Mediterranean Diet Friendly Cilantro-Lime Marinated Olives
Olives are already a cornerstone of Mediterranean eating, but marinating them at home takes things to a completely different level. A quick warm infusion of extra-virgin olive oil with garlic, fresh ginger, lime zest, and a pinch of turmeric creates an aromatic base that clings to every olive and deepens as it sits. The lime juice and torn cilantro stirred in at the end keep things bright and herbaceous, balancing the richness of the oil beautifully. Store-bought marinated olives often rely on vague "natural flavors" or preservatives you'd rather skip — here, every ingredient is visible, whole, and intentional. The method is almost effortless: warm the oil, pour it over the olives, and let time do the rest. They're stunning on a mezze spread alongside crusty bread, crumbled feta, or roasted vegetables, and they only get better the longer they sit.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted or unpitted, drained
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp lime zest (from about 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly torn
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, garlic, ginger, lime zest, turmeric, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- 2
Place the drained olives in a jar or airtight container. Pour the warm oil mixture over the olives, then add the lime juice and cilantro (and parsley, if using). Stir gently to coat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!