Artificial Food Coloring Free Ginger-Scallion Marinated Olives
Olives are one of those snacks that feel effortlessly sophisticated, and this marinated version takes them somewhere truly special. Gently warming the olives in extra-virgin olive oil with scallions, fresh ginger, and sliced garlic coaxes out deep, layered flavor that jarred or store-bought marinated olives rarely deliver — and without any of the mystery additives or synthetic dyes that can sneak into pre-seasoned varieties. The lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh juice brighten everything up at the end, cutting through the richness of the oil in the best possible way. Fresh thyme adds a herby, almost floral note that ties the whole bowl together. Every single ingredient here is whole and real — nothing processed, nothing artificially colored — so what you're tasting is pure, clean flavor. Let them rest for half an hour before serving and the oil becomes almost sauce-like, perfect for mopping up with crusty bread. These are the kind of olives that disappear fast at a gathering, and nobody needs to know how little effort they actually took.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted or unpitted (such as castelvetrano, kalamata, or cerignola)
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, scallions, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the scallions are softened and the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely — the garlic can brown quickly at this stage.
- 2
Add the olives and thyme sprigs to the pan. Stir to coat the olives in the oil, then cook until the olives are warmed through and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
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