Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip: Creamy, Zesty, and Simply Irresistible Recipe

Introduction

This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful spread perfect for any occasion. Combining briny green olives with tangy feta, smooth cream cheese, and vibrant roasted peppers, it’s a delight that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress your guests.

A small glass jar filled with a creamy mixture that is white with green herb pieces and small red bits throughout. On top, there are three shiny green olives and some small red pieces, all sitting in a layer of golden olive oil that lightly coats the creamy surface. The jar is held by a woman's hand, and the background shows blurred green leaves. The scene is bright and natural with a clear focus on the jar and its contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 200 g Green Olives, pitted (Choose Castelvetrano or Manzanilla for best taste)
  • 150 g Feta Cheese, crumbled (Use block feta in brine for smoother blending)
  • 100 g Cream Cheese, room temperature (Ensure it’s at room temp for a smooth texture)
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Use high-quality oil for optimal taste)
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced (Freshly minced is recommended for a potent kick)
  • 1 zest Lemon Zest (Use organic lemons if possible)
  • 0.5 lemon Lemon Juice
  • 1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped (Jarred or homemade both work)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Fresh can be substituted if available)
  • 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes, optional (Add to taste based on preference)
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper (For seasoning to taste)
  • For Garnishing: Whole Green Olives (Use as a delightful garnish)
  • For Garnishing: Drizzle of Olive Oil (Adds richness and shine)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine the green olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency with a slight texture, about 30 seconds.
  2. Step 2: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse 2-3 times to incorporate while keeping some chunks for added texture.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the mixture into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top and garnish with whole green olives.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve chilled with pita chips, crostini, or a selection of raw vegetables.

Tips & Variations

  • For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the food processor.
  • Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to brighten the flavor.
  • If you prefer a smoother dip, blend a bit longer or add a splash of olive oil.
  • For extra heat, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if it appears dry. This dip is best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for softer texture.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy white spread mixed with flecks of dark green herbs throughout, topped with a drizzle of golden olive oil. On the very top center sits a shiny green olive and a single green leaf, surrounded by small bright red pieces embedded in the creamy layer. The jar is held by a woman's hand and the background is softly blurred with shades of green and yellow, placed on 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 ahead of time?

Yes, making the dip several hours before serving helps the flavors to develop fully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with pita chips, crostini, fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper, or even as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Print
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Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip: Creamy, Zesty, and Simply Irresistible Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: About 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful blend of green olives, feta, cream cheese, and roasted red peppers. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon zest, garlic, and a hint of spice, it’s an ideal appetizer or snack that comes together quickly using a food processor.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dip

  • 200 g Green Olives, pitted (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla recommended)
  • 150 g Feta Cheese, crumbled (block feta in brine preferred)
  • 100 g Cream Cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 zest Lemon Zest
  • 0.5 lemon Lemon Juice
  • 1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped (jarred or homemade)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes (optional)
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

For Garnishing

  • Whole Green Olives
  • Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Blend Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, room temperature cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth yet still retains a slight texture.
  2. Add 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 incorporate these ingredients while keeping some chunks for texture.
  3. Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil on top and garnish with whole green olives for a lovely presentation.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled with pita chips, crostini, or an assortment of fresh raw vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use high-quality olives and olive oil.
  • Allowing the cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures smooth blending.
  • Adjust chili flakes to control the dip’s spiciness according to your preference.
  • This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Try pairing the dip with different dippers like pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for variety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: olive dip, feta dip, Mediterranean dip, appetizer recipe, creamy olive spread

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