Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

Oh wow, this one’s a keeper. These Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Artichokes and Olives are packed with flavor. And they look so fancy.

We made a big batch for game night, and they disappeared fast. The cheese is soft, the artichokes are tangy, and the olives add a little salty bite. It’s like a mini flavor party in every bite.

You don’t even need to cook anything. Just toss it all together and let it sit. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.

So yeah, you’ve gotta try this. Grab a bowl, mix it up, and let the magic happen in your fridge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes! Perfect for last-minute gatherings or a snack to enjoy throughout the week.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer, a salad topping, or served as part of a charcuterie board.
• Flavors Galore: The combination of mozzarella, artichokes, olives, and fresh herbs brings a symphony of flavors that are rich and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the ingredients for a few hours (or even overnight) for even more intense flavor.
• Healthy & Light: Packed with wholesome ingredients like mozzarella, artichokes, and olives, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a list of the tools and utensils you’ll need to prepare this Mediterranean appetizer:

• Large Bowl: To combine all the ingredients and toss them together in the marinade.
• Small Whisk or Fork: For mixing the marinade.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To chop herbs, zest the lemon, and slice the artichokes or olives if needed.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the oil, vinegar, and spices.
• Storage Container: If you plan to make the dish ahead of time, a glass jar or airtight container will keep the ingredients fresh as they marinate.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciously tangy, herb-filled marinated dish:

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and richness.
• Red or White Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the rich olive oil and mozzarella.
• Garlic Clove (finely grated): Infuses the marinade with a warm, savory flavor.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and other classic Mediterranean herbs to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs of Choice: This is where you can get creative! I love using thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, or parsley – feel free to experiment.
• Lemon Zest (1 Small Lemon): Adds a zesty citrus note that lifts the whole dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, but go easy on the salt as the artichokes and olives bring in some natural saltiness.
• Jar Marinated Artichokes (12 oz, drained): The artichokes provide a tangy, tender bite that complements the creamy mozzarella and briny olives.
• Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine, drained): These soft, bite-sized balls of mozzarella are the star of the dish, providing a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the briny olives and tangy artichokes.
• Pitted & Stuffed Green Olives (drained): Adds a salty, savory element that pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
• Chopped Pistachios (optional): For a little added crunch and richness, sprinkle some pistachios on top. They add a wonderful texture contrast and elevate the flavor.

Variations for Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

While this dish is already bursting with flavor, there are several ways to customize it to your preferences:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even cucumbers for an extra veggie boost.
• Different Olives: Try using Kalamata olives or a mix of black and green olives for a more varied flavor profile.
• Add Anchovies: If you’re a fan of anchovies, adding a few fillets will give the dish a wonderful umami punch.
• Spice It Up: Add some chili flakes or a fresh diced chili to the marinade for a little heat.
• Add Cheese: Besides mozzarella, you could also incorporate some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

The first step is to gather all of your ingredients and prepare them for marination. Drain the jarred artichokes and mozzarella balls. If the artichokes are large, slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier serving. Drain the olives as well. This is important because you don’t want any extra brine to interfere with the marinade’s flavor.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, finely grated garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Whisk the mixture together until it’s well combined. The olive oil acts as a base, while the vinegar provides the necessary acidity. The garlic adds depth, and the Italian seasoning gives it a classic Mediterranean flavor.

3. Toss the Ingredients

Add the drained mozzarella balls, artichokes, and olives to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together gently to ensure the marinade coats each ingredient. Be careful not to break the mozzarella balls while tossing.

4. Marinate the Dish

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight will give the flavors even more time to develop. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making this an ideal make-ahead dish.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once marinated, take the dish out of the fridge. If desired, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for a delightful crunch. The dish is now ready to serve! You can either serve it as a simple appetizer on its own or as part of a larger spread with crackers, bread, or veggies for dipping.

How to Serve Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways:

• On a Charcuterie Board: Add it alongside cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and some crusty bread or crackers for a beautiful and varied spread.
• As an Appetizer: Serve it as a starter at your next dinner party or potluck. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress guests.
• In Salads: Toss this marinated mixture into a salad for added flavor and texture. It pairs especially well with greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
• With Crostini: Serve it with toasted crostini or baguette slices. Simply scoop the marinated artichokes, olives, and mozzarella onto the crostini for a flavorful bite.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood as a light and refreshing side dish.

Storing Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

Proper storage is key to ensuring this dish stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some tips to keep your marinated appetizer at its best:

1. Refrigeration:

Once you’ve made the dish, place the bowl or storage container in the fridge. The mozzarella balls, artichokes, and olives will absorb the marinade over time, and the flavors will intensify.

• Storage Duration: The dish will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. If you have leftovers, just make sure they are stored in an airtight container or covered well. This will prevent the flavors from becoming too concentrated, and it will also keep the ingredients from drying out or picking up other odors from the fridge.
• How to Serve After Storing: Simply remove the dish from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving. If the olive oil has solidified in the fridge (which can happen when it’s cold), let the dish come to room temperature for a few minutes. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or vinegar to freshen up the flavors.

2. Freezing:

Although it’s not ideal to freeze this dish because the textures of the mozzarella balls and artichokes may change upon thawing, you can freeze the marinade for later use.

• How to Freeze the Marinade: Pour the marinade (without the mozzarella, artichokes, and olives) into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you want to make this dish again, simply thaw the marinade and combine it with fresh ingredients.

3. Make-Ahead Tips:

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how well it adapts to being made ahead of time. If you know you’re going to have a busy week, prep this dish the night before or the morning of. The longer it sits, the better it gets!

• Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, allow it to marinate for at least 2-3 hours, though overnight in the fridge is even better.
• Pro Tip: Prepare the dish a day or two ahead of an event. The flavors will meld together, and you’ll be able to just grab it from the fridge when you need it!

Nutritional Information

If you’re wondering about the nutritional benefits of this Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives dish, let me break it down for you. This dish is a great balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a satisfying snack or appetizer.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 1/4 cup serving size):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150-200 kcal
Protein	7-8 grams
Fat	12-15 grams
Carbohydrates	5-6 grams
Fiber	2 grams
Sugar	2 grams
Sodium	300-350 mg

Health Benefits

• Mozzarella: Rich in protein and calcium, mozzarella is also a good source of vitamins A and B12. It adds a creamy texture to the dish, making it both satisfying and delicious.
• Artichokes: These are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins like vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K. They also support digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Olives: Olives are a fantastic source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health. They also provide a rich supply of antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that’s packed with antioxidants, olive oil is great for reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being.
• Herbs & Garlic: Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor without extra calories or sodium. Garlic, in particular, is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Diet-Friendly

This dish is not only tasty but also aligns with several popular dietary preferences:

• Low-Carb: Perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It’s packed with healthy fats and protein, keeping you full without unnecessary carbs.
• Gluten-Free: All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a safe option for anyone avoiding gluten.
• Mediterranean Diet-Friendly: With its emphasis on fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins, this dish fits perfectly into the Mediterranean diet, which is praised for its heart-healthy benefits.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians and is even a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their meals.

Creative Ways to Serve Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

While I’ve already mentioned some classic ways to serve this dish, let’s get a bit more creative with how you can enjoy this flavor-packed appetizer.

1. As a Topping for Pizza

Why not top your pizza with this marinated mixture? Simply add some of the marinated mozzarella balls, olives, and artichokes after baking for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor. You could also drizzle a little of the marinade over the pizza for even more zest.

2. As a Filling for Wraps or Sandwiches

If you’re looking to create a quick lunch, toss some of the marinated mozzarella balls, artichokes, and olives into a wrap or sandwich. Add some fresh greens like spinach or arugula, and maybe a little hummus or pesto for extra creaminess.

3. In Pasta Dishes

This dish could also be incorporated into pasta dishes. Toss the marinated ingredients with your favorite pasta (penne or spaghetti work great), and maybe add a bit more fresh olive oil and fresh herbs. The mozzarella will melt slightly, giving the pasta a lovely creamy texture.

4. In Grain Bowls

Layer the marinated ingredients in a grain bowl with farro, quinoa, or couscous. Add some roasted veggies, a handful of fresh greens, and a light dressing to create a delicious and filling meal.

5. With Roasted Meats

This dish makes a fantastic accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats. The acidity of the artichokes and olives will complement rich dishes like roast chicken, grilled lamb, or even steak.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of mini mozzarella balls?

Yes, you can use regular mozzarella. If you choose to use a larger mozzarella ball, simply slice it into bite-sized pieces to mimic the small mozzarella balls. The key is to make sure they can absorb the marinade and create that delicious, creamy texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the longer it marinates, the more the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day or even two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving.

How long will the marinated mozzarella balls, artichokes, and olives last in the fridge?

This dish will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mozzarella balls will keep their creamy texture, and the flavors will continue to intensify as they marinate.

Can I use canned artichokes instead of jarred ones?

Yes, you can use canned artichokes, but be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any extra brine. Jarred artichokes tend to have a slightly more intense flavor, but canned ones are a great alternative.

What can I use if I don’t have wine vinegar?

If you don’t have wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even balsamic vinegar. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll still work well in the marinade.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add in vegetables like roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even cucumbers to create a more vibrant, veggie-packed dish. They’ll absorb the marinade and complement the other ingredients perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delicious Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives dish as much as I do! It’s the perfect appetizer to share with friends and family or to simply enjoy as a quick, healthy snack throughout the week. Its combination of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a must-have in your recipe collection.

Feel free to experiment with different variations, whether you add more herbs, change the type of olives, or adjust the acidity. It’s your dish to make your own!