Savoring the essence of the Mediterranean, this delectable marinated olives and feta cheese combination requires only seven essential ingredients to delight your taste buds. Each bite is a harmonious blend of soft and rich flavors from the green and kalamata olives to the creamy feta, salty caperberries, subtle garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil’s velvety smoothness. This Greek-inspired appetizer has the potential to become your new favorite.This effortless marinated olives recipe is a versatile gem, perfect for any gathering, whether you’re looking to complement drinks with a simple snack or add variety to a cold cuts and cheeses platter. And if you enjoy exploring more flavors, be sure to check out our heart-shaped pork potstickers – just beware, they can be quite addictive! For added indulgence, consider trying our crab cake egg rolls or sheet pan crab legs.
Why You’ll Love It
One of the most appealing aspects of this marinated olives recipe is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients to combine, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the ease of preparation. The beauty of this dish lies in its customizability as well. You can experiment with different types of olives, add a splash of fresh lemon juice for extra zing, or try out various cheeses to find your perfect combination. And the best part? This flavour-packed appetizer is suitable for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a more formal event. If someone enjoys olives, they’ll be hooked on this homemade version – and let’s be honest, it’s always better when made with love than something store-bought.
How to Make a Marinated Olives Appetizer
To bring all the main ingredients together, combine the kalamata and green olives, crumbled feta cheese, caperberries, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a single bowl. Next, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and toss everything well to ensure the flavors meld together. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to marinate in the rich olive oil and develop their unique characteristics.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to experiment with a medley of olives in this marinated Greek olives with feta recipe. A combination of green and black olives will yield a richer flavor profile, while any good quality olives will work just as well. You’re not limited to traditional Kalamata or Cerignola varieties either – stuffed olives filled with ingredients like anchovies, lemon zest strips, or almond slivers can add an exciting twist.Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or throw in some whole garlic cloves, jalapeno slices, or chunks of parmesan cheese or ricotta salata to replace the feta. Ricotta salata, with its firm texture and salty flavor, is surprisingly similar to feta’s characteristics.To take it up a notch, toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth, or include lemon peel for an extra squeeze of citrus.
How to Serve a Pitted Olives Feta Appetizer
Transform this delectable Mediterranean-inspired appetizer into a show-stopping centerpiece by serving it in a decorative bowl, such as one featuring an olive branch motif, or integrate it into a vibrant charcuterie board. The harmonious marriage of marinated olives and feta cheese is best savored at room temperature, although it can also be served chilled if you prefer a cooler presentation. To elevate the experience, serve with crusty bread or crackers, and don’t forget to have napkins on hand for any inevitable drips. Alternatively, consider using this flavorful combination as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
How to Store Marinated Olives
When storing this feta and olive appetizer, you can rely on its freshness for up to a week when kept in an airtight container within the refrigerator. As for freezing, it’s best avoided since the olives would likely lose their texture and turn mushy upon thawing.
Marinated Olives and Feta FAQs
Caperberries are a distinct variation of capers that boast a crunchier texture, milder flavor, and larger size. If you’re a fan of capers, you’ll likely appreciate their addition to a muffaletta sandwich. However, they’re entirely optional in this recipe, so feel free to omit them if you’re not a fan or can’t get your hands on some. You can typically find caperberries alongside olives and capers on the same aisle of your local grocery store, or opt for jarred or fresh options from a deli. When it comes to substituting other types of olives in this dish, the possibilities are endless! Consider using Spanish olives, Castelvetrano olives, manzanilla olives, or any other variety you have on hand. If you’re an olive enthusiast, be sure to check out our recipe for a show-stopping martini dip as well.
Feta with Marinated Olives Recipe
Marinated Olives with Feta
Savor the essence of the Mediterranean with this effortless yet flavorful combination of marinated olives and crumbly feta cheese, perfect for both a satisfying snack or an impressive appetizer. With only 10 minutes of preparation time required, you can indulge in a riot of soft, pleasing flavors whenever the mood strikes, yielding six generous servings to share or enjoy solo.
Instructions
To create this Mediterranean-inspired tapenade, begin by combining the kalamata olives, green olives, crumbled feta cheese, caperberries, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl. Next, add red pepper flakes to give it an added kick of flavor. Pour the olive oil over the top of the mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Allow this flavorful blend to marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices to enjoy the perfect combination of tangy and savory.