These Simple Marinated Olives with Feta are briny, creamy, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors. Fresh herbs, garlic cloves, and extra virgin olive oil combine to create a zesty marinade perfectly balanced with tangy lemon and feta cheese.
This quick appetizer is perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or casual snacking—pair it with this Lemon Garlic Hummus or Tzatziki Sauce with Fresh Dill for a fresh and zesty combo!
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Marinated olives have been a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, prized for their delicious flavor and versatility. Adding feta cheese to the mix enhances this simple dish, bringing a creamy, tangy taste that pairs well with the briny olives.
If you like this Mediterranean recipe, you may also love our Greek Cucumber Salad with Feta or our Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables with Couscous.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Authentic Mediterranean Flavor: Fresh herbs, lemon peel, and feta bring the perfect balance, just like in this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
- Quick and Easy: 10 minutes of prep time and you’re done.
- Customizable: Use your favorite olives and add extra heat or herbs.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Serve as part of a mezze platter or alongside cheese and crackers.
Ingredients for Marinated Olives with Feta
The key to delicious marinated olives is choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes each one essential:
- Kalamata and Castelvetrano: Both are flavorful options. Mix and match for variety.
- Feta Cheese: Choose block feta in brine for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Pre-crumbled feta is often too dry. We love feta in this Spicy Feta Dip with Red Pepper (Tirokafteri), too!
- Parsley, Oregano, and Thyme: Add depth and brightness to balance the rich olive oil and salty feta.
- Zest and Juice: Lemon brightens the dish and adds a touch of acidity.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Olives: Use green or black olives, or even stuffed olives for variety.
- Feta: Swap with goat cheese or mozzarella for a milder option.
- Herbs: Try basil or rosemary in place of oregano.
How To Make the Best Marinated Olives with Feta Cheese
STEP 1: Prepare the Garlic and Lemon Zest
Mince 1 clove and lightly smash 4 cloves for added depth. Cut the zest of half a lemon into thin strips. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes.
STEP 3: Add Olives and Feta
Add the olives and feta to the marinade, gently tossing to coat everything evenly.
📌 Pro Tip: Let the mixture marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
STEP 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
STEP 4: Serve
Serve at room temperature. Toss before serving and garnish with extra parsley or lemon zest.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
✔️ DO Serve at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
❌ DO NOT Over-marinate the feta—it will start to break down.
Storage
Keep marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let the olives sit for 20–30 minutes before serving. This dish tastes even better if made a day ahead.
Recipe FAQs
For the best flavor, marinate olives for at least 8 hours or overnight. This gives the garlic, lemon, herbs, and olive oil time to infuse the olives fully. If you're short on time, a 30-minute marinade at room temperature will work, but longer marinating results in a deeper, more complex flavor.
The best feta cheese for marinated olives is block feta in brine. It’s creamier and more flavorful compared to pre-crumbled feta, which tends to be drier. Block feta also holds up better during marination, maintaining its texture and rich taste.
Yes! Mixing different olives is a great way to create a more complex flavor. For a balance of bold and mild flavors, combine Kalamata and Castelvetrano. For a traditional Mediterranean touch, try Niçoise and Gaeta.
More Mediterranean Recipes You'll Love ❤️
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📖 Recipe
Marinated Olives with Feta Recipe
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Zester
- Airtight container for marinating
Ingredients
- 1 pound olives
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 5-6 small cloves garlic mince 1 and lightly smash the remaining
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ lemon zest cut into thin strips
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mince 1 clove of garlic and lightly smash the remaining. Cut the zest of half a lemon into thin strips. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Toss the olives and feta cheese in the marinade, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Add the garlic, lemon zest, and parsley. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Let it marinate for at least 8 hours in the refrigerator, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Bring the marinated olives to room temperature before serving. Toss again to redistribute the marinade.
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Notes
- Olives: Use green or black olives, or even stuffed olives for variety.
- Feta: Swap with goat cheese or mozzarella for a milder option.
- Herbs: Try basil or rosemary in place of oregano.
Carol Atchison says
So much better than "store bought"
Jami Powell says
Thank you, Aunt Carol! Glad to hear! 🙂