If you love olives, this dip is your new obsession! Creamy feta, luscious cream cheese, tangy lemon, and briny green olives come together with roasted red pepper and herbs for a bold, flavorful spread. Perfect for entertaining, snacking, or elevating your everyday sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
- Bold & Briny: Salty olives, creamy cheese, roasted sweetness, and a hint of citrus make every bite crave-worthy.
- Versatile & Make-Ahead Friendly: Serve as a dip, spread on bread, or even swirl into pasta. Flavors improve after chilling.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
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
Optional Topping:
- 2 whole green olives
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine olives, feta, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Add Flavor: Mix in roasted red pepper, oregano, chili flakes, and black pepper by pulsing 2–3 times to keep some chunks.
- Serve & Chill: Spoon into a jar or bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and top with whole olives. Chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Serve with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Use Quality Olives: Castelvetrano or Manzanilla olives bring the best flavor. Avoid overly vinegary or canned varieties.
- Chunky Texture: Chop ingredients by hand for a rustic tapenade feel.
- Vegan Option: Substitute feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and add unsweetened yogurt for creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes, harissa, or finely chopped jalapeños.
- Herb Boost: Fresh parsley, dill, or mint brightens the flavor.
- Creative Serving: Spread on toast, use in wraps, or swirl into pasta for a quick Mediterranean-style sauce.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Flavors deepen over time.
- Stir Before Serving: Olive oil may separate slightly—stir gently before serving.
- Do Not Freeze: Cream cheese and feta don’t freeze well.
Serving Ideas
- Party-ready: Serve alongside marinated artichokes, grilled halloumi, and flatbread for a Mediterranean mezze.
- Lunch upgrade: Spread on sourdough toast with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and za’atar.
- Sandwich boost: Add to wraps or paninis for creamy, briny flavor.
- Easy sauce: Stir into warm pasta water for an instant creamy olive pasta.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is creamy, briny, and totally unforgettable—perfect for olives fans and cheese lovers alike!
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