Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip – Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread is exactly what its name promises—an irresistible dip created for anyone who loves olives in all their briny, salty glory. It blends the sharp creaminess of feta with the brightness of green olives and a touch of lemon to create a silky, savory spread perfect for entertaining or effortless snacking. I first served this at a small gathering alongside warm pita triangles, and it disappeared quicker than anything else on the table. The best part is how easily it comes together; everything goes right into a food processor, and within minutes you have a deeply flavorful dip that tastes far more sophisticated than its simple preparation would suggest. I’ve also tried it with almond milk to lighten the consistency slightly, and it worked beautifully without altering the flavor. Whether planned ahead or made last minute, this dip always delivers.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Feta cheese

Feta brings the unmistakable tangy creaminess that forms the base of this dip. Its punchy saltiness pairs perfectly with olives without overwhelming the palate. Crumbled feta blends smoothly, giving the spread its thick, luxurious texture.

Green olives

Green olives contribute brininess and a subtle bitterness that keeps the dip lively and complex. I prefer using pitted Castelvetrano olives for their buttery, mild flavor, but any quality green olive will work beautifully.

Cream cheese

This ingredient adds body and smoothness, mellowing the sharper edges of the feta. It helps the dip achieve that rich, spreadable consistency that works just as well on toast as it does as a topping for grilled chicken.

Garlic

A small clove of fresh garlic introduces aromatic depth. It should be used sparingly, as raw garlic can dominate the dip if too much is added.

Lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice brightens the mixture and enhances the natural saltiness of the cheese and olives. Its acidity balances the richness perfectly.

Olive oil

A drizzle of good olive oil rounds out the dip, adding fruitiness and helping everything blend into a cohesive, silky spread.

Fresh herbs

Parsley or dill lends a fresh, green lift. Herbs also add color and fragrance, giving the dip a vibrant finishing touch.

Directions

Begin by placing the feta, cream cheese, and green olives into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients before adding the garlic. Next, pour in the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you prefer a slightly looser consistency, you may add a small splash of almond milk—I have tested this variation myself and found that it softens the texture without diluting the flavor. After blending, taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed; depending on the saltiness of your olives and feta, you may find no additional salt required. Once you are satisfied with the flavor, fold in finely chopped fresh herbs by hand to preserve their color and freshness. Transfer the dip to a bowl, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and garnish with additional herbs or sliced olives before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This dip yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time (optional for firmer texture): 20–30 minutes
Total time: 10–40 minutes, depending on whether you chill before serving.

Storage/reheating

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after a few hours, making it ideal for preparing ahead. Reheating is not necessary, but if the mixture firms up too much in the refrigerator, simply let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes and stir before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Olive Dip

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of harissa for heat that complements the briny olives.

Roasted Garlic Twist

Replace raw garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile.

Sun-Dried Tomato Version

Mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to introduce umami and a hint of natural sweetness.

Herb-Loaded Mediterranean Spread

Increase the fresh herbs and include mint or basil for a more aromatic and garden-forward version.

Kalamata Blend

Use a mix of green and Kalamata olives for added depth and a more robust olive flavor.

Lighter Yogurt-Based Dip

Swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt to achieve a tangier and lighter consistency.

Lemon-Zest Brightened Dip

Stir in lemon zest to heighten the citrus notes without thinning the texture.

Nutty Olive Spread

Add a spoonful of finely ground walnuts to create extra richness and a subtle earthy undertone.

Marinated Olive Style

Incorporate a splash of the marinade from your olive jar to intensify the briny flavor.

Vegan Adaptation

Use plant-based feta and dairy-free cream cheese for a fully vegan version that still retains the dip’s signature flavor.

FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare this dip?

You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, and the flavors improve as it rests.

Can I freeze this dip?

Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based dips can separate when thawed.

What type of olives work best?

Castelvetrano olives offer a buttery, mild flavor, but any quality green olive works.

Can I make it without a food processor?

Yes, but the texture will be chunkier. A blender or hand mixer can serve as alternatives.

Is this dip suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates and pairs well with vegetables or low-carb crackers.

What should I serve it with?

Pita bread, crostini, fresh vegetables, or grilled meats pair wonderfully.

How can I adjust the saltiness?

Use low-sodium feta or rinse your olives before blending.

Can I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a mild kick.

What herbs complement this dip best?

Parsley, dill, basil, and mint all add fresh, vibrant flavor.

How do I thin the dip if it’s too thick?

Add a small amount of olive oil, lemon juice, or even a splash of almond milk.

Conclusion

This Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread is a versatile and elegant dip that requires minimal effort yet delivers outstanding flavor. Its balance of creaminess, brininess, and freshness makes it an ideal companion for gatherings, weeknight snacks, or Mediterranean-inspired meals. With plenty of room for customization and a forgiving preparation method, it is a recipe you will return to time and time again. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it consistently impresses and proves that simple ingredients can create truly memorable dishes.

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