Spanish Olives are a really easy side dish that are a must at any tapas dinner party or just to keep in your fridge as a delicious Mediterranean flavoured snack. Juicy green olives marinated in garlic, lemon, coriander seeds, thyme and red chilli pepper flakes for a little bit of a kick.
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Olives are a delicious salty snack that takes on other flavours so well, that you can marinate them in different ingredients every time.
This simple Spanish Olives recipe has all our favourite Spanish flavours, and you won't be able to keep your hands off them.
If you are looking for some other recipes that feature olives, then why not try our Mediterranean Rice Salad, Easy Salad Jars or Greek Pasta Salad.
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Why You Will Love Them
- A new way to enjoy olives - Never have plain olives again. The flavours on these Spanish olives are so simple, but incredible.
- An easy snack - Who says snacks have to be boring. These are a delicious snack packed with healthy fats.
- A must at any tapas dinner party - Take your dinner party to the next level by having a tapas theme and including these.
- Great for feeding a crowd - When we have guests round for dinner, we like to put a bowl of these out, with some slices or crusty bread and olive and vinegar to dip it in and then everyone can pick at it with a glass of wine before the main event. What better way to bring people together than with snacks.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Olives - We used Gordal Olives, which is a Spanish olive. We prefer green olives, but any olives will work in this recipe.
- Oil - Try to use a really good quality extra virgin olive oil, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
- Vinegar - We used a red wine vinegar, but you could swap this for balsamic if you prefer.
- Lemon - This really lightens up the Spanish olives. Use juice and zest for extra lemon flavour.
- Chilli flakes - This is optional, but we like the kick of spice it gives.
- Garlic - Freshly crushed is best. Try to crush it into a fine paste so that it is evenly distributed amongst the olives.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Spanish Olives - Step by Step
Step 1
Put the olives into a large bowl.
Step 2
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Put in the fridge for several hours to marinate.
What Olives to Use
We used big meaty green olives, as we think the bigger the better when they are the star of the dish. To keep with the Spanish theme, try to use Spanish olives such as Gordal Olives. You could also use Manzanilla olives, which are also from Spain.
Spanish Olive Marinade
When people say they don't like olives, I always think that they can't be making them the right way. Maybe they have been having plain olives, and don't know just how amazing they can be.
With just a few key ingredients, you can totally transform plain olives. You can make them fit any themed dinner you like, from using Mexican herbs and spices, to Thai flavours.
This recipe really couldn't be easier, and takes less than 5 minutes to put together. You should try and make them a few hours ahead of time though - 24 hours would be even better. The longer they have to marinade, the better they will taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Spanish Olives are a must at a tapas themed meal, so we always serve them with our Spanish Rice, Tortilla or Patatas Bravas. They also go well with a simple grilled chicken or salmon dish. Why not try them on our Tapas Platter.
We have to admit, we like to keep a big bowl of these in the fridge to snack on any time we go into the kitchen, or we serve them on the side of sandwiches or on a salad.
Dannii's Top Tips
- You don't have to stick to Spanish flavours. Why not use Mexican or Italian herbs and spices instead.
- These olives will keep in an air tight jar in the fridge for around 2 weeks.
- Serve at any tapas dinner party or with a simple grilled chicken or salmon dish.
- Bulk this dish out a little and transform them by adding some skinned almonds.
- You can use any olives you like, but we like using big meaty green olives.
- Try to use the best quality olive oil you can buy, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you put these in an air tight jar, they will be good for a couple of weeks. So why not make a big batch and keep them to add to meals, or something easy to put out when you have unexpected guests.
As long as you make sure there is no cross contamination, then these can be gluten free.
More Spanish Recipes
If you've tried these Spanish Olives, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Spanish Olives
Ingredients
- 300 g (2.25 cups) Pitted green olives
- 80 ml (0.33 cups) Olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 Lemon - (juice and zest only)
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds - crushed
- 0.25 tablespoon Red chilli flakes
- 1 tablespoon Dried thyme
- 2 Garlic clove - crushed
Instructions
- Put the olives into a large bowl.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
- Put in the fridge for several hours to marinate.
Recipe Tips
- You don't have to stick to Spanish flavours. Why not use Mexican or Italian herbs and spices instead.
- These olives will keep in an air tight jar in the fridge for around 2 weeks.
- Serve at any tapas dinner party or with a simple grilled chicken or salmon dish.
- Bulk this dish out a little and transform them by adding some skinned almonds.
- You can use any olives you like, but we like using big meaty green olives.
- Try to use the best quality olive oil you can buy, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
georgie says
what a great appetiser for the Christmas table! I don't usually like olives, but I think I'd definitely eat these, they look beautiful!
Beth says
This is a game changer in my appetizer game! I am loving how you can make your own flavored olives, I never thought of that! Thanks for sharing!
Alison says
I'm a member of the olive fan club! I could eat them all day! These Spanish olives are spectacular. Perfect as an appetizer for a party. The spices are wonderful!
estelle | soulandstreusel.com says
I love Spain(I spent two summers woofing there on a finca in the south) and the tapas were great! always lots of olives served in little red ceramic pots. these look really great and I can't wait to try them and see how they compare!
Nicole says
These spanish olives are sure to be a show stopper during the holidays!
Danielle says
I love getting olives as an appetizer at restaurants, but never thought about making them at home! Looks so tasty!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I love your recipe, I'll be making it again!
Sara Welch says
I always love to serve olives during holiday gatherings; I will have to give your recipe a try! Looks delicious!
sarah johnson says
I didn't like olive at first. I had to train my taste buds to enjoy them. I remember when first married my husband he made a salad with extra virgin olive oil, I spat out that salad, so fast and told him it had too many olives in it. When, in fact, it was only the oil. Now I'm a true olive lover and have up to 3 varieties of the fruit in my fridge at any given time.
Tisha says
This is a great way to spice up those olives as an appetizer! So much flavor!