Spicy-Citrus Marinated Olives

Spicy-Citrus Marinated Olives

If you’re looking to add a pop of Greek-inspired flavor to your appetizer spread, an otherwise simple salad, or just your everyday snacking lineup, these Spicy Citrus–Marinated Olives are about to become your new go-to.

Bright orange and lemon zest bring fresh citrus notes, briny Castelvetrano olives add richness, and crushed red pepper flakes deliver just the right amount of heat. I first had something similar tucked into a crispy chicken salad—and immediately found myself digging for treasure to snag every last olive.

Best of all, they’re incredibly simple to make and require just a handful of ingredients—exactly the kind of effortless, high-impact flavor that inspired our Taste of the Mediterranean Box, where you’ll find some of the stars of this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 jar (10 oz) Pranzo Italian Castelvetrano Olives, pitted and strained
  • ½ cup Saratoga Olive Oil Company Portuguese Cobrançosa Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lemon
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and lightly crushed

Method

  1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove large strips of zest from the orange and lemon. Set citrus aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, citrus zest, citrus halves, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly until safe to handle. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon halves into the warm oil mixture.
  4. Gently crush the olives by hand or with the flat side of a knife (optional, but helps them absorb more flavor).
  5. Add the olives to the pan and return to low heat. Simmer gently for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
  6. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Foodie Box Love Notes & Tips for Serving

  • Pour olives and marinating oil into a bowl, add crumbled manchego or feta cheese, and finish with dried fennel and oregano. Serve with crusty bread or warm pita.
  • Chop marinated olives and spoon into salads or Mediterranean grain bowls.
  • Serve alongside potato chips, peanuts or almonds, and your wine of choice for a decadent aperitivo moment.

- Kaity Potter, Foodie Box Love

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