I love taking a familiar snack and giving it a little twist. Recently, I worked with STAR to develop recipes using their new olive varieties, and the first one I want to share is a Spanish-inspired salsa made with their Tomato and Peppers marinated green olives. The jarred olives come with pieces of garlic, tomato, and pepper that add instant flavor, so this salsa comes together in minutes and tastes bright and fresh.
Green olives can sometimes be very salty, but when combined with ripe tomatoes and a touch of the marinade, they balance beautifully. The marinated garlic and peppers from the jar lend depth and a subtle piquancy, while cherry tomatoes and green onions keep the salsa lively and fresh. This is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs well with pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetables.
Spanish Salsa
5 minutes
5 minutes
Spanish Salsa — a simple, Spanish-inspired salsa made with marinated green olives, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and red peppers. Ready in five minutes, it’s fresh, flavorful, and ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
- Approximately 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Tomato and Peppers marinated green olives (use a similar marinated green olive if unavailable)
- Pita chips or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- Add the cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions to a food processor. Add the marinated green olives on top.
- Spoon about one tablespoon of the olive jar liquid into the processor along with a few of the marinated garlic, tomato, and pepper pieces from the jar for extra flavor.
- Pulse or process until you reach your preferred salsa consistency — leave it chunky for texture or blend more for a smoother dip.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
If you can’t find Tomato and Peppers marinated green olives, use plain green olives and add one clove of fresh garlic and a small piece of roasted red pepper to mimic the jarred marinade. Adjust the amount of olive brine or added olive oil to control the salsa’s wetness.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (approximate):
Calories: 281
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 565mg
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 11g
This salsa is ideal for casual entertaining: it’s quick to make, colorful, and offers a savory contrast to crunchy chips and warm bread. The marinated olive pieces contribute complexity that you won’t get from plain olives alone, while the tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to balance the brininess. It’s a versatile recipe — feel free to double the batch when you’re hosting a crowd.
Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for recipe development. This post is sponsored by STAR; I was compensated for my time and work. All opinions expressed here are my own.