Mediterranean Diet Friendly Herb-Marinated Olives
Few things set the tone for a meal quite like a bowl of warm, glistening olives perfumed with garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe leans into the kind of simple, ingredient-forward cooking that makes Mediterranean-style eating so satisfying — no complicated techniques, just good olive oil, a handful of aromatics, and a little patience. Gently warming the oil with rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sliced garlic coaxes out deep, fragrant flavor before the olives ever hit the pan, so every bite is thoroughly infused. A touch of lemon zest and red pepper flakes keep things bright and just a little lively. The resting step is where the real magic happens — as the oil cools, it pulls all those flavors together into something that tastes far more intentional than the effort required. These are equally at home on a mezze spread, alongside crusty bread, or set out as an appetizer that quietly steals the show. Make a jar to keep in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for them all week.
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 (such as castelvetrano, kalamata, and cerignola), drained
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp fresh oregano leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about ½ lemon)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. 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 at this stage.
- 2
Add the drained olives and lemon zest to the saucepan. Stir to coat and continue warming over medium-low heat until the olives are heated through and the oil is bubbling gently around them, about 3–4 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!