Sesame Free Mediterranean Marinated Olives
Briny, fragrant, and impossibly easy to pull together, these marinated olives are the kind of appetizer that makes a simple spread feel genuinely special. A mix of Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and Cerignola olives gets bathed in warm extra-virgin olive oil infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a strip of lemon zest — the result is deeply aromatic and layered in a way that store-bought marinated olives rarely achieve. A pinch of turmeric and ground ginger add a subtle warmth that sets this version apart from anything you'd grab off a shelf. The whole process takes just minutes on the stovetop, and then the fridge does the real work, letting the flavors meld and deepen over a few hours or even a few days. For anyone navigating sesame-free eating, this recipe is naturally worry-free — every ingredient is straightforward, with no hidden pastes, blends, or condiments that commonly sneak sesame into Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Serve them alongside crusty bread, a cheese board, or just straight from the jar as a snack, and finish with a scatter of fresh parsley for a little color and brightness.
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
- 1 ½ cups mixed olives (such as castelvetrano, kalamata, and cerignola), pitted or whole
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 strip lemon zest (about 3 inches), pith removed
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Drain the olives and pat them dry with a paper towel, then transfer to a clean jar or heatproof bowl.
- 2
Combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, turmeric, ginger, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 3–4 minutes — watch closely, as the garlic can brown quickly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!