If you are a fan of bold, tangy flavors and creamy textures, then you are going to absolutely adore this Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe. It’s a luscious blend that perfectly balances the saltiness of green olives with the dreamy creaminess of feta and cream cheese, with just the right zing from lemon and garlic. This dip is not only a crowd-pleaser but also super easy to whip up, making it a staple for gatherings, snacks, or even a flavorful addition to your everyday meals. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to olive spread that brightens up any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a part in delivering the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors while adding texture and vibrant colors that make the dip visually irresistible.
- 200 g green olives (pitted): The star of the dish, bringing a briny and savory punch with their tender yet firm texture.
- 150 g feta cheese (crumbled): Adds creaminess and a tangy, salty depth to the spread.
- 100 g cream cheese (room temperature): Ensures a smooth, luscious body that melds everything together.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Enhances richness and adds a fruity, peppery note.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Introduces a mild pungency that wakes up the dip’s flavors.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Provides a fresh citrus aroma and brightness.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Balances the saltiness with its vibrant tang.
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped: Brings a sweet, smoky contrast and lovely color.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous layer for complexity.
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Rounds out the flavors with a slight warmth and spice.
- Optional topping: 2 whole green olives and a drizzle of olive oil: A pretty finishing touch that amps up both taste and presentation.
How to Make Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Begin your delicious journey by adding the pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to your food processor. Blend everything until it becomes smooth but still has a bit of texture to keep the dip interesting and hearty. This step ensures the base layer is creamy and packed with robust flavor.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Next, toss in the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if you’re using them, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse the food processor just 2 or 3 times so these ingredients mix evenly while maintaining little chunks for texture contrast. This part really elevates the dip with smoky sweetness, herbal notes, and a touch of heat.
Step 3: Transfer and Garnish
Spoon your freshly blended dip into a serving jar or bowl. For the finishing touch, drizzle a bit more olive oil on top and nestle in two whole green olives as a garnish. This presentation invites your guests to dig right in and adds that extra olive flair to make it truly appealing.
Step 4: Chill to Meld Flavors
Pop the dip into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to harmonize and develop deeper taste layers. Trust me, the wait is worth it for an even richer, more cohesive experience.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe is now ready to bring life to your table. It pairs beautifully with pita chips, crispy crostini, or fresh, crunchy vegetables, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering or snack time.
How to Serve Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate the experience of this dip. A couple of whole green olives on top add visual charm and reinforce the olive goodness, while a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil contributes an extra layer of richness and an inviting shine.
Side Dishes
This dip shines when served with a variety of dippables. Crisp pita chips or toasted crostini provide the perfect crunch to balance the creamy texture. Raw vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips offer a refreshing contrast and make it a healthier option as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive by serving this dip in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes as elegant bite-sized appetizers. You can also spread it inside warm flatbreads with fresh herbs for a quick Mediterranean-style snack that will wow everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it even more delectable as leftovers.
Freezing
While this dip is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture, you can freeze it if needed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. When thawed, give it a good stir to bring back the creamy consistency, though it might be slightly less smooth.
Reheating
This dip is best served cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If it feels too firm after chilling, simply let it sit out for a short while before serving to soften gently.
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
While black olives have a sweeter, milder flavor, green olives provide the perfect salty tang and brightness that define this dip. For best results, stick to green olives or try a combination for a unique twist.
Is this dip suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe contains feta and cream cheese, so it is not vegan. However, you could experiment by substituting vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative to create a vegan-friendly version.
How spicy is the dip with chili flakes added?
The chili flakes add a gentle heat that complements the tangy and savory flavors without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dip without a food processor?
Yes! You can finely chop the olives, roasted red pepper, and garlic by hand and then mix thoroughly with the other ingredients to maintain a chunky, rustic texture.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Serve it in a pretty bowl surrounded by an array of colorful vegetables, pita chips, and toasted breads. Adding some fresh herbs as a garnish can also add a fresh pop of color and aroma.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say this Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s easy, flavorful, and so versatile that it never fails to impress friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a delicious snack, give this dip a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy and flavorful spread combining green olives, tangy feta, and smooth cream cheese with a hint of lemon and garlic. Enhanced with roasted red pepper, oregano, and a touch of chili flakes, it’s perfect for serving with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
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
- Combine base ingredients: In a food processor, add the green olives, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth but still slightly textured to maintain some bite.
- Add seasoning and roasted pepper: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor. Pulse 2-3 times to combine ingredients just enough to keep some chunky texture in the dip.
- Transfer and top: Spoon the dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish on top with two whole green olives for decoration and added flavor.
- Chill to meld flavors: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and develop fully, enhancing the taste experience.
- Serve: Present the chilled dip with pita chips, crostini, or a selection of raw vegetables for dipping, making a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings.
Notes
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dip.
- For a smoother texture, blend the dip longer, but some texture adds a nice bite.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a slightly different flavor profile.
