Quick Fix: Marinated Olives

I am crazy about those olive bar olives in the grocery, but they can be pretty pricey. So, I have come up with a solution for the budget-concious, olive bar loving human.... a sort of do it yourself marinated olive that is fast, yummy, and easy to throw together for a party, happy hour, or just a night to yourself.

The key here is to mix fresh and dry herbs so that you get a great flavor that feels fresh and layered. You can switch out the fresh and dry herbs, depending on the season, so don't feel like it's set in stone. For instance, if you have fresh basil, use that and do dry oregano instead. If have all fresh herbs, well, that is great too!

This can be easily doubled to accommodate more people if you are having a party, and you can get away really cheap; where the olive bar olives can cost up to $8 a pound, these will only run a couple dollars! Who doesn't love to save some dough and simultaneously feel like they are getting just what they want?

Basically a can of olives, a bunch of herbs and spices and olive oil. Simple! You probably even have most of it in your cabinet. 

I used some fresh parsley and oregano, but like I said, if you have fresh basil on hand, you can throw that in too! 

Garlic, minced. One clove. 

The best thing to do is to combine all the herbs and spice into one bowl..... 

So dried basil (because my garden basil wasn't quite ready yet) 

Red pepper flakes for spice... which are optional if you don't like heat. 

Black pepper.... 

Salt. 

Mix it up! 

You have your drained black olives ( if you like green, use those!) Put all your mixed spices on them. 

Yes.... 

Then pour over 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.... 

And stir! And you are ready to enjoy! 

For me!!! YUM! 

Stores well in the fridge, too. 

Marinated Olives 

Time: 10 minutes | Makes 6 oz. | Difficulty: Easy! 

You Will Need:

1 6-ounce can of pitted olives, drained

1 sprig fresh oregano 

a few leaves of flat leaf parsley 

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil 

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

Method:

Place drained olives in a bowl. 

In a separate bowl combine oregano, parsley, garlic, basil, red pepper, black pepper and salt. Mix it up. 

Pour the herbs and spices over the olives. 

Pour the olive oil over all of it. 

Stir to combine fully. 

Serve!