Marinated olives and feta cheese are a delightful combination that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any table. This simple yet sophisticated dish has roots in various cultures, particularly in Greece and Italy, where olives and cheese are staples of the cuisine. The process of marinating not only enhances the taste but also preserves the ingredients, making it a timeless favorite for gatherings and casual snacking alike.
What I love most about marinated olives and feta cheese is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The briny, rich olives paired with the creamy, tangy feta create a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, this dish is incredibly convenient; it can be prepared ahead of time and served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a topping for salads and sandwiches. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, marinated olives and feta cheese are sure to impress your guests and elevate your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt to taste (if needed)
Preparing the Marinade
To start off, I like to prepare the marinade that will infuse the olives and feta with flavor. This step is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. This combination will serve as the base of our marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the bowl. The garlic will impart a lovely aroma and flavor to the olives and feta.
- Next, sprinkle in the chopped fresh rosemary and thyme. These herbs will add a fresh, earthy note to the dish.
- Now, add the red pepper flakes and black peppercorns. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Finally, zest the lemon and squeeze in the juice. The acidity from the lemon will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olives and feta.
- Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. Remember, the feta cheese can be salty, so be cautious with the salt.
Marinating the Olives and Feta
Now that we have our marinade ready, it’s time to add the olives and feta cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed olives and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss them together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Pour the marinade over the olives and feta. Use a spatula to gently fold the marinade into the olives and cheese, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a clean, airtight container or a glass jar. Make sure to pour any remaining marinade over the top to ensure everything is submerged.
- Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you can wait longer, marinating for up to 3 days will yield even better results!
Serving the Marinated Olives and Feta
After the marinating period, it’s time to serve this delightful dish. Here’s how I like to present it:
- Remove the container from the refrigerator and give the olives and feta a gentle stir to redistribute the marinade.
- Transfer the marinated olives and feta to a serving platter or a shallow bowl. I like to use a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added richness and shine.
- Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them:
- Keep the marinated olives and feta in the airtight container in the refrigerator. They will continue to develop flavor as they sit.
- Consume within a week for the best taste and quality. The olives and feta can be enjoyed on their own, added to salads, or used as a topping for pizzas and flatbreads.
Variations and Tips
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations and tips that I love:
- Try adding other ingredients like sun-d
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game. The combination of briny olives and creamy feta, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or just want a delicious snack, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these marinated olives and feta with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. You can also toss them into a salad for an extra burst of flavor or serve them alongside grilled meats for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of olives or adding in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how you made it your own or any variations you came up with! Remember, cooking is all about creativity and having fun in the kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get marinating, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese dish. Happy cooking! Print
Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese: A Delicious Appetizer Recipe to Elevate Your Entertaining
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful mix of marinated olives and feta cheese, enhanced with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. This dish makes a perfect appetizer or a tasty addition to any meal, guaranteed to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt to taste (if needed)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in the chopped fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Add the red pepper flakes and black peppercorns. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Zest the lemon and squeeze in the juice. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed olives and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to mix.
- Pour the marinade over the olives and feta. Use a spatula to fold the marinade in gently.
- Transfer the mixture into a clean, airtight container or glass jar, pouring any remaining marinade over the top.
- Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably up to 3 days for best flavor.
- Remove the container from the refrigerator and gently stir the olives and feta to redistribute the marinade.
- Transfer to a serving platter or shallow bowl.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers.
Notes
- Der Teig darf während der Ruhezeit nicht bewegt werden.
- Für ein intensiveres Knoblaucharoma können mehr Zehen verwendet werden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes