Incredible Garlicky Marinated Olives with Citrus + Rosemary

These marinated olives are a savory, herby delight, packed with the flavors of garlic, rosemary, and zesty citrus. Soaked in rich California olive oil, they’re infused with subtle heat from chiles and a fragrant touch of bay leaf. Perfectly briny and bursting with Mediterranean vibes, they’re a versatile snack or appetizer that’s irresistibly addictive!

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This post was created in partnership with CA GROWN and California Ripe Olives. Sponsored posts like these help me bring you delicious gluten free recipes. I only share products with you that I love. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Fancy Finger Food for Grown-ups

Marinated olives are the snack that says, “I’m an adult with refined tastes,” while simultaneously whispering, “I used to stick these on my fingers and pretend to be an olive monster.” Let’s be real, if you didn’t do that as a kid, were you even at a proper family gathering?

I have vivid memories of little bowls of olives set out at every holiday table—Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, you name it. All the kids would gather around, immediately plucking them out, sliding them onto our fingertips, and marching around the room like it was the greatest invention of childhood. Somewhere between those ridiculous olive finger puppet shows and actual adulthood, I realized that olives are actually amazing. Not just for accessorizing tiny hands, but for EATING.

And let me tell you, marinated olives in olive oil? They’re a whole new level. We’re talking garlicky, zesty, herby goodness, soaking into those briny little fruits (yes, olives are fruit—no need to Google it, I got you). Plus, this recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever paid big bucks for a tiny jar of fancy marinated olives.

Health Benefits of Olives: Why They’re More Than Just Finger Puppets

Aside from being delicious, olives pack a nutritional punch. California Ripe Olives contain a little over 1 calorie per gram, which means you can snack away guilt-free. These little guys are mostly water, with about 11% of their weight coming from fat. If you follow a special diet like Mediterranean, keto, Whole 30, or paleo, olives fit right in like they’ve been invited to the cool kids’ table. And yes, they are obviously gluten-free!
Aside from being delicious, olives pack a nutritional punch.

Why You’ll Love These Marinated Olives

These marinated olives are the perfect make-ahead appetizer or snack to have on hand. With garlic, rosemary, and a touch of citrus, they’re as vibrant as they are flavorful. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a snack while watching Netflix, these olives are versatile and delicious. Plus, they make great additions to pizzas, salads, and charcuterie boards.

How to Use Marinated Olives

You might be thinking, “What do I do with all these marinated olives once I make them?” Oh, friend, let me count the ways.

• Snack straight from the jar: You’ve marinated them yourself, so they’re basically gourmet now.
• Charcuterie board MVP: Pair them with cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, and some sliced meats for a board that’ll make your guests think you studied abroad.
• Salad topper: Slice them up and toss them into a Greek salad or, honestly, any salad that could use a burst of briny, garlicky goodness.
• Pizza or pasta hero: Add them to your homemade pizza or focaccia or toss them into a pasta dish for a Mediterranean twist that’ll make you feel like you’re dining al fresco somewhere in Italy (or at least your local Italian restaurant).
• Toss them in with roasted veggies: A little olive action alongside your roasted carrots or potatoes will add a pop of flavor.

How to Make These Garlicky Marinated Olives with Citrus and Rosemary

Ready to become the person who casually throws around phrases like “I make my own marinated olives”? You are now.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil gently. You don’t want it to get too hot or smoke—just warm enough to release the aromatics.
2. Add the flavorings: Toss in the smashed garlic, citrus zest, rosemary, dried or fresh chiles, and bay leaf. Let them hang out in the warm oil for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to infuse the oil with all that flavor without burning the garlic (nobody likes burnt garlic—trust me).
3. Combine with the olives: In a bowl, pour the warm, herby oil over your olives. Give it a gentle toss, making sure all those briny beauties are coated in the glorious, garlicky oil.
4. Marinate: Let the olives sit and marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature. If you can stand to wait longer (up to 24 hours), the flavors will deepen and get even better. Store them in a glass jar or airtight container for up to a week.

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Now, go forth and make your marinated olives. And maybe pop a few on your fingers for old times’ sake.

Can’t Get Enough Recipes with Olives? Here are a Few of My Faves

• Zesty Artichoke Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese
• The Secret to Delicious Gluten Free Spaghetti Salad
• Epic Sweet Potato Fry Nachos
• Roasted Chicken with Citrus, Olives and Prunes
• Olive + Fig Relish

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Thank you for helping support my small business! A Girl Defloured earns revenue in a few different ways; I have occasional sponsored post and I also earn an affiliate commission on the sales of products I link to— there are a few of those links in this post. The only items that I feature are those that I use on a regular basis and that I truly love. I earn a small commission on your purchase, but you don’t pay any more than retail price. This allows me to share my recipes with you!