Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives Recipe

Introduction

The Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives recipe is the ultimate crowd pleaser, combining zesty citrus with bold, aromatic chili crisp. This appetizer stands out at any holiday table for its vibrant flavor profile and effortless preparation. Whether you need a quick starter or a standout addition to your charcuterie board, these marinated olives deliver festive flair and gourmet depth with minimal effort.

Deliciously Unique Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives

What sets this recipe apart is its harmonious blend of bright citrus zest and lively chili oil, infusing savory olives with layers of flavor. The aromatic warmth of chili crisp paired with tangy lemon and orange elevates your olives from simple to spectacular—perfect for impressing guests or adding character to cocktail hour snacks.

Preparing the Perfect Citrus & Chili Marinade

Creating the marinade is delightfully simple: freshly zested lemon and orange give a fragrant, invigorating base, while a generous spoonful of chili crisp adds umami and gentle heat. To round it out, a hint of garlic and your favorite fresh herbs tie the flavors together beautifully. Allow the olives to rest at least an hour lets everything meld into a crave-worthy bite that’s bursting with holiday spirit.

Assembling Your Marinated Olives

Combine the olives and marinade ingredients in a bowl or jar, toss well, and let the mixture marinate. That’s it! The flavors intensify with time, so you can easily make this ahead for an even tastier result. Serve them in a decorative bowl as the perfect holiday finger food—no utensils required.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Marinated Olives

For a stunning presentation, garnish your marinated olives with extra citrus peels, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or sliced chilis. Pair them with cheeses, cured meats, and rustic bread for an effortless holiday platter. They’re equally delicious nestled alongside roasted nuts or crunchy crudités to keep nibblers coming back for more.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 2 cups of marinated olives, which should serve 6 to 8 as an appetizer. Each serving (around 1/4 cup) provides approximately 90 calories, primarily from heart-healthy fats, and is naturally low in carbohydrates. It’s a flavorful, wholesome addition to your festive fare.

Deliciously Unique Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives (Recap)

The zippy marriage of citrus and chili creates an addictively savory treat, making these olives a must-have for holiday entertaining. Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe is your ticket to easy, memorable flavor.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olives, orange zest, lemon zest, olive oil, chili crisp, sliced garlic, and fresh herbs.
2. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper (plus fresh chili if using). Toss thoroughly until the olives are well coated with all the marinade components.
3. Cover the bowl or transfer the olives to a jar. Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature (or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
4. Before serving, let the olives return to room temperature. Toss once more and garnish with extra citrus zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This marinated olive recipe is perfect for prepping ahead and incorporating into your weekly meal rotation. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly add it to your meal plan and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists for all your planned dishes.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Makes weekly meal prep streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: Planning several holiday appetizers or meals? Schedule all your recipes to ensure ingredients like olive oil, citrus, and herbs are only purchased in the quantities you actually need, cutting both cost and food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Inactive Marinating Time: 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for more flavor)
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes (most of which is hands-off marinating)