Description
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful blend of green olives, tangy feta, and rich cream cheese, enhanced with fresh garlic, lemon, and roasted red pepper. Perfect as a vibrant appetizer or snack, it pairs beautifully with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Green Olives, pitted (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla recommended)
- 150 g Feta Cheese, crumbled (block feta in brine preferred)
- 100 g Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high-quality)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped (jarred or homemade)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Additional Flavorings and Garnish
- 1 Lemon Zest
- 0.5 Lemon Juice
- 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes, optional
- Whole Green Olives (for garnish)
- Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor, add the pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, freshly minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth yet slightly textured.
- Add Seasonings and Roasted Pepper: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse 2 to 3 times to incorporate while keeping some chunky bits for texture.
- Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top and garnish with whole green olives for appearance and added olive flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly before serving.
- Serve: Present with pita chips, crostini, or an assortment of fresh raw vegetables for dipping and enjoy this creamy, zesty Mediterranean-inspired delight.
Notes
- Using block feta in brine helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture when blended.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more evenly with the other ingredients.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Chilling the dip enhances the flavors and thickens the consistency for better dipping.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
