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This smooth spread made from feta and green olives is a treat for anyone who loves olives and wants to wow guests. The rich, tangy flavors mix easily and make a great snack or starter that goes fantastic with crunchy bread or fresh veggies.
I first threw together this dip for a chilled weekend hangout and it quickly stole the spotlight. Friends keep asking me to bring it along because it hits the sweet spot between bold taste and everyday snack.
Grab These Ingredients
- Green olives: about 7 ounces, pitted for that salty, briny pop that’s key for the dip. Pick good olives without pits to make blending simpler
- Feta cheese: 5 ounces, crumbled for creamy tanginess. Use block feta kept in brine for freshness and best feel
- Cream cheese: 3.5 ounces, softened to room temp so it mixes smoothly
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons to add richness and a mild fruity touch that balances olives
- Garlic clove: freshly minced for savory punch; fresh garlic always tastes better than bottled
- Roasted red pepper: 1 medium-sized, chopped to add a sweet smoky brightness
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon to bring an earthy herbal hint
- Freshly ground black pepper: as much as you like for a gentle kick
- Two whole green olives: for finishing touch and nice look
- A drizzle of olive oil: to top off with a shiny glaze
Steps to Make It
- Fresh Garlic Prep:
- There’s no cooking step here. Just chop garlic finely so it blends well without overpowering the mix.
- Mix Everything Up:
- Combine pitted olives, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic in your blender or food processor. Pulse on medium until smooth but still a little chunky so it’s not paste-like. Watch how it looks as you blend.
- Add Peppers and Herbs:
- Stir in roasted red pepper, dried oregano, and black pepper, then pulse gently a few times so chunks stay intact. This keeps the texture and look fun.
- Garnish and Plate:
- Put your dip in a bowl, top with the two whole green olives, and drizzle a little olive oil over. This makes it look nice and adds extra flavor with each bite.
My top pick is the roasted red pepper since it adds just the right mix of sweetness and smoky vibes that balance the salty olives. One fun memory is serving it at a summer picnic where folks called it “green gold” because it vanished so fast.
Flavor Helpers
How to Store Keep this dip in the fridge covered for up to 4 days. Before you dig in, let it warm up to room temp and stir to get that creamy feel back. Try not to freeze it more than once since the taste and texture might change a bit.
How to Enjoy It
Spread it over toasted baguette pieces or try it as a lively sandwich filling. It’s great with crunchy raw veggies like cucumber fingers or pepper strips if you want something lighter.
Fun Variations
For a fresh twist in warmer months, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up. When it's colder, warm the dip a little or serve with roasted root veggies for a cozy touch.
This spread brings bold and creamy flavors together easily, great for any get-together. Give it a shot and enjoy a tasty Mediterranean-inspired bite.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How can I customize the flavor of this dip?
Try tossing in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a new flair, or sprinkle in chili flakes to add some heat. You can tweak the amount of roasted red pepper for sweeter or richer notes.
- → What are good pairings for this spread?
This spread tastes great with raw veggies, crusty bread, pita chips, or cucumber slices. It's also a nice match with grilled meats and wraps.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep, you can mix it up a day early and keep it chilled in a sealed container. Give it a little stir before serving to freshen it up.
- → Is this suitable for a vegan diet?
Not really, since it includes feta and cream cheese. But swapping in a plant-based cheese can make it vegan-friendly.
- → How long does this dip stay fresh?
Keep it in the fridge and it’ll stay tasty for around 2 days. Best to eat it sooner to enjoy the best flavors and texture.