A delightful and flavorful olive mix infused with Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon.
Drain the olives if they are brine-packed.
Draining the olives removes excess brine, allowing the added flavors to shine.
Combine the olives, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, fennel seeds, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors.
Zest the lemon and add the zest to the olive mixture.
Use a mix of fine and coarse zest for a balance of flavor and visual appeal.
Pour the olive oil over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients.
Coating the ingredients in olive oil helps preserve the mixture and enhances the flavor.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to marinate.
Marinating allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
Serve the olive mix at room temperature as an appetizer or snack.
Serving at room temperature enhances the flavors and aroma of the dish.