Marinated Kalamata Olives
A simple yet elegant side of Kalamata olives marinated in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of chili. The perfect Mediterranean touch to any meal, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare your ingredients.
- Drain the Kalamata olives well.
- Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
- Zest the entire lemon, avoiding the white pith.
TIPUsing a microplane or the finest side of a box grater works best for getting fine lemon zest.Combine the olives and marinade.
In a medium bowl, combine the drained olives, olive oil, sliced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir gently to coat all the olives evenly.
Let the olives marinate.
Cover the bowl and let the olives sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For best results, you can let them marinate for a few hours.
TIPIf marinating for longer than 2 hours, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Serve at room temperature.
If the olives have been refrigerated, take them out about 20-30 minutes before serving to allow the olive oil to return to its liquid state and the flavors to brighten up. Serve in a small bowl as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality, pitted Kalamata olives for the best flavor and convenience.
- 2A good quality extra virgin olive oil is key, as its flavor is prominent in this dish.
- 3Feel free to add other herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- 4Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
If you're short on time, you can serve the olives immediately after mixing, but the flavor will be less developed.
healthyHealthy
To reduce the calorie count slightly, you can reduce the olive oil to 3 tablespoons.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the red pepper flakes to ensure the olives are not spicy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Both Kalamata olives and extra virgin olive oil are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Contains Antioxidants
Olives contain several antioxidant compounds, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, marinated olives are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats from both the olives and the olive oil, which are beneficial for heart health. However, they are calorie-dense and can be high in sodium, so they are best enjoyed in moderation.
