Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip—a perfect harmony of tangy, briny, and herbaceous flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired dip is incredibly versatile, whether served as a spread for crusty bread, a dip for pita chips, or a unique addition to a mezze platter. With its smooth texture and bright notes of fresh herbs and olives, it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite.
Creamy, Tangy, and Packed with Mediterranean Flavor
This Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip brings together the bold, salty flavors of feta cheese with the briny richness of green olives. Enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil, a touch of garlic, and fresh herbs, every bite delivers a burst of Mediterranean goodness.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, looking for a quick appetizer, or simply craving a snack, this dip comes together effortlessly. It’s not only easy to make but also visually stunning with its vibrant green accents and velvety texture.
Ingredients for Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
To create this vibrant and creamy dip, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients that bring the Mediterranean to your table.
- Feta Cheese – A block of creamy, tangy feta cheese is the star of the dip. Opt for high-quality feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture.
- Green Olives – Use pitted green olives for their briny, slightly salty taste that complements the feta beautifully. Castelvetrano olives are a great option for their buttery texture.
- Olive Oil – A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
- Garlic – Just one small clove of garlic gives the dip a mild, aromatic punch without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley and a hint of dill bring color, freshness, and a lovely herby taste.
- Lemon Juice – A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dip and balances the saltiness.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat to the dip. Adjust to taste for a bit of a kick.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the depth of flavor.
How to Make Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
Making this creamy dip is a quick and effortless process. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful appetizer in no time.
Step 1:
Prepare your ingredients by draining the green olives and roughly chopping them. Crumble the feta cheese into smaller pieces for easier blending.
Step 2:
In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, green olives, garlic, and a handful of fresh parsley and dill. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.
Step 3:
Pulse the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure everything is well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add an extra drizzle of olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4:
Taste the dip and adjust the flavors. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and freshly cracked black pepper for extra depth. If you prefer a brighter flavor, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice.
Step 5:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls on the surface. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and garnish with whole green olives, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Step 6:
Serve the dip with warm pita bread, crunchy crostini, or fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrots. Enjoy it as part of a mezze platter or as a spread for sandwiches.
How Long to Prepare Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
One of the best things about this Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, it takes just 10 minutes to whip up this creamy, flavorful appetizer. There’s no need for baking or complicated steps, making it the perfect last-minute addition to any meal or gathering.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Prep Time: 5-7 minutes for chopping and gathering ingredients.
- Blending Time: 2-3 minutes to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
How to Store Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, there may not be!), this dip stores beautifully for later enjoyment. Follow these simple tips to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Place the dip in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Before serving, stir the dip and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil for a refreshed look and flavor.
- Freezer: While feta-based dips can be frozen, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your dip is creamy, flavorful, and irresistible every time:
- Use High-Quality Feta: The quality of your feta makes a big difference. Opt for a feta block packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta, as it’s creamier and richer in flavor.
- Choose the Right Olives: Castelvetrano olives are buttery and mild, perfect for this dip. If you want a stronger olive flavor, opt for traditional pitted green olives.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a looser, silkier dip, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water while blending. For a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture less.
- Garnish for Impact: Elevate the presentation with extra green olives, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or red pepper flakes. These little touches make the dip look restaurant-quality.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This dip tastes best when served at room temperature, as the flavors are more pronounced. If refrigerated, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving.
Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is a creamy, tangy, and briny delight perfect for any occasion. Packed with Mediterranean flavors like feta, green olives, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s an easy appetizer that comes together in just 10 minutes. Serve it with pita, bread, or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese block (preferably in brine)
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano), plus extra for garnish
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Roughly chop the green olives and crumble the feta cheese for easy blending.
- Blend the Dip: In a food processor, combine the feta cheese, green olives, garlic, parsley, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dip is too thick, add more olive oil or a small splash of water to reach your desired texture.
- Season and Taste: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish: Transfer the dip to a bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish with whole green olives, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs for a beautiful finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers.
Notes
- Use high-quality feta packed in brine for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Castelvetrano olives provide a mild, buttery flavor, but you can use any green olives you prefer.
- This dip can be made a day ahead—store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- For a smoother dip, add a little extra olive oil while blending; for a chunkier texture, pulse less.
- To add crunch, top with chopped toasted walnuts or almonds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes