Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives is a delightful and versatile appetizer that combines creamy mozzarella with tangy artichokes and briny olives.
This dish features bite-sized mozzarella balls, marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs, garlic, and olive oil, alongside tender artichoke hearts and a variety of olives.
The result is a delicious mix of textures and tastes that makes for a perfect starter at any gathering or a tasty addition to a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives
Combining the richness of mozzarella, the tanginess of artichokes, and the savory goodness of olives, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Fresh herbs and lemon zest elevate the flavors, making each bite a gourmet experience.
Simple to prepare, it requires just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of marination.
Ideal for summer barbecues, a light lunch or just a add on to a summer meal
Ingredients:
– 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
– 2-3 Tablespoons Red or White Wine Vinegar
– 1 Garlic Clove – finely grated
– 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
– Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley)
– Zest of 1 Small Lemon
– Salt/Pepper to Taste (use salt sparingly)
– 1 Jar Marinated Artichokes – drained, 12oz
– 8 ounces Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls in water
– drained (Ciliegine)
– 1½ Cups Pitted & Stuffed Green Olives
– drained
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Gently toss the artichokes, mozzarella balls, and olives in the mixture until they are evenly coated.
Allow the mixture to marinate for 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with an extra drizzle of olive oil
For variations, you can customize your Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives by infusing the marinade with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to tailor the flavors to your preference.
To add a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Experimenting with different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, can also provide new dimensions to the dish.
Including other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes, can enhance its variety, while toasted pine nuts or slivers of almonds add a delightful crunch.
To ensure the best results, marinate the ingredients for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for a deeper flavor.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and make sure they are well-drained before marinating to avoid diluting the flavors.
Stir the mixture occasionally during marinating for even flavor distribution, and serve the dish at room temperature to maximize its taste and texture.
To store Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This will help preserve the flavors and freshness of the ingredients. It’s best to consume the dish within 3-5 days.
If you have leftover marinade, you can store it separately and use it to refresh the ingredients if needed.
For optimal taste, let the dish come to room temperature before serving, as cold temperatures can dull the flavors.