If you’re someone who can’t resist the briny, mellow tang of olives, then Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is made just for you. This luscious spread combines creamy cheese, zesty lemon, and your favorite green olives into something unforgettable. Think of it as a party dip, a sandwich spread, or even a silky sauce when warmed slightly.
What Makes This Dip Special
- Brine-forward flavor: The heart of this dip is the olive — salty, bold, and full of character.
- Creamy but not heavy: A blend of cream cheese and feta gives richness without feeling weighed down.
- Bright & balanced: Lemon zest and juice cut through the saltiness, while roasted red pepper adds a hint of sweetness.
- Versatile: Use it as a dip, a spread, a topping for crostini, or stirred into pasta for an impromptu sauce.
- Make‑ahead friendly: It gets better as it rests, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Ingredients
Base
- 200 g pitted green olives
- 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 100 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ a lemon
Add‑ins
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping (optional but pretty)
- 2 whole green olives
- A drizzle of extra olive oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the pitted green olives, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth but still has a bit of texture (you don’t want it completely silky).
- Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), and black pepper. Pulse only 2–3 times so those ingredients are incorporated but some small bits remain.
- Transfer the dip into a serving jar or bowl. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil on top and garnish with a couple of whole green olives.
- Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes (or longer) so the flavors can meld.
- Before serving, stir again (olive oil may have separated). Serve with pita chips, crostini, fresh veggies, or your favorite dippables.
Tips, Substitutions & Variations
- High‑quality olives matter: Use meaty, flavorful green olives (like Castelvetrano or Manzanilla) rather than bland or overly vinegary ones.
- Don’t over-blend: Keep some texture for bite and character — no need to overdo it.
- Salt consciousness: Feta + olives = salt, so taste before adding extra salt.
- Smooth or chunkier: For a creamier result, increase cream cheese slightly; for more texture, chop by hand instead of processing.
- Vegan version: Substitute plant-based feta and cream cheese. Add a splash of unsweetened plant yogurt if you want extra creaminess.
- Olive swap: You can use Kalamata or black olives, but reduce the lemon slightly to balance their deeper flavor.
- Add some flair: Try stirring in a teaspoon of capers, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like parsley or mint, or even a bit of harissa or jalapeno for heat.
Storage & Make‑Ahead
- Store the dip in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Over time the flavors get richer.
- Olive oil may separate in the fridge — just stir before serving.
- This dip is not freezer‑friendly: freezing and thawing will likely ruin the texture, especially due to the dairy.
- For parties, you can prep it the night before — it often tastes even better the second day.
Serving Ideas & Uses
- Serve it at your next gathering alongside pita chips, crostini, or crudités.
- Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps — it gives great flavor boost.
- Warmed slightly, it can become a silky sauce for pasta or roasted vegetables.
- Spread it on toast, then top with fresh veggies, tomatoes, or herbs.
- Feature it in mezze spreads — alongside olives, cheeses, dips, grilled veggies, and flatbreads.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
- Serving size: 1/6 of the whole recipe (~60 g)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: ~16 g
- Saturated fat: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~2 g
- Fiber: ~0.5 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~680 mg
- Cholesterol: ~25 mg
Why You’ll Love It
This is no average dip. It’s a homage to olives in all their briny glory, balanced by creamy elements and bright citrus. It’s bold yet accessible, rich yet not heavy. It’s easy to prepare, makes a statement at any gathering, and transforms effortlessly into new roles — spread, sauce, dip, or more. For lovers of Mediterranean flavors and olive-forward dishes, it’s a dream come true in a jar.