If you adore the briny, tangy goodness of olives and crave a creamy, flavorful spread to brighten up any snack or appetizer, you are going to fall head over heels for this Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe. This dreamy dip boasts a luscious blend of crumbly feta and velvety cream cheese, enhanced with vibrant lemon zest, a hint of garlic, and a burst of sweetness from roasted red peppers. Whether you’re hosting a get-together, looking for a quick party snack, or just treating yourself, this dip strikes the perfect balance of creamy, salty, and zesty that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. Every component plays its part—from the salty punch of green olives and feta to the smoothness of cream cheese and the bright zing of lemon—ensuring your dip is nothing short of spectacular.
- 200 g green olives (pitted): The star of the dish, bringing a salty, briny flavor that’s key to the dip’s character.
- 150 g feta cheese (crumbled): Adds tangy creaminess and a slightly grainy texture that complements the olives beautifully.
- 100 g cream cheese (room temp): Provides smoothness and richness, perfect for creating that creamy base.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the overall silkiness while adding a fruity depth.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a gentle savory kick to balance the other ingredients.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brings a refreshing citrus aroma and brightness that awakens the palate.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Adds acidity to cut through the richness and highlight the flavors.
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped: Introduces a touch of sweetness and color that enlivens the dip.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Provides an earthy, herbal note synonymous with Mediterranean flavors.
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, a subtle spicy kick.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds mild pungency for a well-rounded taste.
- 2 whole green olives (for topping, optional): A charming garnish that hints at the dip’s core flavors.
- Drizzle of olive oil (for topping, optional): Adds shine and an extra layer of richness.
How to Make Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Begin by loading your food processor with the pitted green olives, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend them all until you achieve a smooth yet slightly textured mixture—the dip should feel creamy but still offer a little bite, not completely pureed into oblivion. This base layer sets the creamy, zesty foundation for your dip.
Step 2: Mix in the Add-Ins
Next, add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, optional chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper into the food processor. Pulse 2 to 3 times briefly, just enough to evenly incorporate these ingredients without losing the dip’s appealing chunkiness. This step is where the dip gains its vibrant color, aromatic warmth, and a subtle complexity, balancing smoothness with texture.
Step 3: Transfer and Garnish
Spoon the freshly mixed dip into a charming jar or bowl. For that perfect finishing touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top and nestle two whole green olives as a garnish. This small detail elevates the presentation and hints deliciously at the flavors inside.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Pop the dip into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows all those vibrant flavors—the tangy feta, zesty lemon, smoky pepper, and fragrant oregano—to marry and deepen, making each bite more flavorful than the last.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed. Pair it with crispy pita chips, crunchy crostini, or an assortment of fresh raw vegetables to turn any gathering into a Mediterranean-inspired delight.
How to Serve Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to get fancy with your presentation, sprinkle a few more chopped green olives and a pinch of chili flakes on top before serving. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish and that authentic Mediterranean touch, making the dip look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with an array of sides. Sturdy pita chips, toasted baguette slices, crunchy celery stalks, or crisp cucumber rounds all make excellent companions, inviting you to scoop, spread, and savor. Adding a small plate of marinated vegetables or olives on the side can turn your snack into a full Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dip in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or alongside a cheese board featuring nuts, dried fruits, and cured meats. You could also pipe the dip into a hollowed-out loaf of bread for a stunning centerpiece. No matter how you present it, this dip’s creamy texture and vibrant flavors always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify and the texture might firm up slightly, so give it a good stir before serving again. This dip keeps well and can be a quick, flavorful snack anytime.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of cream cheese and feta may change once thawed, becoming less creamy. If you want to freeze your Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
This dip is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, remove it from the fridge 15–20 minutes before serving to let it soften naturally. Reheating in the microwave can cause separation and alter the smooth creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
Absolutely! While green olives provide a signature briny tang to this dip, black olives can offer a mellower, slightly sweeter flavor that makes for a delicious variation.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dip is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat. Just be sure to check the feta cheese label to ensure it’s made with vegetarian-friendly enzymes.
Can I make the dip without cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but the texture and creaminess will be slightly different. The cream cheese adds richness that’s hard to replicate.
How spicy is the dip with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add a gentle warmth rather than overpowering heat. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference for a milder dip.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Serve it in a pretty bowl with assorted dippers like pita chips, veggie sticks, and crusty bread. Label the dip for guests as the Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe so they know what deliciousness awaits!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making a dip that feels elegant yet easy, familiar but exciting, and perfectly balanced in every bite. This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe checks all those boxes and more. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to whip up again and again. So go ahead, gather those delicious ingredients, and treat yourself and your friends to a creamy Mediterranean delight that’s as simple to make as it is spectacular to eat.
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Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy and flavorful spread featuring a blend of green olives, feta cheese, and cream cheese, combined with zesty lemon and garlic, and enhanced with roasted red pepper and oregano. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, this dip offers a delightful balance of tangy, salty, and mildly spicy flavors, served chilled to let the ingredients meld beautifully.
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
- Blend the Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the green olives, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend the mixture until it is smooth but retains some slight texture for a rustic feel.
- Add Flavor Components: 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 just enough to mix these add-ins evenly while keeping some chunks for texture.
- Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and garnish with two whole green olives to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Chill to Develop Flavors: Cover the dip and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and mature, creating a more harmonious taste.
- Serve: Serve the chilled dip alongside pita chips, crostini, or fresh raw vegetables like cucumber and carrots for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes according to your preference.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure easier blending and a creamier texture.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta and cream cheese with vegan alternatives and ensure olives are naturally vegan.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Adjust acidity by adding more lemon juice if desired for a tangier flavor.
