Aperol & Herb Marinated Olives
Briny olives infused with Aperol's bright orange notes and fresh herbs for an unexpected appetizer that elevates any charcuterie board. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 18 minutes pairs Kalamata olives, Aperol, Fresh rosemary into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 125 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup Aperol
- 1 tsp Fresh rosemary
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 12 oz Kalamata olives under cold water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup Aperol, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh rosemary, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Step 3: Simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half and the flavors meld, then let cool completely.
- Step 4: Pour the cooled marinade over the olives in a glass jar, ensuring all are submerged, then seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol & Herb Marinated Olives take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol & Herb Marinated Olives?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kalamata olives from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol & Herb Marinated Olives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol & Herb Marinated Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aperol & Herb Marinated Olives?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
