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

Scale

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

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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.