Nutmeg Free Herb-Marinated Olives with Apple Cider Vinegar
These olives are the kind of appetizer that disappears before you even sit down. A warm bath of extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh rosemary, thyme, and a bright strip of orange zest transforms a simple jar of mixed olives into something genuinely special. The gentle heat coaxes the garlic until it's fragrant and golden, letting every aromatic layer sink deep into the fruit before it all goes into the fridge to meld. Many classic olive marinades lean on warming spices that can include nutmeg, but this one builds its depth entirely from ginger, turmeric, and fresh herbs — so you get that same cozy, complex flavor without any concern. The apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that keeps the richness of the oil in check and makes the whole thing feel lively rather than heavy. A finishing scatter of flat-leaf parsley brightens the color and adds a fresh note right before serving. Make a batch the night before a gathering and you've got a stunning, low-effort spread piece ready to go. Serve them at room temperature with good bread or alongside a cheese board and watch them vanish.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted or unpitted, drained
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 strip orange zest (about 3 inches long)
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, rosemary, thyme, orange zest, ground ginger, turmeric, and sea salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm, stirring once or twice, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely so the garlic does not brown.
- 2
Add the drained olives to the saucepan and stir to coat. Heat for 1 minute, until the olives are warmed through and glistening.
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