Honey Free Ginger-Scallion Marinated Olives
Warm, aromatic, and deeply savory, these marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. A quick turn in the pan with scallions, fresh ginger, and sliced garlic transforms a simple bowl of mixed olives into something that tastes genuinely special. The lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice added off the heat keep everything bright and balanced, cutting through the richness of the olive oil beautifully. Many store-bought marinated olives sneak in sweeteners like honey or agave to round out the flavor, but this recipe relies entirely on aromatics and citrus — no sweetener needed, and you won't miss it for a second. Letting the finished olives rest at room temperature for at least thirty minutes is the move that ties it all together, giving the thyme and ginger time to really sink in. Serve them alongside crusty bread or a cheese board and watch them become the first thing to go.
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, 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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!