Dive into a world of savory delight with this Zesty Olive Dream Dip. The combination of briny olives, tangy lemon, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible appetizer that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make. This dip boasts a luxuriously smooth texture, punctuated by the distinct flavors of Kalamata and green olives.
This recipe works because the saltiness of the olives is perfectly balanced by the bright acidity of the lemon juice. The cream cheese and mayonnaise provide a rich, creamy base, while a hint of garlic and oregano adds depth and complexity. Red pepper flakes bring a touch of subtle heat, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully. This olive dream dip is perfect for casual gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or even just a satisfying snack.
Why you’ll love this Zesty Olive Dream Dip
- Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- The combination of olives, lemon, and cream cheese delivers an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.
- It’s incredibly versatile – serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
- This olive dream dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
- Simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Easily customizable to your taste preferences – adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for your desired level of spice.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 1 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pita bread, vegetables, or crackers, for serving
Olive dream dip makes every moment feel energetic. If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with other black olives. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
How to make Zesty Olive Dream Dip
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the Kalamata olives, green olives, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 2: Process Until Smooth
Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. For a smoother dip, process for a longer time.
Step 3: Transfer and Garnish
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and cucumber), or your favorite crackers. For another appetizer option, consider these chili garlic noodles – they’re quick to prepare!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother dip.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – add more lemon juice for extra tang or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Don’t over-process the olives; a little bit of texture is nice.
- If you find the dip too thick, add a tablespoon of olive oil or water to thin it out.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Olive Dream Dip is incredibly versatile. Serve it with warm pita bread for a classic Mediterranean experience. Crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber are also great for dipping. For a heartier option, try spreading it on toasted baguette slices or using it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It would also pair well with our creamy cajun chicken pasta for a full meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Zesty Olive Dream Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may meld together even more after a day or two. There’s no need to reheat, as it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream cheese may change texture and become grainy upon thawing.
Is this dip spicy?
The amount of spice depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small pinch and taste as you go.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more beautifully after a day or two!
This Zesty Olive Dream Dip is a flavorful and easy appetizer that’s sure to impress. The perfect blend of salty, tangy, and creamy flavors makes it an irresistible snack for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Zesty Olive Dream Dip
Dive into a world of Mediterranean flavor with this creamy, zesty, and utterly irresistible olive dip. This dip is a celebration of briny olives, bright lemon, and rich cream cheese, all blended to perfection for a smooth and satisfying texture. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion, ready in minutes and guaranteed to impress. Serve it with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetables, or your favorite crackers for an unforgettable taste experience that will leave you craving more. This dip is a real crowd-pleaser, simple to make, and bursting with flavor. The combination of salty olives, tangy lemon, and creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Get ready to elevate your snacking game with this olive lovers’ dream dip!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 1 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pita bread, vegetables, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the Kalamata olives, green olives, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately or chill for later.
- Serve with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and cucumber), or your favorite crackers.
Notes
For a smoother dip, process for a longer time. If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute with other black olives. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg