Save A vibrant and festive appetizer featuring a medley of marinated olives and creamy feta cubes, perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a staple at my holiday parties because it's both simple and impressive.
Ingredients
- Olives & Cheese: 1½ cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted), 200 g feta cheese, cut into 1 cm cubes
- Marinade: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional), 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine the mixed olives and feta cubes.
- Step 2:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme (if using), garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Pour the marinade over the olives and feta. Gently toss to coat evenly being careful not to break up the feta.
- Step 4:
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 5:
- Before serving bring to room temperature. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Toss gently and serve.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table at the holidays.
Notes
Try adding strips of roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Serve with crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter. Substitute feta with marinated goat cheese if preferred.
Required Tools
Medium mixing bowl, small bowl, whisk or fork, sharp knife, cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 total fat 15 g carbohydrates 3 g protein 6 g
Save This appetizer is a fresh and flavorful addition to any celebration.
Recipe Help
- → Can I prepare the olives and feta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, marinating the olives and feta for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld well. For deeper taste, refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving.
- → What variations can enhance the flavor of this dish?
Try adding roasted red pepper strips or sun-dried tomatoes to introduce extra color and depth of flavor.
- → Is it possible to substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, marinated goat cheese works well as a creamy alternative with a slightly different tangy note.
- → What should I serve alongside this olive and cheese mixture?
This mix pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains milk through the feta. Olives may be processed in facilities handling nuts—checking labels is advisable for those with allergies.