Almond Free Garlic-Herb Marinated Olives
These marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen — but the whole thing comes together in under fifteen minutes on the stovetop. A mix of plump varieties like Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and Cerignola gets warmed in extra-virgin olive oil alongside sliced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and bright strips of lemon zest. A pinch of turmeric and ground ginger adds a subtle warmth that makes the flavor profile feel genuinely special rather than just "olives from a jar." The key move is letting everything rest for at least thirty minutes before serving, which gives the infused oil time to work its way into every olive. Store-bought marinated olives can be a gamble when you're avoiding tree nuts, since specialty blends sometimes sneak in almond-based oils or mixed nut garnishes — making this from scratch puts you fully in control of every ingredient. Serve them warm or at room temperature straight from the bowl, herb sprigs and lemon zest still tucked in for a gorgeous, rustic presentation. This is the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing dish that earns a permanent spot in your entertaining rotation.
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 (such as castelvetrano, kalamata, and cerignola)
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 strips lemon zest (each about 3 inches long), removed with a vegetable peeler
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Drain the olives and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
- 2
Combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, lemon zest strips, turmeric, ginger, and oregano (if using) in a small saucepan. Set over medium-low heat and warm until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely — the garlic can brown quickly and turn bitter.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!