Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy and flavorful spread combining tangy feta, briny green olives, and smooth cream cheese with vibrant lemon and roasted red pepper accents. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs delightfully with pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies, offering a versatile appetizer that melds Mediterranean flavors with a subtle spicy kick.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Blend 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 until smooth but still slightly textured, creating a creamy yet chunky base.
- Add Mix-Ins: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse the processor 2–3 times to gently mix these ingredients while maintaining some chunks for texture.
- Prepare for Serving: Spoon the finished dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and top with two whole green olives for garnish and extra flavor.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Refrigerate the dip for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully blend and intensify, enhancing the taste experience.
- Serve: Offer the dip with pita chips, crostini, or an assortment of raw vegetables as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use high-quality olives such as Castelvetrano or Manzanilla for a milder, buttery flavor that elevates the dip.
- For a chunkier texture, chop the ingredients by hand instead of using the food processor.
- To make this dip vegan, substitute the feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond-based feta and cashew cream cheese.
- This spread doubles as a flavorful sandwich topping or can be swirled into pasta to create a bold, creamy sauce.
Keywords: olive dip, feta spread, creamy olive dip, Mediterranean appetizer, green olive dip, easy party dip, roasted red pepper dip, vegetarian dip