By Homemade Marinated Olives is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Homemade Marinated Olives captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Homemade Marinated Olives becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups (about 300g) green or black olives (or a mix), pitted or whole
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional, for heat)
1 strip lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Olives:
If using fresh, brined olives, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt.
Pat the olives dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, sliced garlic, dried oregano, chilli flakes (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, and rosemary or thyme.
Season the marinade with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Combine and Marinate:
Place the olives in a clean glass jar or bowl.
Pour the marinade over the olives, ensuring they are fully coated.
Stir gently or shake the jar to distribute the flavours evenly.
Chill and Infuse:
Seal the jar or cover the bowl with cling film. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavours to meld. For the best taste, marinate for up to 3 days.
Serve:
Serve the marinated olives at room temperature for optimal flavour. They make an excellent addition to cheese boards, charcuterie platters, or as a simple snack.
Storage:
Store the marinated olives in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinating Time: 24 hours | Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
Approx. 50 kcal per serving (2 tablespoons)
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
