Olives are a flavorful and versatile appetizer that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments.
They have a unique flavor that pairs nicely with other ingredients and can be used in a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for some delicious dishes to serve with olives, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something new to try, here are some tasty recipes that pair perfectly with olives.
So, just stay with me to satisfy your taste buds.
A quick solution on what to serve with olives as an appetizer Cheese Board, Crostini, Salumi Platter, Feta cheese and Kalamata olives, Boursin cheese and green olives, Creamy goat's cheese and black olives, Tomato Bruschetta, Cheese Platter, Hummus Dip, Baked Feta Cheese, Pizza Roll Ups, Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers, Marinated Vegetables, Herbed Ricotta Spread, Greek Salad Skewers, Crostini With Basil Pesto, Fish Cakes With Avocado Salsa, Grilled Halloumi & Peppers Skewers, Olive Tapenade, Baked Zucchini Crisps, Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Dip, Avocado Egg Salad, Bruschetta With Olives & Feta, Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls, Bruschetta With White Bean Spread, Kale And Olive Salad, Olive And Feta Stuffed Tomatoes, Olive Tapenade Crostini.
Best sides to serve with olives as an appetizer
1. Cheese Board
Cheese boards are always a hit as an appetizer, and they look great too! When putting together your cheese board, select different types of cheeses that will complement the briny flavor of olives.
Creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and salty feta all pair nicely with olives.
Serve the cheese alongside slices of French baguette or crackers, and top it off with a few varieties of olives for extra flavor.
2. Crostini
Crostinis are easy to make and even easier to customize. All you need is some bread, olive oil, and a few other ingredients, and you have yourself an elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion.
To make crostinis topped with olives, spread cream cheese onto slices of baguette and top them off with halved olives and freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill.
Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan on top for an extra kick!
3. Salumi Platter
My personal favorite Salumi platters are another great way to serve up delicious appetizers alongside olives.
For this dish, simply arrange thinly sliced salami on a platter along with pickles, grapes, walnuts, cornichons (tiny pickles), and of course – olives!
This platter is sure to satisfy everyone in your room – it’s savory yet light enough that people won’t fill up before the main course arrives.
4. Cheese & Olives Pairing Ideas
When it comes to pairing olives with cheese, the possibilities are nearly endless! Here are a few winning combinations that you should consider trying out the next time you want to serve up something special for your guests:
Feta cheese and Kalamata olives
This Greek-inspired duo is sure to please! The saltiness of the feta contrasts perfectly with the brininess of the Kalamata olives.
You can serve as part of an antipasto platter or as individual bites on toothpicks.
Boursin cheese and green olives
This creamy French cheese paired with mild green olives will create a taste sensation! Serve it up on crackers or slices of baguette for maximum yumminess.
Creamy goat’s cheese and black olives
For those who like it bold, this combination will definitely hit the spot! The creaminess of the goat’s cheese pairs perfectly with the intense flavor of your black olives.
Serve on crostini or atop mini tart shells for a truly special treat.
More: Best Things to serve with Pimento Cheese Sandwich with a real twist
5. Tomato Bruschetta
You can try this classic option. Bite-sized slices of toasted French bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a savory appetizer. Enjoy.
6. Cheese Platter
A selection of various kinds of cheese, such as feta, gouda, manchego, or goat cheese, served with olives, makes for an easy and delicious appetizer for your plate.
7. Hummus Dip
A popular Middle Eastern dip created from chickpeas blended with tahini sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to give it a creamy texture and flavorful taste.
Serve with pita chips or warm flatbreads for dipping, along with a bowl of olives.
8. Baked Feta Cheese
This Mediterranean dish consists of cubes of feta cheese baked in an oven until they turn golden brown, and you can serve it with olives as an appetizer.
9. Pizza Roll-Ups
Create your own by spreading pesto inside rolled pizza dough slices before topping them off with small pieces of mozzarella cheese and olives before baking them in the oven until crispy and golden brown on the outside.
10. Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers
Slice baby bell peppers in half lengthwise before stuffing them with a flavorful combination of rice, ground beef or turkey, canned tomatoes, onions, and spices; then, you can bake them in the oven until fully cooked through.
Top each pepper off with some olives for added flavor and texture!
11. Marinated Vegetables
Combine your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers, or mushrooms in a marinade made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs; before serving, chill alongside some olives for a refreshing appetizer option!
12. Herbed Ricotta Spread
Blend ricotta cheese together with garlic cloves and fresh herbs like dill or basil to create a flavorful spread perfect for spreading over crackers or crusty breads alongside bowls of olives!
13. Greek Salad Skewers
Try this one, and all you need to do is layer strips of fresh vegetables like cucumbers capsicums (bell peppers) and cucumbers onto wooden skewers alternating between each type along with pitted Kalamata olives before drizzling over some extra virgin olive oil for even more flavor!
14. Fish Cakes With Avocado Salsa
Form salmon fillets into patties, then pan fry until lightly golden brown on both sides; then you just top each one off with homemade avocado salsa sprinkled generously alongside a bowl stuffed full of ripe black olives!
15. Grilled Halloumi & Peppers Skewers
Slice halloumi cheese into cubes before threading it onto wooden skewers alternating between chunks of red pepper and black kalamata-style sliced olives.
And then brush over some extra virgin olive oil prior to grilling till lightly charred around the edges yet still soft in the center! Enjoy it with your family.
16. Olive Tapenade
Create your own tapenade by grinding together pitted Kalamata-style black olives together into a paste consistency, adding droplets of extra virgin olive oil periodically during the process.
So that it doesn’t become too thick once cooled, serve it up either on its own or alongside some freshly baked breads crackers!
17. Baked Zucchini Crisps
You just Cut zucchini into thin slices, arrange them onto a baking tray, sprinkle generously Italian salt seasoning.
Then drizzle extra virgin olive oil bake for minutes flipping halfway through take out; enjoy a yummy snack side bowl green Spanish style whole Manzanilla stuffed black Picholine!
18. Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Dip
Whiz up roasted red peppers, drained canned artichokes, fresh spinach leaves, a cup of sour cream, clove garlic, a tablespoon of chopped parsley teaspoon of dried oregano together food processor, and stir a cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Plus a handful of pitted Kalamata, you can serve chilled spread top crostinis cracker rounds, sprinkle a few more flakes feta finish off the plate colorful array of different styles!
19. Avocado Egg Salad
Mash ripe avocadoes together, chunked hard-boiled eggs, a handful of chopped parsley, a tablespoon of capers, a teaspoon of red wine vinegar, mayonnaise season salt pepper; mix everything together carefully and spoon over slices of toasted wholemeal bread.
Next, you top off each one with some pitted kalamata olives!
20. Bruschetta With Olives & Feta
I just love this combination.
Toast thick slices of crusty baguette and spread a generous layer of olive tapenade or pesto on top before topping each one off with crumbled feta cheese and a few black olives.
You can serve it with a glass of crisp white wine for the perfect summer appetizer.
21. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls
You can easily prepare quinoa according to package instructions, then top off each bowl with a scoop of hummus, some thin slices of cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese, and finish it all off with some freshly chopped Kalamata olives.
22. Bruschetta With White Bean Spread
Toast thick slices of crusty baguette and spread a generous layer of white bean dip on top before topping each one off with thinly sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and a few black olives.
Sprinkle over some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor!
23. Kale And Olive Salad
Chop up kale into small pieces, then toss together with cooked quinoa, red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a homemade lemon vinaigrette.
To finish it off, top it with crumbled feta cheese and enjoy!
24. Olive And Feta Stuffed Tomatoes
Firstly you cut the tops off of large tomatoes, then scoop out their insides before stuffing each one with a mixture of black olives, feta cheese, chopped mint leaves, and extra virgin olive oil.
Bake in the oven until the tomatoes are soft, and enjoy as a side dish or appetizer.
25. Olive Tapenade Crostini
Spread store-bought olive tapenade over slices of toasted baguette, then top them off with some thin shavings of Parmesan cheese and small Kalamata olives for an easy yet delicious appetizer.
What are the best flavors to go with olives?
Olives have a distinct, savory flavor that makes them popular in various dishes. They pair well with a variety of flavors, including tangy and salty tastes.
For example, adding capers to olives adds an acidic note that contrasts the salty flavor of the olives.
The herb thyme is another great complement to olives, adding a slightly sweet and floral taste to the dish.
Olives are also often paired with citrus fruits like lemons and oranges for some brightness, freshness, and acidity.
Garlic is also commonly used to accentuate the natural brininess of olives while providing an onion-like aroma and robust flavor.
Finally, pairing olives with herbs like rosemary or oregano can bring out the complexity of their flavor profile even further.
How do you jazz up olives?
You can jazz up olives by marinating them in a garlic and herb blend, adding different spices to the mix, or even roasting them with a combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
You could also try stuffing them with feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, or almonds for extra flavor. Another way to give your olives some extra oomph is by tossing them in lemon juice and chili flakes!
Finally, for a special finish, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Enjoy your olives with a glass of wine or as part of an appetizer platter.
With all these delicious ways to serve them, you’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
What is the best way to serve olives on any occasion?
Olives are versatile and delicious snacks that can be served in a variety of ways. One popular method is to stuff the olives with different fillings, such as garlic, almonds, or anchovies.
This adds flavor and makes for an interesting presentation. Olives can also be served whole, marinated in oil and herbs for a zesty flavor.
For something unique, try serving olives on skewers mixed with other vegetables and fruits. This makes for a colorful array of flavors that will look beautiful on any platter or table setting.
Whether they are served alone or paired with other ingredients, olives make a tasty addition to any occasion!
For an easy appetizer, try adding olives to a creamy dip. Mix together Greek yogurt, feta cheese, and chopped olives for a delicious snack.
Olives can also be added to pizza, pasta dishes, salads, or sandwiches for a salty kick.
Stuffing olives with cream cheese is another popular option – the combination of smooth creaminess and briny flavors makes it hard to resist!
The choices are limitless when it comes to creating recipes with olives as an ingredient. Get creative and explore the possibilities!
Finally, don’t forget about using olives as toppings on pizzas or as garnishes for cocktails and other drinks. Olives add color and flavor to any dish! Enjoy!
How should olives be served?
Olives are usually served as a snack or appetizer. They can be eaten raw, stuffed with cheese or meats, marinated in oil, or preserved in jars or cans.
Olives are often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as crackers, breads, herbs, and spices.
Popular accompaniments to olives include citrus fruits, nuts, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and anchovies.
Olives also make for a great addition to salads and pasta dishes when chopped finely and combined with other ingredients such as tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
For a more sophisticated dish, they can be cooked with capers and onions in white wine sauce. Olives are also a popular ingredient in many sauces, tapenades, and pestos.
They can also be used to create olive oil-based marinades for proteins such as chicken, fish, or beef.
Lastly, olives can be added to desserts such as cakes, tarts, and ice creams to add a unique flavor and texture.
Conclusion on what to serve with olives as an appetizer
Olives can be served as an appetizer in many different ways, depending on what flavors you enjoy most!
Cheese boards are always popular, but if you want something more unique, why not try crostinis or a salumi platter?
These recipes will help get your creative juices flowing, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
No matter what you decide to serve alongside your olives, one thing is certain – your guests will be impressed by your delicious creations!
FAQs on what to serve with olives as an appetizer
Q1. What are the best olives to serve at a party?
Olives are an amazing snack to serve at any party – they’re easy to make and serve, and they have a unique flavor that adds pizzazz to any event. For a truly impressive olive spread, consider serving Kalamata olives, which are deep purple in color, rich in flavor, and extremely popular amongst olive connoisseurs.
Serve them in a large bowl, or arrange them on a platter to make your party presentation truly spectacular. If you’re feeling creative, try experimenting with different spices and herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, to add an extra layer of flavor to your olives.
You can also marinate the olives in olive oil and garlic for at least 24 hours before serving – this will give them a delicious depth of flavor that’s sure to be appreciated by all of your guests.
Olives are an excellent snack for any gathering – so why not add some zest to your next party by serving up some Kalamata olives? They’ll be sure to impress!
Q2. Do you serve olives with toothpicks?
It is not common to serve olives with toothpicks; however, there are some occasions where this may be the case.
For example, if you are hosting a party and serving a charcuterie plate with various cheeses, meats, and pickled vegetables, you might include toothpicks among the accompaniments for guests to more easily pick up the olives.
Olives can also be served as part of a martini garnish, so in that case, toothpicks would also come in handy. Additionally, when preparing olives on their own as an appetizer or snack, toothpicks can be used to add visual interest to otherwise plain olives while making them easier to eat.
Q3. Should you rinse olives before eating?
Whether or not you should rinse olives before eating is largely a matter of personal preference. Rinsing can help to remove some of the briny, salty taste that some people find too overpowering, while others enjoy the flavor.
It can also help to remove any dirt or dust that may have settled onto the olives while they were in storage.
Rinsing olives may also be beneficial if you are using them as a topping on salads or other dishes. The saltiness from the olives can overpower other flavors, so rinsing can help to reduce this impact. Plus, it will make them look much fresher and more appetizing when served.
The best way to rinse olives is by placing them in a colander over a bowl and running cool water over them for several minutes until the water runs clear. Make sure to shake them around a bit during this process and drain off any excess liquid before serving.
In addition to rinsing, many people like to soak their olives in fresh water for 5-10 minutes before eating or using them in recipes. This helps draw out even more of the saltiness and gives the olives a milder taste and texture.
When finished soaking, pour off the water and either let them air dry or pat them with a paper towel before consuming or cooking with them.
Q4. How many olives is one serving?
One serving of olives typically contains between 10 and 20 olives, depending on the size of the olives and how they are served. Olives vary in size, with smaller varieties like kalamata and manzanilla olives only containing around 5-7 olives per serving.
Meanwhile, larger varieties such as Cerignola or Kalamata can contain up to 20 or more olives per serving. Generally speaking, one should expect around 10-20 olives per serving of any variety of olive.
