Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe

Introduction

This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, flavorful spread that perfectly balances tangy feta and briny green olives. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that brightens up any snack table or gathering with its refreshing lemon and roasted red pepper notes.

A close-up image shows a glass jar filled with a creamy dip that has a slightly rough texture and is pale yellow with green and red specks. The top layer of the dip is topped with some green olives sitting in the center, surrounded by bits of red and green herbs or spices and a drizzle of golden olive oil. The jar is held by a woman's hand against a blurred background with green and yellow tones. The surface beneath the jar is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 200 g green olives (pitted)
  • 150 g feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 100 g cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 whole green olives (optional, for topping)
  • Drizzle of olive oil (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine green olives, feta, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until mostly smooth yet still slightly textured for a pleasing consistency.
  2. Step 2: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse 2 to 3 times to combine while retaining some chunks for texture.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the dip into a jar or bowl. If desired, drizzle with olive oil and top with whole green olives for an attractive finish.
  4. Step 4: Chill the dip for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
  5. Step 5: Serve with pita chips, crostini, or a selection of raw vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoother texture, blend the mixture for longer, but keep some chunks for added bite and interest.
  • Substitute roasted red pepper with sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dip.
  • Use a mix of green olives such as Castelvetrano for a milder, buttery flavor.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and stir to restore creaminess. The flavors tend to intensify over time, making leftovers even tastier.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a glass jar filled with a three-layer dip. The bottom layer is light green with a smooth texture, the middle layer is a slightly thicker beige color with visible bits of chopped vegetables, and the top layer is creamy beige with an uneven texture, sprinkled with finely chopped red pieces and herbs. Three light green olives sit on top, slightly glossy, and there is a drizzle of golden oil around them. A woman's hand is holding the jar against a blurred green background. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip vegan?

Yes, substitute the feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives such as vegan feta and cashew cream to keep it dairy-free while maintaining a creamy texture.

What other snacks pair well with this dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell peppers, or even spread onto sandwiches for extra flavor.

Print

Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe

This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, flavorful spread combining the salty tang of feta cheese and the briny bite of green olives. Enhanced with roasted red pepper, garlic, and lemon zest, it’s perfect for serving as an appetizer with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare in a food processor, this dip is an elegant yet simple addition to any snack or party platter.

  • Author: Naya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 1 cup (serves 6 as an appetizer) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 200 g green olives (pitted)
  • 150 g feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 100 g cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Add-ins

  • 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • 2 whole green olives
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a food processor, combine the pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese at room temperature, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth but retains a slightly textured consistency, ensuring a creamy yet interesting dip texture.
  2. Add seasonings and flavor enhancers: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor. Pulse 2 to 3 times to mix while keeping some chunks for added texture and flavor contrast.
  3. Transfer and top the dip: Spoon the blended dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and top with two whole green olives for garnish and an extra burst of olive flavor.
  4. Chill to meld flavors: Place the dip into the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
  5. Serve: Serve the chilled dip with pita chips, crostini, or an assortment of raw vegetables for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Using cream cheese at room temperature ensures smoother blending and a creamier texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier dip, adjust chili flakes to taste or omit for a milder flavor.
  • For a vegan version, substitute feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Letting the dip rest in the fridge helps the flavors develop fully, but it can also be served immediately if needed.

Keywords: olive dip, feta spread, green olive dip, Mediterranean appetizer, party dip, creamy olive spread

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