Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs

Olives already add so much flavor to a dish, but have you ever tried marinading olives? Truly, a game changer! If you love olives like me, this recipe is for you (and if you don't like them, this recipe may just change your mind). These Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs are rich and delicious. Mediterranean herbs and flavors like parsley, chives, and garlic are accompanied by golden raisins & balsamic glaze for hints of sweetness. Walnuts, a creamy avocado vinaigrette, all served over roasted eggplant top of this recipe!

I've been a sucker for fun appetizers lately and these marinated olives currently have my heart. It's a really easy recipe to put together, I think you're going to love it! 🫒🧄

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Mediterranean Marinated Olive Recipe Details

It's all in the detail! This recipe is really easy, but still has many elements of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 Eggplant

Marinated Olives

• 1 Cup Green Olives
• 1 Cup Kalamata Olives
• 1 Cup Parsley
• 1 Cup Green Onions
• ½ Cup Walnuts chopped
• ½ Cup Golden Raisins
• 1 Lemon juiced
• 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar or Glaze
• 2 Tablespoons Garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Creamy Avocado Vinaigrette

• 1 Avocado
• ½ Cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 Cup Parsley
• ½ Cup Green Onions
• ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper

What Olives are Best for Marinading

Like I mentioned before, I'm a lover of olives so before we dive into the marinade, let's take a minute to appreciate the diverse varieties of olives you can choose from. From the briny and bold Kalamata to the buttery and mild Castelvetrano, olives come in a vast variety of colors, sizes, and flavors. Each variety brings its own unique character to the table, making the choice of which olive to choose an exciting step to creating a beautifully marinated olive dish that meshes perfectly.

So how do you choose the right olive? When selecting olives for marinating, consider the flavor profile you're going for in your dish. If you prefer a robust and tangy flavor, opt for Kalamata or Gaeta olives. For a milder taste with a hint of sweetness, go for Castelvetrano or Cerignola olives. Mixing different varieties can also add great flavor to your marinated olive medley, creating a delightful assortment of textures and tastes. Because this recipe has both of those flavor profiles present-I went with Greek Kalamata olives and green Cerignola!

Pro Tip: Buy olives in bulk for a way better deal at Costco or on Amazon.

How to Make Mediterranean Marinated Olives

Start with the eggplant! Preheat the oven to 400°. Cut the eggplant into round pieces, and lay the pieces on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the eggplant at 400° for 5 minutes, flip them, then bake that side for another 5 minutes. They should turn a nice golden brown. Once the eggplant have finished baking for the first time, transfer to a cast iron skillet. If you don't have one, a baking sheet or dish will work just fine!

While the eggplant bakes-chop the olives, parsley, green onions, and walnuts. Juice the lemon and mince the garlic. Once you've done all of this, get out a medium bowl and add all of the marinated olive ingredients to the bowl. Mix well then pour over the eggplant in the cast iron skillet.

Bake at 400° for another 20 minutes.

While that bakes, make the Creamy Avocado Vinaigrette. Blend the avocado, greek yogurt, parsley, green onion, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper until smooth.

Once you take the eggplant and olives out of the oven, top it with the vinaigrette, and enjoy these Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives!! 🫒

What to Pair with Marinated Olives

If you need ideas on how to serve this recipe, let me give you a few! It can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or a meal. If you're looking to make this recipe a meal, it's delicious with basmati rice (add some olive oil, parsley, garlic, and salt). It also goes so well with lamb kebabs or chicken kebabs. If you're serving these olives as an appetizer, they're wonderful with gluten-free crackers and feta or goat cheese! This recipe would pair really well with my Whipped Feta, or Mediterranean Salmon recipe as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy!

I hope these Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives are a recipe you love just as much as I do! ENJOY! If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram @entirelyemmy !

📖 Recipe