Quick & Tangy Marinated Cheese and Olives Recipe for Foodies

Mediterranean flavors dance through this marinated cheese and olives appetizer that promises to spark conversation at any gathering.

Bright herbs and zesty spices transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Small cubes of feta mingle with briny kalamata olives, creating a vibrant palette of tastes.

Olive oil infused with garlic and rosemary coats each morsel with rich, complex notes.

The recipe whispers of sunny coastal landscapes and leisurely meals shared among friends.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a quick yet impressive starter for any occasion.

You’ll want to serve this alongside crusty bread and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.

What You’ll Need for Marinated Cheese and Olives

• Feta Cheese, Mozzarella: Fresh cheese cubes that absorb marinade flavors, bocconcini offers cute small size alternative.
• Olives: Mediterranean mix providing rich saltiness and complex texture.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base liquid that helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and slight sweetness to the marinade.
• Garlic: Sharp flavor enhancer with aromatic qualities.
• Fresh Oregano, Fresh Thyme: Herbaceous Mediterranean seasonings with bright green notes.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus notes that help tenderize cheese.

• Fresh Parsley: Green finishing touch with clean, crisp flavor.

• Crusty Bread, Crackers, Baguette: Perfect vehicle for scooping marinated cheese and olives.

How to Put Together Marinated Cheese and Olives

Step 1: Chop and Prepare

Slice feta or mozzarella into small cubes

Select a variety of mixed olives from the jar

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Fresh herbs (oregano or thyme)
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Infuse with Mediterranean Magic

Transfer cheese cubes and olives into a glass container

Pour marinade over ingredients

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice

Gently mix everything together

Seal container

Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight

Step 4: Present and Devour

Move marinated mixture to serving dish

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top

Arrange alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers

Serve chilled or at room temperature

Marinated Cheese and Olives for Savory Snack Boards

• Transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet starter that impresses guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• Prepare the entire dish in just 10 minutes, with additional marinating time developing rich, complex Mediterranean-inspired tastes.
• Perfect for various occasions like cocktail parties, wine nights, or casual gatherings, offering a sophisticated yet effortless appetizer that pairs beautifully with drinks.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheese types, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with different herbs to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Tips for Maximum Flavor in Cheese and Olive Mix

• Select High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, artisan feta or creamy mozzarella bocconcini for the best flavor and texture in your marinated cheese.
• Customize Herb Intensity: Adjust the amount of fresh oregano or thyme based on your preference, allowing the herbs to gently enhance the cheese and olive combination.
• Master the Marinating Time: Let the cheese and olives sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination develops deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Control Spice Levels: Modify the crushed red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spicy or mild Mediterranean-style appetizer.
• Serve with Perfect Accompaniments: Pair the marinated cheese and olives with warm crusty bread or crisp crackers to complement the rich, tangy flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Storage Instructions for Cheese and Olive Marinade

• Store leftover marinated cheese and olives in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Let the mixture reach room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
• Remove cheese and olives from marinade using a slotted spoon to prevent soggy results.
• Gently stir the mixture before serving to redistribute the marinade and revive the flavors.

Drinks and Bites to Pair with This

• Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy feta and bright marinade flavors.
• Create a stunning appetizer board with artisan sourdough, olive focaccia, or crusty ciabatta to soak up the herbal olive oil marinade.
• Enhance the dish with additional fresh herbs like chopped basil or dill, which will elevate the aromatic profile and add a vibrant green accent to the presentation.
• Add cured meats like prosciutto or salami to create a balanced flavor profile that matches the salty olives and rich cheese.

Recipe Variations for Marinated Cheese and Olives

• Mediterranean Diet Version: Replace feta with low-fat goat cheese and use extra virgin olive oil for heart-healthy benefits. Add more fresh herbs like rosemary and reduce red pepper flakes for a gentler flavor profile.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with firm tofu cubes or plant-based cheese alternatives. Use nutritional yeast to enhance umami flavor and maintain the marinade's richness.
• Spicy Lovers' Edition: Increase crushed red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Include smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for an extra heat kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Herbal Infusion Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like basil, tarragon, and dill. Include preserved lemon instead of fresh lemon zest for a more complex Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Marinated Cheese And Olives Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this Marinated Cheese and Olives appetizer, bringing zesty herbs and rich textures together. Salt-kissed olives and creamy cheese create an irresistible starter perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quick, elegant snack.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (450g) Colby-Jack cheese, cubed
• 12 ounces (340g) Kalamata olives, drained

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 fresh rosemary sprigs

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (240ml) Italian salad dressing
• 6 large garlic cloves, smashed

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Instructions

1. Select high-quality feta or mozzarella cheese and slice into uniform cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly bite-sized for easy consumption.
2. Place your chosen mixed olives in a spacious container that allows for thorough marinating.
3. Prepare a vibrant marinade by combining extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, thinly sliced garlic, aromatic fresh herbs like oregano or thyme, and a hint of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
4. Whisk the marinade ingredients until they form a harmonious blend, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Gently transfer the cheese cubes and olives into a clean, sealable glass container, creating an even layer.
6. Drizzle the meticulously crafted marinade over the cheese and olives, ensuring complete and uniform coating.
7. Incorporate bright lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, carefully folding the ingredients to distribute the citrusy notes.
8. Seal the container and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify – overnight marination will yield the most robust taste experience.
9. Before serving, let the marinated delicacies rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften and release their full aromatic potential.
10. Transfer to an elegant serving dish, garnishing with finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
11. Accompany with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers to complement the rich, tangy flavors.

Notes

• Choose soft, creamy cheeses like feta or mozzarella that absorb marinade flavors quickly and evenly.
• Select a variety of olives with different textures and colors to create visual appeal and complex taste profiles.
• Customize the marinade by adjusting herbs and spices according to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before marinating to enhance flavor absorption and develop richer taste notes.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg