Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip is a flavor bomb—creamy, salty, tangy, and herby all in one bite. It comes together in minutes and requires no cooking, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining, picnics, or weekday snacking. Its robust flavor pairs well with a variety of dippers, and it’s versatile enough to use as a sandwich spread or topping for roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Green olives (like Castelvetrano or Manzanilla), pitted
• Garlic clove, minced
• Cream cheese or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: red pepper flakes or lemon zest for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Add feta cheese, pitted green olives, cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to a food processor.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Pulse until the dip reaches your desired consistency—smooth and creamy or slightly chunky for texture.
3. Season and Adjust: Taste and season with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed. Stir in chopped herbs.
4. Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and garnish with herbs, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest if desired.
5. Enjoy: Serve with pita chips, crackers, sliced cucumber, carrots, or warm flatbread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 20 minutes
Total Time: 10–30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne to bring some heat.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based feta and yogurt or cashew cheese.
• Add Nuts: Blend in toasted walnuts or almonds for added texture and richness.
• Different Olives: Try kalamata or mixed olives for a more robust, complex flavor.
• Herb Blend: Swap parsley for basil, mint, or a mix of Mediterranean herbs.

Storage/Reheating

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as some separation may occur. This dip is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may affect texture upon thawing. No reheating necessary—serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors have more time to meld.

What kind of green olives work best?

Castelvetrano olives are buttery and mild, while Manzanilla olives are more briny. Choose based on your flavor preference.

Is this dip supposed to be smooth or chunky?

Either! Blend until smooth for a creamy spread, or pulse just a few times for a chunkier, rustic texture.

Can I use feta in brine?

Yes, just drain it well before using. Feta in brine tends to have better flavor and creaminess.

What can I serve this dip with?

Pita chips, crackers, fresh veggies, warm naan, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Can I use this as a sandwich spread?

Absolutely. It makes a delicious, savory base for veggie or grilled chicken sandwiches.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just use gluten-free dippers.

Can I use store-bought whipped feta?

Yes, but reduce or skip the cream cheese or yogurt depending on how creamy it already is.

How long will it keep?

Up to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Stir before serving if any separation occurs.

Can I add other cheeses?

Yes, goat cheese or a bit of cream cheese can be blended in for added richness and a tangy profile.

Conclusion

Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is the ultimate Mediterranean appetizer—salty, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and sure to be a hit at any gathering or casual snack spread. Whether you’re hosting guests or meal-prepping for the week, this bold, flavorful dip deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip

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Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is a bold and creamy Mediterranean appetizer made with tangy feta, briny green olives, garlic, and herbs. This quick, no-cook dip is perfect for parties, snacking, or spreading on sandwiches.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Total Time: 10–30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2. 1/2 cup green olives (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla), pitted
3. 1 garlic clove, minced
4. 1/4 cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt
5. 2 tbsp olive oil
6. 1 tbsp lemon juice
7. 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
8. Salt and black pepper, to taste
9. Optional: red pepper flakes or lemon zest, for garnish

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Instructions

In a food processor, combine feta, green olives, garlic, cream cheese (or yogurt), lemon juice, and olive oil.

1. Pulse until smooth or leave slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice.
3. Stir in chopped herbs by hand for added freshness.
4. Chill for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, if desired.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with herbs, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest.
6. Serve with pita chips, crackers, vegetables, or flatbread.

Notes

1. Use feta in brine for better flavor and creaminess.
2. Chilling enhances the flavor, but the dip can be served immediately.
3. Great as a sandwich spread or topping for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
4. For a chunkier texture, pulse the food processor less and stir in extra chopped olives by hand.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg