Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet profoundly flavorful dish to excite your taste buds, this Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those magical combinations where briny olives meet creamy, tangy feta, all soaked in a zesty, herb-infused olive oil and red wine vinegar marinade. This dish is perfect for sharing, bursting with Mediterranean charm and perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light salad topping. Each bite delivers a beautiful balance of sharpness, warmth, and freshness that feels both comforting and sophisticated—truly a crowd-pleaser that never gets old.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe. Each one adds something special, whether it’s the richness from the olive oil, the bite from the vinegar, or the aromatic bursts from the dried herbs.

• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil: The silky base that carries all the flavors and keeps everything luscious and smooth.
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp tang that brightens the olives and feta, balancing richness perfectly.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness and fragrant depth to the marinade.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that gives a warm, savory note.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: Offers a hint of freshness and vibrant color contrast.
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up your palate without overpowering the other flavors.
• ¾ cup pitted kalamata olives: The star of the dish, these olives are rich, fruity, and full of character.
• ¾ cup pitted green olives: These add a bright, slightly bitter contrast to the kalamatas’ sweetness.
• 200g feta cheese, washed and drained (block feta): Creamy, salty, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious marinade.

How to Make Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by gently whisking together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar in a medium bowl. This combination forms the flavorful liquid that will bring the olives and feta to life. Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the herbs are well distributed; this will ensure every bite is infused with that irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Combine Olives and Feta

Wash and drain the block of feta cheese to remove any excess brine, helping it soak up the marinade better. Then cut the feta into generous chunks or cubes—whatever size you prefer. Add the feta to the bowl along with the pitted kalamata and green olives. Gently stir the mixture to coat all the olives and the feta with the marinade, but be careful not to crumble the cheese too much.

Step 3: Marinate and Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container. Let the mixture marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow all the flavors to blend beautifully. For even better results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This slow infusion gives the olives a wonderful depth while softening the feta just a little.

How to Serve Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

For an added burst of freshness and color, try garnishing with some finely chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving. A light drizzle of additional extra virgin olive oil can add shine and smooth mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread, warm pita, or crunchy crackers. It also makes a fantastic complement to grilled vegetables or alongside cold cuts and charcuterie boards, turning any simple meal into a festive feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in a rustic wooden bowl or a small terracotta dish to give it an authentic Mediterranean vibe. For a fun twist, skewer olives and feta cubes alternately on cocktail picks drizzled with marinade for an easy party appetizer. You can even add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover marinated olives and feta in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors only improve with time, so it’s perfectly fine to store it for up to one week. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because feta’s texture changes when frozen and thawed, freezing this dish isn’t recommended. The olives can handle freezing, but the combined textures and flavors are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, gently bring it to room temperature before serving to let the flavors shine without cooking the feta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives in this recipe?

Absolutely! While kalamata and green olives offer a perfect balance, you can experiment with other varieties like Castelvetrano or even stuffed olives for different flavor profiles.

Is it important to use block feta and not crumbly feta?

Yes, block feta holds up better in the marinade and provides nice texture when serving. Crumbled feta tends to break apart and can get lost in the marinade liquid.

How long should I marinate the olives and feta for the best flavor?

At least 2 hours for a good infusion, but overnight in the fridge gives the most delicious depth of flavor and texture softening.

Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

You can, but be mindful that fresh herbs have a brighter, lighter flavor, so adding a bit more than the dried amount is a good idea for robust taste.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans or those with dietary restrictions?

This recipe includes feta cheese, which is dairy, so it’s not vegan. However, it’s gluten-free and can be adjusted slightly for other dietary needs, such as using vegan cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Olives and Feta Recipe is a joyful explosion of Mediterranean flavors that’s delightfully easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a quick snack, or simply craving something fresh and vibrant, this dish will steal the show without any fuss. Do yourself a favor and try it soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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