Save to Pinterest A vibrant and festive appetizer featuring a medley of marinated olives and creamy feta cubes, perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.
This is one of my favorite go-to appetizers for festive occasions; the mix of tangy feta and savory olives always impresses guests.
Ingredients
- Mixed olives (green and black pitted): 1½ cups
- Feta cheese: 200 g cut into 1 cm cubes
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): 1 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional): 1 tsp
- Garlic clove (thinly sliced): 1 small
- Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tbsp
- Zest of lemon: ½ lemon
Instructions
- Combine olives and feta:
- In a medium bowl, combine the mixed olives and feta cubes.
- Prepare marinade:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme (if using), garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Mix marinade with olives and feta:
- Pour the marinade over the olives and feta. Gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to break up the feta.
- Marinate:
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Serve:
- Before serving, bring to room temperature. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Toss gently and serve.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together; sharing it during holidays creates the perfect festive moments filled with joy and good food.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter for a delicious and colorful appetizer spread.
Variations
Try adding strips of roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Substitute feta with marinated goat cheese if preferred.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving again.
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This easy holiday mix is ready in minutes and is sure to impress your guests with its bold Mediterranean flavors.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of olives work best for this mix?
A combination of pitted green and black olives provides a balanced flavor and appealing color contrast.
- → Can I prepare the mix in advance?
Yes, marinate the olives and feta for 30 minutes up to 4 hours to deepen the flavors. Keep refrigerated.
- → Is it possible to customize the marinade?
Absolutely. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or spices such as red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile.
- → What pairs well with this olive and feta combination?
This mix pairs nicely with crusty bread, crackers, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
- → Are there any dietary considerations?
The dish is vegetarian and gluten-free but contains dairy from the feta cheese, so those with milk allergies should be cautious.