MSG Free Marinated Olives with Citrus and Herbs
Briny, fragrant, and impossibly easy to pull together, these citrus-and-herb marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes guests think you put in far more effort than you actually did. A gentle warm bath in extra-virgin olive oil coaxes the flavors out of fresh rosemary, thyme, smashed garlic, and curling strips of orange and lemon zest until the whole kitchen smells incredible. The red pepper flakes add just enough heat to keep things interesting, while optional fennel seeds bring a subtle anise note that pairs beautifully with the mix of Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and Cerignola olives. Store-bought marinated olives often rely on flavor enhancers and additives you can't always identify on the label, so making your own means you know exactly what's going in the bowl. Every ingredient here is whole and clean — nothing processed, nothing hidden. Letting the olives rest in the infused oil for at least 30 minutes is the move that takes this from good to genuinely great, so resist the urge to rush it. Serve them warm or at room temperature alongside crusty bread and a glass of wine, and watch them disappear.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups mixed olives, drained (such as castelvetrano, kalamata, and cerignola)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, lightly smashed and peeled
- 3 wide strips orange zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
- 2 wide strips lemon zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, garlic, orange zest, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, and fennel seeds (if using) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until the oil begins to sizzle gently around the garlic and the herbs are fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Do not let the garlic brown.
- 2
Add the drained olives to the saucepan and stir to coat. Continue to warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the olives are heated through and the oil is deeply fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
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