How long will they last?

For at least one week, stored in a glass jar or a covered container in the fridge.

Should the olives be pitted or unpitted?

You can use either, but I personally prefer to use pitted olives. They're easier to eat and it means the pesto can get right up inside so you get more of the flavour.

Could I use a different kind of pesto?

I definitely think so! This would be delicious with a red pepper or sundried tomato pesto, wild garlic pesto or even spicy zhoug sauce would be lovely.

Pesto Marinated Olives

Description

Tossing your favourite olives with fresh basil pesto has to be the easiest party snack idea for entertaining. It’s quick, uses cupboard staples and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

325g/11oz (drained) mixed olives (I used pitted Kalamata and green olives)
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Prep your olives. Drain the olives from their brine, then add them to a mixing bowl. If you’re using unpitted olives and want to pit them, do this now (I normally use my fingers to pry the stones out, but you could slice them in half).
Marinate the olives. Add 1/2 cup of pesto and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bowl with the olives. Gently mix to combine, making sure the pesto is dispersed evenly through the olives. Transfer to a serving plate, and serve.

Notes

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: These olives will keep well for at least 1 week, stored in a glass jar or covered container in the fridge.

INGREDIENT NOTES: I like to use a mixture of pitted olives, but you could use unpitted olives if you like. Switch up the pesto you use – this works equally well with red pepper or sundried tomato pesto, wild garlic (ramps) pesto or even spicy zhoug sauce.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: They’re wonderful as part of a party spread – serve them in a big antipasti platter with marinated feta, pita chips, a selection of colourful dips, chilli cheese focaccia and marinated mini mozzarella balls. You could also toss them through pasta or salads.

Prep Time: 5
Category: snacks
Method: no cook
Cuisine: italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 tablespoons