Creamy Feta Green Olive Spread (The Ultimate Olive Lovers' Dream Dip)

Too hot to turn on the oven? This feta green olive spread is your new summer savior.

It is salty, creamy, and wonderfully fresh for a warm evening. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, you only need 15 minutes and a food processor.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This dip is a total crowd-pleaser for any gathering. It combines the tangy bite of feta with the briny pop of green olives. It is a budget-friendly way to bring Mediterranean flavors home.

You can make it ahead of time for stress-free hosting. It is perfect for busy summer afternoons when you want something light. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort required from you.

Simple Method

Making this spread is as easy as it gets. You simply blend the cheeses until they are smooth and fluffy. Then, you fold in the fresh herbs and chopped olives by hand. This creates a beautiful chunky texture that feels homemade and rustic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these items are likely already in your fridge or pantry.

• 200g Feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g Cream cheese, softened
• 150g Pitted green olives, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 0.125 tsp Black pepper

Step-by-Step

1. In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese and softened cream cheese.
2. Pulse the mixture until creamy but slightly textured.
3. Add olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic then process for 15 seconds.
4. Transfer the base mixture to a mixing bowl.
5. Fold in the chopped green olives, dill, parsley, and red pepper flakes using a spatula.
6. Season with black pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this spread cold with a variety of crunchy dippers. Warm pita bread or salty crackers work perfectly here. I love serving it alongside sliced cucumbers and bell peppers for a healthy crunch.

Set it out at your next backyard BBQ or potluck. It is a fantastic centerpiece for a snack board. Light a few candles and enjoy it with your favorite people.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving it again. The flavors actually get better as it sits. This is not suitable for freezing due to the dairy content.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip the chilling time to let flavors meld.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Soften your cream cheese first to avoid any lumps.
• Chop the olives by hand for a better chunky texture.
• For a summer twist, add a few fresh cherry tomatoes on top.
• Avoid adding extra salt as feta and olives are naturally salty.
• Double the batch for a large holiday gathering or party.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap green olives for Kalamata olives for a Greek flavor.
• Add a pinch of dried oregano for extra herbal notes.
• Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.
• Use dairy-free feta and cream cheese for a vegan option.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare it the night before your event. Just keep it chilled until you are ready to serve.

What kind of feta should I use?

I recommend using feta in brine for the creamiest result. Crumbled feta also works well if you are in a hurry. Both will give you that signature salty bite.

Will kids like this dip?

Most kids love the creamy texture and mild cheese flavor. If they are sensitive to spice, just leave out the red pepper flakes. It is a great way to introduce them to olives.

I hope this fresh feta green olive spread brings a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table. It is so simple and satisfying to share with family. Happy snacking!

— Lidia