Super Easy Marinated Olives {Video}

These super-easy Marinated Olives are so dang easy to make! I had them ready to go and in the fridge, marinating within a few minutes.

Super Easy Marinated Olives!

John came home and started snacking on them as soon as he found them in the fridge. 

Thankfully, I had already taken some pictures to share on the blog.

He has been sneaking them out of the fridge every chance he gets. He added them to a sandwich and said they were a great addition.

These Marinated Olives would make a great holiday gift! They would look great in a sealed jar with a couple of wooden spoons or serving forks attached to the jar.

I may have to make some of these up for our foodie friends who would love them. These marinated olives work great for parties! You can make these up beforehand and serve them in a nice bowl with either toothpicks or appetizer forks.

We love to use these in salads or as a daily snack. They have such a great flavor! You can make them as spicy as you like. If you are not a fan of spice, just leave off the red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients for making epic Marinated Olives! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Black Olives
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh Basil
• Garlic
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt 

Equipment Needed

• Covered Dish/Bowl: You’ll need a large dish or bowl for the olives to marinate in.
• Serving Bowl: Did you know there are olive serving trays? These long glass trays are the perfect way to serve marinated olives and other olive appetizers if you don’t want to use a charcuterie board or serving platter.
• Bamboo Picks: If you are serving these at a party, we suggest serving them with a jar of bamboo cocktail picks so guests can easily pick them up and move them to their plates. A small pair of tongs would also work. 

How to Make Super Easy Marinated Olives

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

1. Combine all ingredients in a covered dish and mix well.
2. Place in the refrigerator 

 

Preparation and Storage

Make-Ahead: These mix-and-go Marinated Olives need two hours to marinate in your fridge, making them the perfect make-ahead appetizer!

Storage: If you have any leftovers after making these olives, refrigerate them in an airtight container and enjoy them within a month.

Freezing/How to Freeze: Check out this thorough guide to freezing olives if you want to freeze your Marinated Olives. You can freeze them for up to six months.

 

Recipe Variations + Tips for the Best Super Easy Marinated Olives

Substitutions: This easy recipe for Marinated Olives should work with any olive variety. Olive choices include Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives, Green olives, of fun new finds at the local grocery store olive bar. 

Optional add ins include oregano, fennel seeds, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, lemon peel, red wine vinegar, orange zest, black pepper, lemon juice, or your favorite fresh herbs.

Vegetarian + Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan since all the ingredients are plant-based.

Gluten-Free: This recipe should be gluten-free, as none of its ingredients typically contain gluten. Look for a gluten-free label on each if you are highly sensitive and want to avoid cross-contamination.

Alcohol-Free Option: We don’t use alcohol in this appetizer recipe, but we’ve seen many recipes for gin or vodka-soaked Marinated Olives if you are a fan of dirty martinis.

Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe makes 12 servings and scales quickly to your desired yield using the slider in the recipe card below. Make sure you have a large enough dish for marinating the olives if you scale it up.

Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper chili flakes if you want spicier olives.

Sugar-Free: The written recipe contains 1 gram of sugar per serving, with no single ingredient containing a significant amount.

What to Serve with Super Easy Marinated Olives

Serve these Super Easy Marinated Olives as a cocktail night appetizer with other elegant finger foods or as part of a homemade date night meal with a side of garlic bread, a salad, and tiramisu for dessert. Here are some menu planning suggestions.

Sides: Sugared Cranberries, Hasselback Potatoes, Caprese Pasta Salad, Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash, Carrot Soufflé, Crock Pot Stuffed Tomatoes, CrockPot Shrimp & Grits, Strawberry Bruschetta, Shrimp Remoulade, CrockPot Bacon Wrapped Potatoes

Main Dishes: CrockPot Port Braised Beef Short Ribs, CrockPot Rosemary Pork, Caprese Eggs Benedict, Balsamic Chicken Skewers, CrockPot Salisbury Steak, CrockPot Beef Tips & Gravy, Shrimp Linguini, CrockPot Roast with Red Potatoes, Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Butter

Desserts: Hershey Pie, Sweet & Salty Chocolate Dessert Bar, Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars, Carrot Cake with Pineapple, Coconut & Port Wine, CopyCat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, CrockPot Cherries Jubilee, Apple Blackberry Fruit Tart

Drinks: Alchemy Bar Revved Up Mojito Martini, Chocolate Cake Shot, Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot, Classic Grasshopper Drink, Cranberry Mimosa, Raspberry Pomegranate Lemonade Cocktail, 40 Is the New 20 Martini Cocktail, Martini Seduction, Alchemist Sidecar

When to Serve

• Lunch
• Cocktail Night
• Dinner Date Night
• Dinner and Drinks
• Football Parties
• New Year’s
• Holiday Parties
• Snacktime

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Recipe originally shared September 11, 2013, updated on March 12, 2020