Make Zesty Marinated Olives with lemon zest, garlic, parsley, shallot, and olive oil for an easy Mediterranean appetizer.
Bright, briny, and beautifully aromatic, this Zesty Marinated Olives Recipe combines tender olives with fresh parsley, fragrant garlic, minced shallot, lemon zest, and extra-virgin olive oil. The simple marinade takes only a few minutes to prepare, while a longer resting time allows every olive to absorb the savory, citrusy flavors.
These marinated olives make an elegant appetizer for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, charcuterie boards, and casual entertaining. Their vibrant Mediterranean flavor also makes them a delicious snack alongside gluten-free bread, roasted vegetables, or a selection of creamy cheeses.
For the best texture and flavor, prepare the olives several hours before serving. Bringing them back to room temperature before serving allows the olive oil to loosen and helps the lemon, herbs, garlic, and shallot aromas become more pronounced.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield Amount: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 cups brine-cured olives
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely minced
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Olives
Place the brine-cured olives in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water to remove excess brine and salt. Drain the olives well, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drying the olives helps the flavorful marinade cling evenly to their surfaces.
If the olives contain pits, let guests know before serving. A combination of green, black, and Kalamata olives may be used for a variety of colors, textures, and flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, finely minced shallot, grated lemon zest, minced parsley, minced garlic, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the olive oil.
The lemon zest provides a bright citrus flavor without adding extra liquid, while the shallot and garlic create a savory foundation. Fresh parsley adds color and a clean herbal note.
Step 3: Marinate the Olives
Add the prepared olives to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss until every olive is coated with the seasoned oil and the minced herbs and aromatics are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. During this time, the olives absorb the lemon, garlic, parsley, and shallot flavors. For a deeper and more developed taste, allow the olives to marinate overnight.
Step 4: Stir and Adjust Before Serving
Remove the marinated olives from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. Chilling causes the olive oil to thicken, so allow the mixture to stand at room temperature until the oil loosens.
Stir the olives gently to redistribute the marinade. Taste one olive and add a small pinch of salt only if needed, keeping in mind that brine-cured olives may already be naturally salty.
Step 5: Serve the Marinated Olives
Transfer the olives and their seasoned oil to a serving bowl. Serve them as part of a charcuterie board, alongside gluten-free crackers or bread, or as a simple Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Provide a small spoon or serving fork so guests can easily transfer the olives without handling them. The infused olive oil can also be spooned over bread, roasted vegetables, or cooked grains for extra flavor.
Notes
For the fullest flavor, marinate the olives overnight.
Use a combination of green, black, Castelvetrano, Manzanilla, or Kalamata olives for an attractive presentation and a variety of textures.
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano may be added for an optional extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
If using olives packed in oil rather than brine, reduce or omit the added salt as needed.
Store leftover marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature and stir gently before serving.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. When serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, check packaged ingredients for appropriate gluten-free labeling and prevent cross-contact during preparation.
