Bold and briny, olive salad muffaletta spread brings New Orleans flavor to your table in every savory, zesty bite. This delightful spread is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a tasty addition to your sandwiches, this recipe will surely impress. Its unique combination of olives and spices ensures that each bite is packed with a punch, making it a standout choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This spread takes just 10 minutes to prepare, allowing you to whip it up in no time.
- Versatile Usage: Perfect as a sandwich spread, dip, or topping for crackers and veggies.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of olives, spices, and pickled vegetables creates a deliciously bold taste.
- Make-Ahead Option: Refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors—ideal for meal prep!
- Low Calorie Snack: At just 64 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious olive salad muffaletta spread, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the preparation process seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar: Perfect for storing your olive salad and allows flavors to meld overnight.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients finely without making a mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy chopping of olives and vegetables for an even mix.
- Mixing spoon: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly before sealing.

Ingredients
Bold and briny, olive salad muffaletta spread brings New Orleans flavor to your table in every savory, zesty bite.
For the Spread
- ½ Cup green olives (pitted)
- ¼ Cup black olives
- ¼ Cup giardiniera
- 3 pepperoncini
- 3 Cloves garlic
- 2 Teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cocktail onions (pickled)
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 1 Tablespoon pepperoncini juice (from jar)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon white apple vinegar
How to Make Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
Step 1: Chop the Ingredients
Finely chop all the ingredients listed above. Aim for small pieces to ensure they mix well together.
Step 2: Combine in a Jar
Add the chopped ingredients into a mason jar. Make sure everything is packed tightly but not overly compressed.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour in the lemon juice, pepperoncini juice, olive oil, and white apple vinegar. These liquids will help bind all flavors together.
Step 4: Seal and Refrigerate
Seal the mason jar tightly and refrigerate overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy your homemade olive salad muffaletta spread on sandwiches or as part of your next appetizer platter!
How to Serve Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
Olive salad muffaletta spread is versatile and can elevate many dishes with its bold flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delightful spread.
On Sandwiches
- Layer the spread on crusty bread for a classic sandwich packed with flavor.
As a Dip
- Serve the muffaletta spread with crackers or pita chips for a tasty appetizer at gatherings.
With Veggies
- Pair the spread with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a healthy snack.
Topping for Grilled Chicken
- Use the spread as a zesty topping on grilled chicken for an extra layer of flavor during mealtime.
In Pasta Salads
- Mix the muffaletta spread into cold pasta salads for an exciting twist that adds depth and character.
How to Perfect Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
To ensure your olive salad muffaletta spread is always delicious, follow these helpful tips.
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh olives and vegetables enhance the flavors and textures of your spread.
-
Chill Overnight: Allowing the flavors to meld overnight in the fridge intensifies the taste profile of your spread.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your personal preference for acidity and saltiness.
-
Experiment with Olives: Try different varieties of olives to find your preferred mix; each type brings unique flavor notes.
-
Add Heat: For spice lovers, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your spread an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
Pairing side dishes with olive salad muffaletta spread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
-
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the savory flavors of the muffaletta spread beautifully.
-
Caprese Salad: A fresh caprese salad with mozzarella and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the rich spread.
-
Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens add a crunchy texture that balances out the creaminess of any dish you serve it with.
-
Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side that pairs well with dipping into the olive salad muffaletta spread.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Flavorful roasted veggies bring warmth and depth, making them an excellent companion to this spread.
-
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a delightful array of flavors that mesh well with the briny notes of your spread.
-
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa can be both filling and visually appealing next to your olive salad muffaletta spread.
-
Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw adds crunch and tang, perfectly balancing the rich taste of the olive salad muffaletta spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of this delightful dish.
- Using Whole Olives: Always chop your olives finely. This will ensure that the flavors blend well together in each bite.
- Skipping the Refrigeration: Don’t skip letting the mixture sit overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Overseasoning with Salt: Be cautious with the salt. Start with less and taste before adding more, as some ingredients can be salty on their own.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a significant difference. Always opt for fresh over dried for a vibrant flavor.
- Neglecting Storage Options: Store your spread properly. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh and flavorful for longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Keep it in the main compartment, not in the door for better temperature stability.
Freezing Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as it may expand when frozen.
Reheating Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 20 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread.
What is Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread?
Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread is a zesty mixture of olives and other savory ingredients, perfect as a sandwich spread or appetizer.
How long does Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread last?
The spread can last in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I customize my Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread?
Absolutely! You can add different types of olives or spices based on your taste preferences for a unique twist.
How do I serve Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread?
This spread is versatile! Serve it on sandwiches, as a dip with crackers, or as a topping on bruschetta.
Is there a vegan version of this spread?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it uses only plant-based ingredients without any animal products.
Final Thoughts
The Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread is bold and briny, delivering delicious New Orleans flair to your table. It’s not only perfect as a sandwich spread but also works wonderfully as an appetizer or dip. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite olives or even extra herbs—there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this versatile recipe!
Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread, a delightful homage to the bold tastes of New Orleans. This zesty spread is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for sandwiches, dips, or as a topping for grilled meats. With a tantalizing mix of green and black olives, garlic, pepperoncini, and spices, each bite delivers a punch of flavor that will impress your guests or elevate your lunch game. Plus, it’s low in calories and can be made ahead for ultimate convenience. Whip up this savory delight in just 10 minutes and let it chill overnight for the best taste experience.
Ingredients
- ½ Cup green olives (pitted)
- ¼ Cup black olives
- ¼ Cup giardiniera
- 3 pepperoncini
- 3 Cloves garlic
- 2 Teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cocktail onions (pickled)
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 1 Tablespoon pepperoncini juice (from jar)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon white apple vinegar
Instructions
- Finely chop all key ingredients—green olives, black olives, giardiniera, pepperoncini, garlic, oregano, cocktail onions, and seasonings.
- Transfer chopped ingredients into a mason jar and pack tightly.
- Pour in lemon juice, pepperoncini juice, olive oil, and vinegar to bind flavors.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight for optimal flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for enhanced taste. Adjust seasoning to your liking; add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired. Experiment with different types of olives for unique flavor profiles.




