Description
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy and flavorful spread combining tangy feta, briny green olives, and smooth cream cheese with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. Perfect for entertaining, this no-cook dip pairs beautifully with pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 but still retains a slightly textured consistency to keep some body in the dip.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse the processor 2 to 3 times to mix ingredients evenly while maintaining some chunkiness for a rustic texture.
- Prepare for Serving: Spoon the dip into a serving jar or bowl. Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and place two whole green olives on top as a garnish to enhance the olive lover’s appeal.
- Chill and Meld Flavors: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a richer taste experience.
- Serve: Serve chilled as an appetizer or snack alongside pita chips, crostini, or raw vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor.
- You can omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder dip.
- Letting the dip chill for longer will deepen the flavors even more.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top before serving for an extra fresh note.
