Description

Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful spread combining the buttery sweetness of Castelvetrano green olives with tangy feta, smooth cream cheese, and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with bright lemon zest, smoky roasted red pepper, and herby oregano, this easy-to-make dip is perfect for entertaining and pairs wonderfully with pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Ingredients

200 g green olives, pitted (preferably Castelvetrano for a sweet, buttery bite)
150 g feta cheese, crumbled (for tangy creaminess)
100 g cream cheese, at room temperature (for smooth blend)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (quality matters for silkiness and flavor)
1 garlic clove, minced (for aromatic kick)
Zest of 1 lemon (enhances brightness)
Juice of ½ lemon (balances flavors with zesty twist)
1 roasted red pepper, chopped (adds sweet smokiness)
1 tsp dried oregano (for herby depth)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for hint of heat)
Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
2 whole green olives (for topping)
Drizzle of olive oil (for topping)

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Instructions

Blend Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, and room temperature cream cheese along with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth but still retains a slightly textured consistency, ensuring a creamy yet rustic dip.
Incorporate Additional Flavorings: Gently fold in the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse the processor 2-3 times just to mix these ingredients, preserving some chunks for delightful texture.
Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the creamy dip mixture into a serving bowl or jar. Drizzle a little additional extra virgin olive oil over the top for richness, then place the whole green olives as a charming garnish to enhance visual appeal.
Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the dip and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the aromatic and zesty notes of the dip.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip chilled paired with pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delicious appetizer or snack option.

Notes

For best flavor, use Castelvetrano olives known for their mild, buttery taste.
Adjust chili flakes according to desired heat level or omit for a milder dip.
Allowing the dip to chill enhances the flavor complexity.
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
For a vegan version, substitute feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.