Holiday Mix Mixed Olives Feta

Featured in: Simple Everyday Comforts

This vibrant holiday mix brings together a medley of marinated green and black olives paired with creamy feta cubes. Tossed in a zesty marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, fresh thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes, the flavors meld beautifully after chilling to enhance the taste. Finished with fresh parsley and lemon zest, this dish offers a bright, savory appetizer that’s quick to prepare and perfect for festive occasions. Variations include adding roasted red peppers or swapping feta for marinated goat cheese, offering versatile and flavorful options.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:41:00 GMT
Bright holiday mix: Juicy olives and creamy feta marinated, a flavorful appetizer ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Bright holiday mix: Juicy olives and creamy feta marinated, a flavorful appetizer ready to serve. | honeyprairie.com

A vibrant and festive appetizer featuring a medley of marinated olives and creamy feta cubes, perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Olives & Cheese: 1½ cups mixed olives (green and black, pitted); 200 g feta cheese, cut into 1 cm cubes
  • Marinade: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional); 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Zest of ½ lemon

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, combine the mixed olives and feta cubes.
Step 2:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme (if using), garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Step 3:
Pour the marinade over the olives and feta. Gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to break up the feta.
Step 4:
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 5:
Before serving, bring to room temperature. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Toss gently and serve.
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| honeyprairie.com

Marinated Holiday Mix with olives and feta, glistening in olive oil, ready for a festive gathering. Save to Pinterest
Marinated Holiday Mix with olives and feta, glistening in olive oil, ready for a festive gathering. | honeyprairie.com

This festive appetizer is easy to prepare and perfect for any holiday gathering.

Questions & Answers

Can I prepare the mix ahead of time?

Yes, marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavors, but it can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance for deeper taste.

What types of olives work best?

A combination of pitted green and black olives adds color and balanced flavor to the mix.

Is it possible to substitute feta cheese?

Marinated goat cheese can be used as an alternative to feta for a different creamy texture and taste.

How do the herbs influence the flavor?

Oregano adds earthiness, while fresh thyme and garlic contribute aromatic depth, enhancing the overall profile.

What serving suggestions complement this mix?

This mix pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter for varied textures and flavors.

Holiday Mix Mixed Olives Feta

A festive blend of marinated olives with creamy feta cubes, ideal for holiday entertaining.

Prep duration
10 minutes
0
Overall time needed
10 minutes
Recipe by Honey Prairie Abigail Greene


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type Mediterranean

Makes 6 Number of portions

Diet specifications Meatless, No Gluten, Reduced carbs

What You'll Need

Olives & Cheese

01 1.5 cups mixed pitted green and black olives
02 7 oz feta cheese, cut into 0.4 inch cubes

Marinade

01 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
05 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced
06 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
02 Zest of half a lemon

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine olives and feta: In a medium bowl, place the mixed olives and cubed feta cheese together.

Step 02

Prepare marinade: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, thyme leaves if using, garlic slices, red pepper flakes if desired, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Step 03

Toss olives and feta with marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the olives and feta, gently mixing to evenly coat while preserving feta cube shape.

Step 04

Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to develop flavor.

Step 05

Serve: Bring the mixture to room temperature, sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest, toss lightly, and serve immediately.

Essential tools

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Go through all ingredients to spot potential allergies. If unsure, check with a health expert.
  • Contains milk from feta cheese
  • Olives may be processed in facilities handling nuts; verify packaging if allergic

Nutrition details (per portion)

Details for informational use only — not a substitute for a medical professional.
  • Energy (calories): 180
  • Lipids: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 6 g