← Back to Recipes
AntipastoEasyItalian
Olive Marinate
Sun-kissed Mediterranean olives dressed with fragrant herbs, citrus zest, and local olive oil. From buttery Castelvetrano to fruity Taggiasca, these marinated jewels are essential to any aperitivo spread.
⏱️ Prep: 15min0⏰ Total: 15min👥 Serves: 8🌡️ Room Temperature
✓ vegan✓ gluten-free
Ingredients
- 2 cupsMixed Italian olives(Castelvetrano, Taggiasca, Gaeta)
- 1/2 cupExtra-virgin olive oil
- 2 stripsOrange zest
- 2 stripsLemon zest
- 2Garlic cloves(lightly crushed)
- 2 sprigsFresh rosemary
- 4 sprigsFresh thyme
- 1/4 tspRed pepper flakes
- 1/2 tspFennel seeds
📝 Make Ahead
Improves over 2-3 days. Keeps refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
Instructions
- Gently warm olive oil with garlic, citrus zest, and spices over low heat for 5 minutes
- Remove from heat, add herbs, let cool to room temperature
- Combine olives in jar or bowl, pour infused oil over
- Marinate at room temperature at least 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight
- Bring to room temperature before serving
💡 Pro Tips
Use a mix of olive varieties for visual appeal and flavor complexity. Warm olives slightly before serving.
📜 History
Mediterranean olive cultivation dates back over 6,000 years. Castelvetrano olives from Sicily Belice Valley are Nocellara del Belice variety with PDO status, known for buttery mild flavor. Taggiasca olives from Liguria Imperia and Savona provinces offer fruity, delicate character. Marinating tradition enhances natural flavors with regional herbs and citrus.
Also pairs well with:
ginvermouthprosecco