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Olives platter

olives platter

Olives platter for a quick, healthy appetizer. Perfect for gatherings or snacks with friends, everyone will love this Mediterranean flavor.
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Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green olives, pitted
  • 1 cup black olives, pitted
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup cubed feta cheese

Method
 

  1. Drain the green and black olives if packed in brine, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, and sliced garlic to the bowl with the olives.
  3. Mix well, ensuring the olives are evenly coated with the herbs, oil, and lemon juice.
  4. Taste and add the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy touch.
  5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cubed feta cheese. Gently toss to combine.
  6. Transfer everything to a serving platter. For best flavor, let the olives marinate for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

The olives platter is a timeless favorite, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Its versatility means you can personalize it to suit different tastes or occasions, making it a go-to appetizer both for last-minute entertaining and planned get-togethers.

Practical Tips and Substitutions

When assembling your platter, choose a mix of quality olives—the contrast between briny green and mellow black olives creates excitement in every bite. Prefer olives with pits for a more intense flavor, but if you want convenience, pitted olives work just as well. Try experimenting with stuffed olives (garlic, almond, or blue cheese) for added surprise.
For the marinade, use fresh lemon juice and good extra virgin olive oil. You can swap rosemary for thyme or marjoram, and if you enjoy some heat, don’t be shy with the crushed red pepper flakes. If feta isn’t available, goat cheese crumbles or marinated mozzarella balls are delightful alternatives.

Preparation and Serving Ideas

To fully infuse flavors, let the olives marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving, though longer marination (up to several hours in the fridge) will deepen herb and citrus notes. Always serve them at room temperature for best taste.
Serve your olives platter with rustic bread, crunchy breadsticks, or assorted crackers. Add roasted nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra variety. This simple platter can become the centerpiece of your appetizer table or a stylish snack for an afternoon wine break.
Want to take things further? Toss in fresh basil or chopped parsley for a touch of color and brightness just before serving. For a heartier spread, accompany your platter with prosciutto, salami, or grilled vegetables—your guests will love the Mediterranean feast!