This delicious Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip: Creamy Bliss for Your Gatherings comes together in about 15 minutes, and it’s a no-bake recipe that fits perfectly for a quick appetizer that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal by adding whatever leftover goodies you have lying around the kitchen. Trust me, this dip is a total game changer for any gathering, whether it’s game night with friends or a cozy family dinner!
Let’s Dive into the Ingredients
Green Olives
200 g Green Olives, pitted (Use Castelvetrano or Manzanilla for best taste.)
Green olives are the star of this dip, bringing that distinctive briny flavor that olive lovers adore! I prefer Castelvetrano for their mild, sweet taste and buttery texture, but you can absolutely use whatever green olives you have on hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of green and black olives for an interesting flavor twist!
Feta Cheese
150 g Feta Cheese, crumbled (Opt for block feta in brine for smoother blending.)
Feta adds creamy, salty goodness that perfectly balances the flavors in this dip. I like to use block feta because it blends so much better than crumbled. But hey, if crumbled is all you’ve got, it will work just fine too!
Cream Cheese
100 g Cream Cheese, room temperature (Ensure it’s at room temp for a smooth texture.)
Cream cheese gives this dip that luxurious creamy texture. It’s crucial to use room temperature cream cheese, no one likes chunky dips, right? If you’re in a rush, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave can help soften it up!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Use high-quality oil for optimal taste.)
Olive oil adds richness and helps in achieving that creamy consistency. I highly recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil because it really enhances the overall flavor of the dip trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Garlic
1 Garlic Clove, minced (Freshly minced garlic is recommended for a potent kick.)
Garlic brings in a zesty punch! Here’s a tip: if you’re not a fan of raw garlic, you can roast a head in the oven for a sweeter, milder flavor before adding it in. So good!
Lemon Zest
1 Lemon Zest (Organic lemons are preferred.)
Lemon zest is the ultimate secret ingredient. It brightens up the entire dip, balancing out all the creamy flavors. Organic lemons are great because you won’t have to worry about pesticides when grating the zest.
Lemon Juice
½ Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is essential for that tang. You can even adjust it based on how zesty you want your dip to be.
Roasted Red Pepper
1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped (Both jarred and homemade varieties work well.)
Ah, the roasted red pepper contributes a delightful sweetness and beautiful color! You can roast your own, but I won’t judge you if you grab a jar from the store. Easy peasy!
Dried Oregano
1 tsp Dried Oregano (Fresh oregano can be used if available.)
Oregano brings in a nice herbal note that complements the olives perfectly. You can definitely switch it up with fresh oregano if you have it, it’ll add that extra punch of flavor!
Chili Flakes
½ tsp Chili Flakes (Adds mild heat; adjust based on preference.)
A couple pinches of chili flakes add just enough heat to make things interesting. Don’t worry, it’s not overwhelming, but feel free to leave it out if you want to keep things on the milder side.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (For seasoning to taste.)
A pinch or two of freshly ground black pepper adds the final touch. I like to grind it right before mixing for that fresh aroma, so much better than pre-ground!
How to Make This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you whip up this incredible dip in no time.
Prepare the Ingredients (5 minutes) : Gather all your ingredients and chop your roasted red pepper if needed. Get ready to blend!
Blend it Up (5 minutes) : In a medium-sized bowl, combine the green olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, roasted red pepper, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Use a hand mixer or a food processor to blend everything until smooth and creamy. You want it to be perfectly mixed, like that soft texture you dream about on a snack day!
Taste and Adjust (2 minutes) : Before you dive in, give your dip a taste! Add a couple pinches of salt and pepper or more lemon juice if you feel it needs a little more flavor. Stir it up and taste again. Perfect!
Chill (If Desired) : While you can serve immediately, popping it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re in a rush, just dive right in!
Serve and Enjoy! You can serve this dip with pita chips, fresh veggies, or on top of toasted baguette slices. It’s a versatile dip that pairs with almost anything!
And there you go! This dip is not only quick and easy, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Why I Adore This Recipe
Honestly? This dip is my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick appetizer for gatherings or just want something delicious on hand to snack on during movie night. I’m a real sucker for anything with olives and cheese (who isn’t?), and this dip is just loaded with flavor. The best part is how customizable it is! You can add whatever you have left over, like some sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. It’s a true comfort food that brings everyone together around the table!
If you loved this Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip, be sure to check out my Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, my Easy Boat Dip, or my Marry Me Dip!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dip comes together in under 15 minutes! I mean, it doesn’t get easier than that. Whether you’re throwing it together in a pinch for unexpected guests or prepping for game day, this is definitely the answer to your quick-appetizer prayers.
Comfort Food
This dip is just pure comfort food. With the creamy notes of cream cheese and feta, paired with briny olives and spices, it’s like a warm hug… for your taste buds!
Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s be real, everyone loves a good dip. Serve this up and watch it disappear. I guarantee it’ll be the highlight of your gathering, and your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Customizable
Got some leftover roasted veggies from last night’s dinner? Toss ‘em right in! Running low on olives? You can mix in some artichokes or even a handful of herbs. Use whatever ingredients you have, and it will still come out delicious!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Dip
Serve this Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip surrounded by your favorite dippers! Think crispy pita chips, crunchy carrot sticks, or toasty bread. It’s the perfect addition to a charcuterie board too!
Storage
This dip keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Reheating Instructions
If you prefer a warm dip, heat it gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm. Do not overheat; no one likes burnt cheese, right?
Freezer Friendly
While I recommend enjoying this dip fresh, you can freeze it for later! Just make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container. When you defrost it, give it a good stir, and it should be good to go!
This Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a must-try for every home cook! So simple, yet so flavorful perfect for gatherings or a weeknight meal. Now go ahead and indulge, you deserve it!
Remember, the trick here is to have fun! Cooking is part science, part art so experiment and enjoy every bite. Happy dipping! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.
Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients and chop your roasted red pepper if needed. Get ready to blend!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the green olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, roasted red pepper, dried oregano, and chili flakes.
- Use a hand mixer or a food processor to blend everything until smooth and creamy.
- Before you dive in, give your dip a taste! Add a couple pinches of salt and pepper or more lemon juice if necessary.
- Stir it up and taste again. Adjust as needed for flavor.
- While you can serve immediately, popping it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies, or on top of toasted baguette slices.