Paraben Free Marinated Olives with Citrus and Herbs
These gently warmed olives are the kind of appetizer that makes guests think you spent far more effort than you actually did. A trio of plump, buttery varieties soaks in a fragrant bath of citrus zest, fresh rosemary, thyme, and a whisper of red pepper flakes — the result is bold, bright, and completely addictive. Warming everything low and slow in extra-virgin olive oil is the real trick here, coaxing the garlic and herbs into something deeply aromatic without any harsh or processed shortcuts. For anyone navigating parabens in packaged foods, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is whole, recognizable, and free from the synthetic preservatives that sneak into so many jarred or store-bought olive blends. The 30-minute rest off the heat is non-negotiable; that's when the oil truly absorbs the citrus and herb character that makes this dish sing. Serve them warm straight from the pan or let them come to room temperature alongside crusty bread, and don't skip pouring every last drop of that infused oil into the bowl.
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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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