Prep Time: 25 min.
Bright and briny with a pop of freshness, these olive appetizer sticks are a delicious starter or side dish and can easily double as a salad topper. Shaped like flowers, they’re as tasty as they are pretty and couldn’t be easier to make!
I’m a big fan of olives and use them in a variety of recipes, such as my hummus platter and tuna cottage cheese salad. However, these olive sticks are by far one of my favorite olive recipes.
I first started making them on a whim, out of a need to use up olives. However, they’ve since become a staple at all my warm-weather gatherings. With no actual cooking required, they’re a great option to keep hosting easy, and the fun shape always impresses guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
• Olives - Technically, any olives will work, but I prefer green olives for this dish. Look for firm, pitted olives so that they hold their shape when skewered.
• Tomatoes - Use yellow grape tomatoes for a pretty flower appearance. I find they have a slightly sweeter flavor than red varieties, providing a nice contrast to the briny olives.
• Fresh basil leaves - These replicate flower leaves and add a bright, aromatic taste.
How to Make Olive Sticks with Tomatoes
1. Prepare the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes ¾ of the way through in a cross pattern. Be careful not to slice all the way through!
2. Scrape out the flesh in the center.
3. Assemble. Place an olive inside the tomato, and skewer it through the center.
4. Top with basil leaves, and enjoy! I like to use basil that is slightly wet so that it sticks to the tomatoes.
Possible Variations
• Cheese-stuffed olives – Use feta- or blue cheese-stuffed olives for an extra punch of flavor.
• Tomatoes – Try red grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for a slightly more savory taste.
• Basil – Swap the basil with fresh oregano or mint leaves.
FAQs
Can I make tomato and olive appetizer sticks ahead of time?
You can assemble these skewers up to a few hours in advance. Any longer than that, and they tend to become soggy. For the best results, keep them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Top with basil leaves just before serving.
How should I serve tomato olive sticks?
I love to add these sticks to an appetizer platter alongside bite-sized snacks, such as phyllo appetizers, avocado appetizer bites, and caprese bites. However, they also make for a tasty side with grilled meats and main courses. Or, skip the skewers and use them as a topping on salads!
More Delicious Tomato Recipes
Instructions
Makes 10.
1. Cut the tomatoes ¾ way through in a cross.
2. Scrape out the insides with a spoon to make room for the olive.
3. Place the olive inside the tomato.
4. Stick a skewer stick into the tomato and olive.
5. Top with basil leaves to resemble flowers (if they are slightly wet, they will stick on).
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