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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
- 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
