Beef Free Citrus & Herb Marinated Olives
These marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen — when really, the stovetop does most of the work in under ten minutes. Warm olive oil slowly coaxes the garlic into something soft and golden, while fresh rosemary and thyme perfume the whole pan before the olives even hit the heat. A double hit of citrus zest from both orange and lemon keeps things bright, and a pinch of turmeric and ginger adds just enough warmth to make the flavor profile feel genuinely interesting. That final splash of fresh orange juice stirred in off the heat ties everything together with a little acidity that balances the richness of the oil beautifully. The resting time is non-negotiable — thirty minutes at room temperature lets the olives soak up all that infused oil and transform into something deeply savory and aromatic. Completely plant-based and built entirely from pantry staples and fresh herbs, this recipe is effortlessly free of any animal proteins without sacrificing a single bit of indulgence. Set out a bowl of these with crusty bread and a glass of wine, and the whole spread feels like something from a Mediterranean terrace.
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
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp orange zest (from about ½ orange)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about ½ lemon)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic is softened and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 4–5 minutes — watch closely, as the garlic can brown quickly.
- 2
Add the olives, orange zest, lemon zest, turmeric, ginger, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the olives in the oil and spices, then cook until the olives are warmed through and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!