Description
Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, tangy, and irresistible Mediterranean-inspired spread that combines the briny flavor of green olives with the rich creaminess of feta and cream cheese. Enhanced with zesty lemon, roasted red pepper, and a hint of spice, this versatile dip offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal as an appetizer or snack, it’s best served chilled with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 200 g Green Olives (opt for Castelvetrano or Manzanilla for the best quality)
- 150 g Feta Cheese (block feta in brine)
- 100 g Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus extra for drizzle)
- 1 clove Garlic (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)
For Garnish
- 2 Green Olives (whole, for garnish)
- Drizzle of Olive Oil
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor, add the green olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend the mixture for about 30 seconds until smooth but still slightly textured, ensuring it’s creamy and spreadable.
- Add Flavorful Mix-ins: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor. Pulse 2 to 3 times to evenly incorporate the ingredients while maintaining some chunks for texture and visual appeal.
- Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the dip into a serving bowl or jar. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil over the top and place two whole green olives as a garnish to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up slightly for the best taste experience.
- Serve: Serve chilled alongside pita chips, crostini, or a selection of seasonal raw vegetables as a delicious appetizer or snack option.
Notes
- For the best flavor, choose high-quality green olives like Castelvetrano or Manzanilla.
- Block feta in brine works better than crumbled as it offers a creamier texture.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to facilitate smooth blending.
- You can adjust the chili flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder dip.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pairing it with crunchy pita chips or fresh vegetables helps balance its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: olive dip, feta cheese dip, Mediterranean appetizer, creamy dip, feta dip, green olive spread, roasted red pepper dip, easy party dip, healthy snack
