamata olives for added flavor and visual appeal.
How long should I marinate the olives?
For best results, marinate your olives for at least one hour; however, overnight is even better for deep flavor absorption.
What can I serve with Simply Delicious Marinated Olives?
These marinated olives pair perfectly with bread, cheese platters, or as part of a Mediterranean appetizer spread.
Final Thoughts
Simply Delicious Marinated Olives are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and impress your guests with this flavorful appetizer!

Simply Delicious Marinated Olives
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 24 minute
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Simply Delicious Marinated Olives are a vibrant and flavorful addition to any gathering. With their zesty marinade infused with garlic, fresh parsley, and tangy orange peel, these olives transform into a delightful snack or appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. Perfect for serving at dinner parties or enjoying as a quick bite, this easy recipe takes just minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time for added convenience. Ideal for pairing with bread, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board, these marinated olives bring the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) Pitted Olives
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup (20g) Fresh Parsley (finely diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled and sliced)
- Zest from 1 Orange (peeled into strips)
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
Instructions
- In a large shallow dish, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, parsley, oregano, and chili flakes until well combined.
- Add the pitted olives along with the orange zest and sliced garlic. Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated in the marinade.
- Cover the dish and let the mixture marinate for at least one hour; refrigerate if you plan to marinate longer. Bring back to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For varied flavors, mix green and black olives. Experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference. Allowing the olives to marinate overnight enhances their flavor.








