These Spicy Marinated Olives Will Level Up Your Hummus

I remember when I first fell in love with an olive. Not just any olive, mind you: a perfectly ripe, meaty Cerignola olive, which I devoured in the sunshine on the coast of Italy. My previous olive experience had been the run-of-the-mill black olives found on any grocery store aisle. But this experience was something altogether different, and when I returned home, I ran to the nearest specialty grocer to grab my own jar of Cerignolas. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Thankfully, those leveled-up green olives are now pretty easy to find at any good grocery store. In addition to Cerignolas, I’ve added Castelvetranos and Halkidikis to my list of favorites. Which means I’ve always got multiple jars of good olives in my fridge, and I’m often on the hunt for delicious new ways to incorporate them into my recipes. Enter: these simple marinated olives: a 5-minute recipe that will elevate any spread you’re serving this summer.

This marinated olives recipe combines the rich, buttery taste of Castelvetrano or Cerignola olives with the zesty punch of lemon and the aromatic allure of za’atar. Perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired gathering or a casual snack, these marinated olives are delicious on their own—and even better piled onto hummus and scooped up with crusty bread.

Making these marinated olives couldn’t be easier. You’re going to infuse some olive oil with garlic, chile, za’atar, and lemon zest. Then you cook it together over low heat until the garlic begins to sizzle. Add lemon juice and vinegar, then pour it over the olives and let cool.

That’s pretty much it! Once the olives are nice and flavorful, you can use them to top hummus, tahini, baba ganoush, or simply enjoy them on toasted bread.

Tips for the Best Marinated Olives

• Choose Quality Olives: Castelvetrano or Cerignola olives are ideal for their mild and buttery flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of fresno chile or substitute with a milder pepper.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.
• Pairing: Serve with warm bread or crispy pita for a delightful appetizer.

This marinated olives recipe is not just quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. The combination of olives, garlic, chile, and za’atar creates a combination of flavors that feels elevated, and reminds me of being in the Mediterranean. The lemon zest and juice add refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil and hummus. Garnished with fresh parsley leaves, this dish is as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Scroll on for the recipe, and head over here for more of my favorite appetizers and snacks for hosting.

Print