Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Takes only 10 minutes to prepare, with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Entertaining: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks fancy but is incredibly simple.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—add different herbs, swap olives, or include other mix-ins.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The longer it marinates, the better the flavors develop.
- Healthy & Fresh: Made with wholesome ingredients rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (finely grated)
- Dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley)
- Lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
- Marinated artichokes (drained)
- Mini fresh mozzarella balls (Ciliegine, drained)
- Pitted and stuffed green olives (drained)
- Chopped pistachios (optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, grated garlic, dried Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained artichokes, mozzarella balls, and green olives.
- Pour the marinade over the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight jar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally a few hours or overnight, to enhance the flavors.
- Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pistachios for extra crunch.
- Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or longer for best flavor)
- Total Time: 40 minutes (or longer if marinated overnight)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Different Olives: Use Kalamata or black olives for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Citrusy Twist: Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a slightly sweeter, aromatic touch.
- Cheese Swap: Try marinated feta or burrata for a different texture and taste.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pistachios or replace them with toasted pine nuts.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the marinated mozzarella mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: No reheating needed! Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the olive oil to loosen up.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the mozzarella balls and olives?
At least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let them marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feta, burrata, or even goat cheese can work well in this recipe.
Do I need to use marinated artichokes?
Marinated artichokes add extra flavor, but you can use canned or fresh artichokes and season them yourself.
Can I add more ingredients to the mix?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or capers would be delicious additions.
What should I serve with this appetizer?
Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or alongside a charcuterie board.
Can I use black olives instead of green?
Yes, black olives will provide a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it great for a keto diet.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of grated?
Yes, but finely mincing or grating the garlic helps distribute its flavor evenly.
How do I make this ahead of time?
Prepare and marinate it a day in advance, then let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly while keeping the marinade ratio balanced.
Conclusion
Marinated mozzarella balls, artichokes, and olives are the perfect make-ahead appetizer for any occasion. With a balance of creamy, briny, and herbaceous flavors, this dish is both simple to make and impressive to serve. Whether for a holiday spread, picnic, or casual get-together, this flavorful mix will be a hit!
PrintMarinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives
These Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives are the perfect Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that packs a punch of flavors. Fresh mozzarella balls, tangy olives, and tender artichokes marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon zest come together for a crowd-pleasing, healthy dish. Ideal for entertaining, this easy-to-make appetizer is customizable and can be made ahead for a stress-free, flavorful snack!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jar marinated artichokes (drained)
- 1 jar mini fresh mozzarella balls (Ciliegine, drained)
- 1 cup pitted and stuffed green olives (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, grated garlic, dried Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained artichokes, mozzarella balls, and green olives.
- Pour the marinade over the mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight jar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally a few hours or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir gently and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Optional: Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for an extra crunch.
- Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate for longer (up to 24 hours) for more intense flavors.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Cheese Swap: Try feta or burrata for a different texture.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip pistachios or replace with toasted pine nuts.
