Pin it A vibrant and festive appetizer featuring a medley of marinated olives and creamy feta cubes, perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.
This mix has become a holiday favorite in our family for entertaining guests who love Mediterranean flavors.
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
- Mix 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.
- Combine:
- 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.
Pin it Sharing this festive mix always brings joy to our holiday gatherings and brightens the table.
Required Tools
Medium mixing bowl , Small bowl , Whisk or fork , Sharp knife , Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta cheese) . Olives may be processed in facilities that handle nuts—check packaging for allergen warnings . Double-check all ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180 , Total Fat: 15 g , Carbohydrates: 3 g , Protein: 6 g (per serving)
Pin it This holiday mix is a simple yet elegant addition to any festive spread and always impresses guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the mix ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the olives and feta for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to deepen flavors before serving.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Marinated goat cheese works well as an alternative, offering a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- → Are there optional ingredients to adjust the flavor?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh thyme for herbal notes; roasted red pepper strips or sun-dried tomatoes add color and flavor.
- → How should this dish be served?
Serve at room temperature as a flavorful appetizer, paired with crusty bread or part of a mezze platter.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets?
Yes, this mix is vegetarian and gluten-free, featuring olives, feta, and fresh herbs without gluten-containing ingredients.