Name: Citrus Herb Marinated Olives Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 48 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup extra virgin olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, smashed; 5-6 strips citrus peel (lemon and orange); 2 tsp grated orange zest; 1 tsp cumin seed, lightly crushed; 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary; 1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme; 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional); 2 leaves bay; 3 cups mixed olives, black and green, unpitted

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Citrus Herb Marinated Olives recipe that combines aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus zest to infuse mixed olives with a delightful Mediterranean-inspired taste. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these marinated olives require minimal preparation and develop rich flavors after a few days of marinating.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, smashed
5-6 strips citrus peel (lemon and orange)
2 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp cumin seed, lightly crushed
1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
2 leaves bay

Olives

3 cups mixed olives, black and green, unpitted

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Instructions

Warm the olive oil and garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, gently warm the olive oil and smashed garlic cloves for about 2 minutes until the oil is warm and releases a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the herbs and spices: Stir in the citrus peel strips, grated orange zest, lightly crushed cumin seeds, fresh chopped rosemary and thyme, crushed red pepper if using, and bay leaves. Keep the heat very low and allow the mixture to warm for an additional 3 minutes, letting the flavors infuse into the oil.
Combine with olives: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mixed black and green olives until they are evenly coated with the warm herb and citrus marinade.
Marinate the olives: Transfer the olives and marinade to a sealed container and refrigerate. Allow them to marinate for at least 2 days and up to 1 week for the flavors to deepen and develop complexity before serving.

Notes

Use unpitted olives as the marinade will flavor the flesh better; however, you can pit the olives before marinating if preferred.
The marinating time is essential for the best flavor—do not rush serving.
Store the marinated olives in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper amount or add some chili flakes.
This recipe pairs well with crusty bread, cheese platters, or charcuterie boards.