Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip: Creamy Feta and Green Olive Spread Recipe
This creamy feta and green olive spread is a vibrant and flavorful dip perfect for entertaining or snacking. Combining tangy feta, briny green olives, roasted red pepper, and a hint of garlic and lemon zest, it offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and zesty brightness. Ideal served chilled with pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies, this dip is an olive lover’s dream come true.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Green Olives (opt for Castelvetrano or Manzanilla for the best quality)
- 150 g Feta Cheese (choose block feta in brine for better texture)
- 100 g Cream Cheese (room temperature for easy blending)
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (enhances creaminess)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (Lemon Zest adds brightness)
- ½ lemon (Lemon Juice providing acidity)
Additional Flavorings
- 1 Roasted Red Pepper (chopped)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes (optional; adjust to taste)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- 2 Green Olives (for garnish)
- Drizzle of Olive Oil (adds richness)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the green olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth but retains slight texture.
- Mix Additional Flavors: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to the mixture. Pulse 2 to 3 times just to incorporate these ingredients while keeping some chunks for texture.
- Serve and Chill: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl or jar. Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and garnish with two whole green olives.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to chill.
- Enjoy: Serve the dip chilled with pita chips, crostini, or a selection of seasonal raw vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Use block feta in brine for a better texture compared to crumbled feta.
- Castelvetrano or Manzanilla olives are recommended for their mild and buttery flavor which complements the dip.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit entirely if you prefer a mild dip.
- Serving the dip chilled enhances the flavors and improves the texture.
- This dip can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated to deepen the flavor.
Keywords: feta dip, olive dip, green olive spread, Mediterranean appetizer, creamy dip, party dip, feta cheese recipe
