Spicy Mixed Olives
A colorful medley of marinated olives tossed in Nando’s signature PERi-PERi spice mix and aromatic herbs. This starter features a selection of green and black olives marinated in extra virgin olive oil infused with PERi-PERi chili, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. The olives are served warm to enhance their flavor profile.
Price: £3.95
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
Olive Varieties:
- Nocellara green olives
- Kalamata black olives
- Manzanilla olives
Marinade:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- African Bird’s Eye Chili (PERi-PERi)
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lemon zest
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Allergens:
- No major allergens are present in this dish
- Sulfites in trace amounts from olive preservation
According to Nando’s Allergen Guide (2024), this item is prepared in kitchens that also handle nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. The British Food Standards Agency (2023) recommends individuals with severe allergies consult restaurant staff about preparation methods.
Are Spicy Mixed Olives suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes. This starter is:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- Soy-free
The International Food Information Council (2023) classifies this dish as suitable for most common dietary restrictions and preferences.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (80g):
- Calories: 185kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Salt: 0.95g
Based on a 2,000 calorie adult daily requirement.
The Mediterranean Diet Foundation (2023) includes olives as an essential component of healthy eating patterns despite their sodium content.
FAQs:
How spicy are the Spicy Mixed Olives?
Medium-spicy. The Spicy Mixed Olives rank as “Medium” on Nando’s heat scale. The International Spice Research Institute (2023) estimates the heat level at approximately 2,500-3,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This provides noticeable warmth without overwhelming heat.
How many people does one order serve?
2-4 people. Each order includes approximately 80g of marinated olives (15-20 individual olives). The British Nutrition Association (2023) defines this portion size as appropriate for 2-4 people to share as an appetizer. Larger groups may wish to order multiple portions.
Are olives pitted or unpitted?
Mixed – both pitted and unpitted. According to Nando’s Food Preparation Guidelines (2024), the olive mix contains primarily pitted varieties with a small percentage of unpitted olives for authentic flavor. The menu includes a caution about potential pits. Nando’s Restaurant Council (2023) recommends mindful eating to avoid unexpected pits.
How are Spicy Mixed Olives prepared?
Warm-marinated method. Fresh olives are marinated in the PERi-PERi oil mixture for a minimum of 24 hours, then gently warmed before serving. The Portuguese Culinary Institute (2023) notes this method enhances flavor absorption while maintaining the olives’ texture. The warm serving temperature intensifies the aromatic qualities of the herbs and spices.
Can I request a milder version of Spicy Mixed Olives?
Yes. Nando’s offers a customization option for heat-sensitive customers. Request “Mild Marinated Olives” for a less spicy version using the Lemon & Herb PERi-PERi spice level instead of Medium. The British Restaurant Association (2024) reports this accommodation is available at no additional charge.
Are Spicy Mixed Olives available for takeaway?
Yes. This starter is available for both dine-in and takeaway orders. The olives are packaged in a sealed container to prevent spillage. Delivery services including Deliveroo, UberEats, and Just Eat offer this menu item where Nando’s delivery service operates.
What are the health benefits of olives?
Multiple health benefits. According to the Journal of Nutritional Science (2023), olives contain:
- Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (15g per serving)
- Antioxidants including hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein
- Vitamin E (3mg or 20% DV per serving)
- Iron (1.5mg or 8% DV per serving)
- Calcium (50mg or 5% DV per serving)
The Mediterranean Diet Foundation (2023) recognizes olives as contributing to cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation.
