Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

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Picture this: a vibrant platter bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, glossy kalamata olives, and creamy mozzarella balls all soaking in a rich herby marinade. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s the kind of Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that instantly elevates any gathering. Whether you’re putting together a mezze spread, prepping for a picnic, or just want to add some flair to your snack game, this dish delivers both flavor and flair.

The beauty of Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives lies in its simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients and a bit of chill time, the flavors marry into something that tastes gourmet without any effort. It’s salty, creamy, tangy, and herbaceous—the perfect bite alongside crusty bread, wine, or tucked into a sandwich. Plus, it stores well, making it a great make-ahead option.

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What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine (small cherry-sized balls). They soak up the marinade beautifully and are just the right size for snacking. If you can’t find pearls, larger mozzarella balls can be cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid shredded or low-moisture blocks—they won’t absorb the flavors in the same way and can end up rubbery.

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Ingredients for the Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

Mozzarella Pearls – Creamy and soft, these are the base of the recipe and soak up all the herbal goodness.

Artichoke Hearts – Choose marinated or canned varieties. Their meaty texture pairs beautifully with the cheese and olives.

Kalamata Olives – Bold and briny, they bring that classic Mediterranean flavor and contrast nicely with the mild mozzarella.

Cherry Tomatoes – Roasted or sun-dried, they add a pop of sweetness and richness.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil, or Rosemary) – These bring brightness and aroma to the marinade.

Olive Oil – A generous amount is key to creating a rich, flavorful soak for all the ingredients.

Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but a pinch adds the perfect gentle heat.

Garlic – Minced or thinly sliced for a zesty aromatic punch.

Salt & Pepper – To balance and round out the flavors.

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How To Make the Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Drain the mozzarella pearls, artichoke hearts, and olives. If you’re using canned or jarred artichokes, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Slice any larger artichoke hearts in half. If using sun-dried or oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, make sure they’re halved or bite-sized.

Step 2: Build the Marinade

In a large bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a few sprigs of rosemary or basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a generous crack of black pepper. Add a small pinch of sea salt. Stir or shake to combine.

Step 3: Assemble Everything

Add the drained mozzarella balls, artichokes, olives, and tomatoes into the marinade. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to start infusing.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl or seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors develop. Give everything a gentle stir once or twice while marinating.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Before serving, let the mix sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes so the olive oil isn’t solid. Serve it as a starter, spooned onto toasted baguette slices, or as part of an antipasto platter.

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How to Serve and Store Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives

This dish is made for sharing. Serve it in a shallow bowl with a spoon for drizzling that delicious marinade over toasted crostini, or pile it high on a grazing board surrounded by crackers, charcuterie, and fresh veggies. It also works beautifully as a topping for salads or tucked into a warm pita with greens.

To store, transfer any leftovers (marinade included) into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again, so the olive oil liquifies and everything tastes vibrant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of olives work best?

Kalamata are traditional, but you can also use Castelvetrano olives for a buttery bite or a mix of green and black olives for more variety.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap out the mozzarella balls for marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese pearls. The marinade still works beautifully.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Unfortunately, no. Fresh mozzarella and olive oil-based marinades don’t freeze well. The texture changes too much.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but still tasty.

How long should I marinate it for the best flavor?

A minimum of 1 hour is good, but overnight is ideal. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Mediterranean Flair?

If you’re loving this Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Artichokes, and Olives combo, you’ll want to check out these other recipes that bring bold, zesty, and herb-packed goodness to your table:

• Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is creamy, tangy, and full of briny Mediterranean flavor.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a warming appetizer with bold spice and silky broth.
• Cajun Shrimp Scampi if you’re craving seafood with a kick.
• Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to serve alongside veggies or seafood for a tangy dipping experience.
• Spicy Sailor’s Dip for a crowd-pleasing hot appetizer.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it when you need an easy, make-ahead crowd-pleaser.

And I want to hear how you made it your own! Did you toss in sun-dried tomatoes or go full herb garden? Maybe you swapped in smoked mozzarella? Share your twists and questions in the comments below.

Looking for more simple, flavor-packed ideas? Head over to my Pinterest at Life with Jam where I post fresh recipes almost daily!

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