Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives Recipe
Introduction
Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives are the ultimate appetizer for any festive gathering. Bursting with zesty citrus notes and a gentle kick of heat from chili crisp, this easy recipe instantly elevates your snack table. Ready in minutes and requiring minimal prep, these marinated olives are a vibrant, flavorful addition that’s sure to please every guest—whether it’s a casual get-together or a holiday party.
Why These Marinated Olives Are a Must-Make
This recipe stands out by balancing the bright, aromatic flavors of lemon and orange with the subtle heat and earthy depth of chili crisp. The resulting appetizer is far more exciting than plain olives—each bite is simultaneously tangy, spicy, and deeply savory. It’s the effortless kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly from the table, making it a go-to addition for any holiday spread.
How to Infuse Olives with Citrus and Chili Crisp
To achieve bold flavor, the marinade begins with strips of zest from both lemon and orange, releasing essential oils that perfume the olives beautifully. A generous spoonful of chili crisp delivers just the right amount of warmth and umami-rich crunch. Fragrant herbs (like rosemary or thyme) bring a festive touch, while fresh garlic ties the marinade together. Letting the olives rest for at least an hour allows flavors to meld for an even more satisfying bite.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Holiday Table
Serve these Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives alongside cheese boards, cured meats, or crusty bread. Toss the marinated olives with a handful of toasted almonds for added crunch, or incorporate them into salads and grain bowls for a burst of flavor. The marinade also doubles as a zesty drizzle for roasted vegetables or grilled fish—a versatile gem for holiday entertaining.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 2 cups of marinated olives, perfect for serving 6–8 as an appetizer. Each serving contains approximately 100 calories, mostly from healthy fats provided by olives and extra virgin olive oil. The ingredients are vegan and naturally gluten-free, making them a safe bet for diverse holiday crowds.
Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives (Recap)
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these marinated olives combine zesty fruit, bold chili, and aromatic herbs—a show-stopping addition to any gathering. They’re not just an easy appetizer; they’re a conversation starter and plate-emptier!
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate an organized shopping list for easy holiday grocery runs. Let CookifyAI sort your ingredients by store section and keep your festive meal plans on track!
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained olives, strips of orange and lemon zest, and sliced garlic.
- Add the chili crisp, fresh herb sprigs, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Toss gently until the olives are well coated and the zest is evenly distributed.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt and additional chili flakes, if desired.
- Cover and let the mixture marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour (or refrigerate for up to 3 days for a deeper flavor; bring to room temperature before serving).
- Before serving, remove and discard herb sprigs (if woody), then transfer olives to a serving dish. Drizzle with some of the marinade for extra punch.
Weekly Meal Planning
These marinated olives are perfect for advance prep and seamless menu planning—whether for a weekend party or adding excitement to weeknight dinners. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan your festive feasts. CookifyAI makes it easy to create smart shopping lists that combine ingredients from all your scheduled recipes!
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically totals all ingredients across planned meals
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery store aisle for fast, efficient trips
- Helps avoid forgotten items and duplicate purchases
- Simplifies multi-recipe meal planning and holiday prepping
Pro tip: Plan your week with several appetizer and main course recipes to maximize ingredient overlap—like using extra rosemary or citrus from this recipe in a roast or dessert!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Enjoy these bold, zesty Holiday Citrus + Chili Crisp Marinated Olives and wow your guests with every bite!
