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Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring


  • Author: Isabel
  • Total Time: 12 appetizer servings

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheese & Olive Skewers

  • 1 cup green olives (pitted)
  • 1 cup black olives (pitted)
  • 1½ cups cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • 1215 cherry tomatoes (optional for color and freshness)
  • Small wooden cocktail skewers or toothpicks

For the Marinade

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish and Assembly

  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for decoration)
  • Lemon slices or citrus wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

  • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning to balance brightness and herbaceous notes.

2. Marinate the Olives and Cheese

  • In a large container or bowl, combine green olives, black olives, and cheese cubes.
  • Pour the marinade over and gently toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Stir once or twice during marination for even coating.

3. Assemble the Skewers

  • After marination, thread a variety of olives and cheese cubes onto cocktail skewers or toothpicks.
  • You can alternate olives and cheese, or add cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color.
  • Prepare enough skewers to arrange around a platter in a ring shape.

4. Create the Ring Arrangement

  • On a large round platter or serving tray, arrange the skewers in a circular pattern to form a decorative ring.
  • Tuck fresh herb sprigs between skewers to add greenery and visual flair.
  • Add citrus slices or wedges on the sides for garnish if desired.

5. Serve the Ring

  • Allow the skewers to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out full flavor.
  • Provide small plates or napkins so guests can easily grab individual skewers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marination Time: 2–24 hours
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes active, plus marination

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 4–5 skewers per person
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g