Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives Recipe
A flavorful, no-cook Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring marinated mozzarella balls, artichokes, and green olives tossed in a zesty herb-infused olive oil dressing. Perfect for entertaining, this easy-to-prepare dish combines tangy vinegar, fresh herbs, and lemon zest for a bright, savory bite that can be served at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 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, or parsley)
- Zest of 1 Small Lemon
- Salt and Pepper to taste (go easy on salt)
Main Ingredients
- 1 Jar Marinated Artichokes (12oz), drained
- 8 ounces Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine), drained
- 1½ Cups Pitted & Stuffed Green Olives, drained
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped Pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red or white wine vinegar, finely grated garlic, dried Italian seasoning, lemon zest, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add main ingredients: To the bowl with the marinade, add the drained jarred artichokes, mini fresh mozzarella balls, and pitted & stuffed green olives.
- Toss to coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the marinade without breaking the mozzarella balls.
- Marinate: Allow the mixture to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finish and garnish: Just before serving, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish and sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve: Serve this marinated mozzarella, artichoke, and olive medley at room temperature for the best flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Adjust salt cautiously since both olives and marinated artichokes can be salty.
- For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but it can be refrigerated for a few hours ahead of time.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking the delicate mini mozzarella balls.
- Use a mix of fresh herbs to customize flavor profile based on preference.
- Chopped pistachios add a nice crunch and can be omitted for nut-free serving.
Keywords: marinated mozzarella balls, artichokes, olives, appetizer, Mediterranean, no-cook, easy recipe, party food, garlic, herbs, lemon zest
