Paraben Free Citrus & Herb Marinated Olives
These marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the bowl before anyone even sits down. Warming the olive oil with fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme coaxes out deep, aromatic flavor that you simply can't get from a cold marinade — the whole kitchen smells incredible while it's happening. A finishing splash of fresh orange juice and both citrus zests give the olives a bright, sunny lift that plays beautifully against the earthy warmth of turmeric and ginger. Every ingredient here is straightforward and whole — fresh herbs, real citrus, quality olive oil — so there's no need to squint at a label wondering what's hiding in a preservative blend. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in packaged and processed foods, which makes a from-scratch recipe like this such a satisfying alternative. Letting the olives rest in that infused oil for at least 30 minutes before serving is the move that takes them from good to genuinely memorable. Serve them alongside crusty bread or a cheese board and watch them become the most talked-about thing on the table.
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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.
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