If you adore the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, then the Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. This luscious, creamy dip perfectly balances tangy feta cheese with the salty, briny goodness of green olives, enhanced by zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. It’s an irresistible spread packed with both bold taste and a wonderful texture that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a delicious snack, this dip is easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is key to creating a flavorful and inviting dip. Each element brings its own charm—creaminess, brightness, or a touch of spice—to make this recipe truly shine.
- Green olives (200 g, pitted): The star of the show, offering that signature salty, briny flavor that defines this dip.
- Feta cheese (150 g, crumbled): Adds a tangy creaminess that wonderfully complements the olives.
- Cream cheese (100 g, room temperature): Ensures a smooth and luscious texture, making the dip easy to spread.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Brings a fruity richness and smooth mouthfeel to the blend.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Infuses a subtle pungency that wakes up the flavors.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that lightens the dip beautifully.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Enhances the tang and balances the saltiness perfectly.
- Roasted red pepper (1, chopped): Provides a sweet smokiness and a pop of color.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Offers a classic Mediterranean herbaceous note.
- Chili flakes (½ tsp, optional): For those who like a hint of heat to jazz things up.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Grounds the flavors with subtle spiciness.
- Whole green olives (2, for topping): A charming garnish that hints at what’s inside.
- Drizzle of olive oil (for topping): Finishes the dip with a glossy, inviting sheen.
How to Make Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the green olives, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a food processor. Pulse everything together until it becomes smooth but still retains a slight texture. This step creates the creamy, flavorful foundation that will make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Add Roasted Red Pepper and Seasonings
Next, add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, optional chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Give the food processor 2–3 short pulses to combine everything just enough so you keep some delightful little chunks of pepper and olive throughout for extra texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 3: Transfer and Garnish
Spoon the dip into a pretty jar or a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little more olive oil for a glossy finish and top with a couple of whole green olives for that elegant touch. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also signals the dip’s delicious main ingredient to your guests.
Step 4: Chill and Meld Flavors
Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all those bright, savory flavors to mingle and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and satisfying taste experience.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe is now perfectly ready to enjoy! Scoop it up with your favorite dippers and watch it disappear fast.
How to Serve Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this dip to a party-worthy level. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika bring color and additional layers of flavor. A few crunchy chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts can add an exciting textural contrast that complements the creamy dip beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with all kinds of dippers. Try pita chips, toasted crostini slices, or crunchy raw vegetables like cucumber sticks, bell peppers, and carrots. You can even spread it on warm flatbread or use it as a flavorful sandwich enhancer. It’s as versatile as it is delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the dip in individual small bowls or hollowed-out mini bell peppers to create edible cups. You can also layer the dip in a jar with colorful roasted vegetables or olives for a layered Mediterranean appetizer that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Personal touches like this make it perfect for entertaining or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe, no worries! Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making leftovers just as good—if not better. Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Freezing
While this dip tastes best fresh or chilled, you can freeze it if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. Keep in mind the texture may shift slightly due to the cream cheese, but the flavor will remain delightful.
Reheating
This dip is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating or separation. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers for a cozy twist.
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
While black olives have a sweeter, milder taste, using them will change the character of the dip significantly. The Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe specifically shines because of the vibrant, salty bite of green olives, so for the best authentic flavor, stick with green.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The dip contains feta cheese and cream cheese, both of which are vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check that your feta is made with vegetarian rennet if you’re very strict about animal-based ingredients.
Can I make this dip vegan?
To create a vegan version of the dip, substitute the feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as almond or cashew-based cheeses. The flavor will differ, but you can still achieve a creamy, tasty spread by adjusting seasoning and texture.
How spicy is the dip with chili flakes?
The addition of chili flakes is totally optional and only provides a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. It’s all about tailoring it to your palate!
What is the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Serving the Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe in small bowls surrounded by a variety of dippers, such as pita chips, veggie sticks, and crackers, makes it easy for guests to enjoy. Adding garnishes like fresh herbs or olives also creates a festive, inviting spread.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures. It’s simple enough to prepare any day of the week yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this dip—it’s a delicious way to bring some Mediterranean sunshine to your table and please every olive lover who tries it!
Print
Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (serves 6-8)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy green olive and feta dip perfect for appetizer lovers who enjoy a rich Mediterranean flavor. This smooth yet textured spread combines briny green olives, crumbly feta, and creamy cheese with zesty lemon and a hint of spice, ideal for serving with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 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
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 whole green olives (for topping)
- Drizzle of olive oil (for topping)
Instructions
- Blend Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth yet retains a slight texture to preserve some bite.
- Incorporate Additional Flavors: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse the food processor 2 to 3 times to combine these ingredients while maintaining some chunkiness for a rustic texture.
- Prepare for Serving: Transfer the dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the surface and garnish with two whole green olives to enhance the presentation and flavor.
- Chill the Dip: Refrigerate the dip for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, improving depth and creaminess.
- Serve: Serve chilled with pita chips, crostini, or fresh raw vegetables for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, adjust the chili flakes quantity or omit for a milder taste.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending and smoother texture.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to maximize flavor depth.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-style breads and crudités.
