citrus marinated olives served as an appetizer

I’ve always loved olives, in a salad, in a sauce, chopped up, pitted or whole. Green olives, black olives or kalamata...you name it, I love ‘em all! Add Citrus and it's a win win! I’ve got the perfect recipe to satisfy my “habit”! Citrus Marinated Olives with Coriander and Fennel.

They’re simple, delicious and a favorite to have on hand. They’ll pair perfectly alongside other Mediterranean dishes, for example, Red Gazpacho Soup, Endive with Smoked Salmon Tapas or a beautiful Charcuterie Board. Whatever you choose, they’ll meet “Olive” your expectations! Trader Joe's has an olive assortment that's premixed. And at Whole Foods you'll have the choice of creating your own assortment at their Olive Bar. Give yourself some extra time, though.

These Citrus Marinated Olives are the perfect easy appetizer to have on hand when entertaining and can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time.

I serve these jewels of goodness every Thanksgiving! Since they need their time to "marinate", I make them the Sunday before feast! The flavors need to hang out together before serving and with the combination of spices and citrus you’ll be glad they did! If (and that's a big "if") there are any left over, we enjoy them days later as a snack, in a salad (watch the pits, though!) and even in a simple pasta! Get those Citrus olives on the table! Find your favorite bowl and set them out while friends are over... you’ll see how “Olive a sudden” they quickly disappear!

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Citrus Olives

Name: Citrus Olives
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: 2 cups assorted olives with seeds (kalamata, cerignola, picholine, etc.); 2 Tablespoons coriander seeds; 2 Tablespoons fennel seeds; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 small tangerines (1 tangerine cut in small wedges and then cut crosswise); 2 1/2 teaspoons tangerine zest (from 2nd tangerine); 4 Tablespoons tangerine juice (from 2nd tangerine); 4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 cup olive oil; 6 garlic cloves (thinly sliced); 3 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coarsely chopped parsley; 1 large bay leaf

These Citrus Olives are the best little snack to have on hand when friends stop by, or even when it's just you and you need a little somethin'!

Prep Time10 mins

Refrigerate2 hrs

Total Time2 hrs 10 mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Citrus Olives

Servings: cups

Author: Debbie

Ingredients

2 cups assorted olives with seeds, kalamata, cerignola, picholine, etc.
2 Tablespoons coriander seeds
2 Tablespoons fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 small tangerines, 1 tangerine cut in small wedges and then cut crosswise
2 1/2 teaspoons tangerine zest , from 2nd tangerine
4 Tablespoons tangerine juice, from 2nd tangerine
4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coarsely chopped parsley
1 large bay leaf

Instructions

Drain the brine from the olives.
With a rolling pin, crush the coriander and fennel seeds. Add red pepper flakes, but do not crush any further.
Place all ingredients in a small container with a fitted lid. Stir to combine. Cover and shake.
Refrigerate for 2 hours, stirring from time to time. Transfer to a decorative serving bowl.
Best served at room temperature.

Notes

Gr8 Make-Ahead Tip:

The olives can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Gr8 Shopping Tip:

I find my favorite pre-assorted olives at Whole Foods Olive Bar, Sprouts Olive Bar or the refrigerated section at Trader Joe's.

Tried this recipe?Mention @Great8Friends or tag #gr8food!