Imagine transporting yourself to a sun-drenched Greek island with just one bite of this incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious appetizer. This Feta Cheese and Marinated Greek Olives recipe is your passport to an authentic Mediterranean culinary experience that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a quick gourmet snack, this recipe will transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 4 oz feta cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mixed olives, ensuring a variety of olive types for complex flavor.
- Cube the feta cheese into approximately 1/2-inch pieces, keeping them uniform for consistent presentation.
- Mince the garlic clove finely, releasing its aromatic oils and ensuring even distribution throughout the marinade.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the olives, gently tossing to ensure all olives are evenly coated.
- Add the cubed feta cheese to the marinated olives, carefully folding to prevent breaking the cheese.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Transfer the marinated olives and feta to a serving dish, ensuring an attractive presentation with a mix of olives and cheese.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or part of a Mediterranean-style mezze platter, with crusty bread optional.
Tips
- Olive Selection: Choose a mix of olives with varying colors and textures - Kalamata, green Castelvetrano, and black oil-cured olives work wonderfully together.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use a high-quality, fresh Greek feta for the most authentic taste. Look for feta made from sheep's or goat's milk for a more robust flavor.
- Marination Magic: Let the olives and feta sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer they sit (up to 30 minutes), the more intensely they'll absorb the marinade.
- Garlic Tip: If you love a more pronounced garlic flavor, lightly crush the garlic instead of mincing to release more oils.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm, crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious olive oil and herb marinade.
- Make Ahead: This appetizer can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
