If you’re a fan of bold Mediterranean flavors and creamy, craveable dips, you’re going to adore this Creamy Feta & Green Olive. Imagine sharp, tangy feta cheese blended into silky smoothness with briny green olives, rich Greek yogurt, and a punchy splash of lemon, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil. It’s not just delicious—it’s a conversation starter, an appetizer that turns any ordinary bite of bread into something extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just a cozy night in, Creamy Feta & Green Olive promises to steal the show as an addictive dip or spread you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it straightforward, relying on a handful of powerful ingredients that each play a vital role. Every component comes together to build layers of flavor, luscious texture, and a signature Mediterranean color palette you can taste with your eyes.
- Feta Cheese (8 ounces, crumbled): Salty, tangy, and beautifully creamy, it’s the star of our Creamy Feta & Green Olive.
- Green Olives (1/2 cup, pitted): Brings briny, bright pops of flavor that set this dip apart from any other.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (1/4 cup): Gives the dip extra creaminess and a fresh, tangy boost—use whole milk yogurt for best results.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky finish and rounds out the flavors with a rich, fruity note.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts everything with a touch of acidity; use freshly squeezed for a vibrant kick.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Gives aromatic, zingy brightness that pops against the dip’s creamy base.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth and spice to wake up the other flavors.
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and fresh, herbal contrast.
- Pita Chips or Crusty Bread for Serving: Choose your favorite vessels—crunchy, chewy, or both!
How to Make Creamy Feta & Green Olive
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start blending, set out all your ingredients so everything’s at your fingertips. Make sure the feta is crumbled for easy processing, the green olives are pitted, and your lemon is both zested and juiced. This small prep step makes the process totally smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Blend Until Silky Smooth
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the crumbled feta, green olives, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Secure the lid and blend until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed. The magic really happens here: those ingredients meld into a dreamy, spreadable Creamy Feta & Green Olive mixture that’s electric with flavor.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your dip a little taste to check the balance. Like it tangier? Add a touch more lemon juice. Want more pepper? Go for it! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes right now for a subtle kick. This is your moment to make your Creamy Feta & Green Olive truly yours.
Step 4: Serve It Up with Style
Transfer the finished dip to a shallow serving bowl. For a finishing flourish, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and shower it with chopped fresh parsley, if you’d like. Set it out with piles of pita chips or slices of crusty bread, and you have an irresistible appetizer ready in minutes.
How to Serve Creamy Feta & Green Olive
Garnishes
When it comes to presenting your Creamy Feta & Green Olive, fresh parsley is a classic choice, but don’t stop there! Try a shower of lemon zest, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for crunch, or a dusting of spicy red pepper flakes for color and heat. Each little touch transforms your dip and helps it shine.
Side Dishes
This dip is a natural fit with warm pita bread or crunchy pita chips, but it also makes a great partner for roasted vegetables, olives, or crudité platters. For a Mediterranean-inspired spread, surround the Creamy Feta & Green Olive with marinated chickpeas, grilled artichokes, or fresh cherry tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your appetizers up a notch by spreading Creamy Feta & Green Olive on crostini and topping each with a sliver of roasted red pepper. You can also use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches or dollop it onto grain bowls and salads. It’s endlessly versatile, and every serving feels like an elevated treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, simply scrape the Creamy Feta & Green Olive into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay silky and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Creamy Feta & Green Olive, the dairy base may separate or become grainy when thawed. For optimal flavor and silkiness, it’s best enjoyed fresh or made a day ahead and kept in the fridge until you need it.
Reheating
You don’t actually need to reheat this dip—it’s best served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you make it in advance, just pull it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving to take off the chill, and give it a quick stir to revive its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Feta & Green Olive ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip is incredibly make-ahead friendly. Simply prepare as directed, pop it in an airtight container, and chill for up to 24 hours. The flavors mingle and deepen as it sits, so it’s actually even more delicious the next day.
What can I use instead of green olives?
If green olives aren’t your favorite, try substituting with kalamata olives for a deeper, almost winey brininess, or a mix of both. Just make sure they’re pitted and rinsed to keep the dip smooth and balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Creamy Feta & Green Olive is naturally gluten-free—just serve with gluten-free crackers or fresh veggie sticks instead of bread to keep things suitable for all your guests.
How can I make it spicier?
For extra heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes while blending, or top the dip with Aleppo pepper or diced pickled jalapeño for a kick that won’t overpower the other Mediterranean flavors.
Can I use block feta instead of pre-crumbled?
Yes, and many argue that block feta has better flavor and texture! Simply crumble it yourself for the freshest, creamiest results when making your Creamy Feta & Green Olive.
Final Thoughts
This dreamy blend of tangy cheese and briny green olives is an absolute must-try for gatherings or solo snacking. Creamy Feta & Green Olive brings effortless elegance and punchy flavor to any table—so grab your favorite bread or veggies and dip right in. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Creamy Feta & Green Olive Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this flavorful Creamy Feta & Green Olive dip, a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that pairs perfectly with pita chips or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Feta & Olive Dip:
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Pita chips or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine feta cheese, green olives, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer and Garnish: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve with pita chips, crackers, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before blending.
- This dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator—just bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: No-Cook, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
