Gut Friendly Citrus & Herb Marinated Olives
Warm, fragrant, and impossibly easy to pull together, these marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes guests think you spent far more effort than you actually did. The magic happens when garlic slowly softens in good olive oil alongside fresh rosemary and thyme, building a deeply aromatic base that coats every olive in layers of flavor. Bright citrus zest from both orange and lemon cuts through the richness, while ground turmeric and ginger add a gentle warmth that's as good for your gut as it is for your taste buds. Olives themselves are a fantastic source of beneficial fats and polyphenols, and pairing them with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger makes this snack genuinely nourishing rather than just delicious. A splash of fresh orange juice stirred in at the end ties everything together with a little brightness that keeps the whole dish feeling light and lively. The hardest part is waiting the 30 minutes for the flavors to deepen — but that resting time is what transforms a simple pan of olives into something truly special. Serve them at room temperature with good bread or alongside a cheese board and watch them disappear.
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!