Paleo Herb-Marinated Olives
Briny, fragrant, and deeply satisfying, these marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast no matter who's at the table. A mix of Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and Cerignola olives brings a range of textures and flavors — buttery, rich, and pleasantly tangy — all soaking in a warm bath of extra-virgin olive oil infused with rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, and a bright hit of lemon zest. The technique of gently warming the oil with the aromatics before adding the olives is what sets this apart from a simple toss-and-serve situation; it coaxes every bit of flavor out of the herbs and lets the garlic turn just golden and sweet. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that keeps things interesting without overwhelming the natural character of the olives. Because every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, this recipe fits naturally into a grain-free, legume-free way of eating without any substitutions or workarounds needed. The 30-minute rest in the infused oil is where the real magic happens, so resist the urge to rush it. Make a jar ahead of time and you'll have an effortless, impressive snack ready to go whenever you need it.
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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.
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