Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip

Save this recipe on:

When I need a dip that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, this Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is my go-to. It’s the perfect combination of briny, salty, and tangy, thanks to the rich feta cheese and the vibrant green olives. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or just craving a Mediterranean-inspired snack, this dip never fails to impress.

I love how simple yet incredibly flavorful this dip is. The olives bring a bright, slightly tart bite, while the feta adds a smooth, salty creaminess. With a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of spice, every bite is rich, balanced, and utterly addictive. It pairs beautifully with pita bread, crackers, or even fresh veggies, making it a versatile addition to any appetizer spread.

---

Why You’ll Love This Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip

• Quick and Easy – This dip comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients.
• Packed with Flavor – The combination of feta, olives, and seasonings makes every bite irresistible.
• Great for Entertaining – Perfect for parties, game nights, or Mediterranean-themed dinners.
• Versatile Pairings – Serve it with pita, crackers, fresh vegetables, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
• Healthy and Satisfying – Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious and delicious choice.

---

What Kind of Olives Should I Use?

The best olives for this dip are green olives with pimentos or castelvetrano olives for a buttery and slightly sweet flavor. If you prefer a more intense briny taste, manzanilla olives are a great option. Avoid olives with pits unless you’re willing to remove them before blending. You can also mix different varieties for a more complex flavor.

---

Options for Substitutions

• Feta Cheese Alternative – If you don’t have feta, try ricotta for a milder flavor or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Olive Swap – Not a fan of green olives? Use kalamata olives for a deeper, fruitier taste.
• Dairy-Free Version – Replace feta with a dairy-free feta alternative or a mix of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast.
• Spice Level – Adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a chopped chili, or omitting spice altogether.
• Herbs and Seasonings – Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano can replace dried herbs for a fresher taste.
• Extra Creaminess – Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream to make the dip even smoother.

---

Ingredients for This Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip

• Green Olives – The star of the dip, bringing a briny, slightly tangy flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy elements.
• Feta Cheese – Adds a rich, salty, and tangy depth to the dip, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
• Olive Oil – Enhances the smooth texture and brings a luxurious, slightly fruity taste.
• Garlic – A little garlic goes a long way in adding warmth and a slight kick to the dip.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens up the flavors with a refreshing, zesty note.
• Red Pepper Flakes – For a touch of heat that adds just the right amount of spice.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil) – Adds color and a burst of freshness to balance the richness.
• Black Pepper – A simple but necessary seasoning to enhance the overall taste.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Drain the green olives and crumble the feta cheese into smaller pieces. Mince the garlic and chop any fresh herbs you’re using.

---

Step 2: Blend the Dip

In a food processor, combine the green olives, feta cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Blend until smooth but slightly chunky, depending on your preferred texture.

---

Step 3: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the dip and add black pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. If the dip is too thick, add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

---

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the dip to a bowl and drizzle with extra olive oil. Top with additional chopped olives, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

---

How Long to Cook the Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip?

The best part about this dip is that there’s no cooking required! It’s a quick and easy blend-and-serve recipe. From start to finish, it takes about 5–10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute appetizers or snack cravings.

---

Tips for Perfect Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip

• Use High-Quality Ingredients – Since this dip relies on just a few simple ingredients, using good-quality olives, feta, and olive oil makes a huge difference.
• Balance the Flavors – Taste as you go! If it’s too salty, add a splash of lemon juice. If it’s too tangy, a drizzle of honey or extra olive oil can mellow it out.
• Adjust the Texture – Blend longer for a smoother dip or pulse a few times for a chunkier texture. You can also add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Let It Sit – If you have time, let the dip rest for 10–15 minutes after blending. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even better taste.
• Customize Your Toppings – Try garnishing with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of za’atar for extra depth.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Low-Quality Olives – Cheap or overly processed olives can taste too salty or bitter. Opt for high-quality, brined olives for the best flavor.
• Skipping the Olive Oil – This ingredient not only enhances the dip’s texture but also adds richness. Don’t skimp on it!
• Over-Blending the Dip – While some prefer a smooth dip, over-processing can make it too pasty. A little texture adds depth and makes it more enjoyable.
• Not Tasting as You Go – Since feta and olives are naturally salty, it’s important to taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
• Serving It Immediately – Letting the dip rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more balanced taste.
• Adding Too Much Lemon Juice – While acidity brightens the dip, too much can overpower the delicate flavors. Start with a small amount and add gradually.
• Not Draining the Olives Properly – Excess brine can make the dip overly salty and runny, so be sure to drain them well before blending.
• Forgetting the Garnishes – A drizzle of olive oil, extra feta, or chopped olives not only makes the dip look more appetizing but also enhances the flavor.

---

What to Serve With Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip?

1. Pita Bread

Soft, warm pita is perfect for scooping up the creamy dip. Try toasting it for extra crunch!

2. Crackers

A variety of crackers, from whole grain to seed-based, add a satisfying crunch to every bite.

3. Fresh Vegetables

Cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots make for a refreshing and healthy pairing.

4. Crostini

Crispy toasted bread rounds bring a gourmet touch to the dip, perfect for entertaining.

5. Grilled Chicken

Use the dip as a spread over grilled chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

6. Roasted Potatoes

Dollop the dip onto roasted baby potatoes for a flavorful side dish.

7. Falafel

Pair this dip with crispy falafel for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

8. Charcuterie Board

Add this dip to a Mediterranean-style charcuterie board with olives, cheeses, meats, and nuts.

---

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration – Store leftover Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even better the next day!
• Prevent Drying Out – Before sealing the container, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top to keep the dip fresh and creamy.
• Freezing (Not Recommended) – Due to the dairy content, freezing can alter the texture, making it grainy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dip fresh or refrigerated.
• Bringing It Back to Life – If the dip thickens too much in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir in a little olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Based on a 2-tablespoon serving size)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~2g
• Fiber: ~0.5g
• Sodium: ~250mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! This dip actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving.

2. Can I use black olives instead of green olives?

You can, but it will change the flavor. Black olives are milder and slightly sweeter, while green olives bring a tangy, briny taste that defines this dip.

3. How can I make this dip smoother?

For an extra creamy texture, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or blend for a little longer while drizzling in more olive oil.

4. Is this dip spicy?

Not by default! But if you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. What if my dip is too salty?

If it’s too salty, balance it with a little more lemon juice, a drizzle of honey, or some plain Greek yogurt.

6. Can I use this dip as a spread?

Absolutely! It works great as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

7. Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free options like veggies or GF crackers.

8. Can I add other ingredients to this dip?

Of course! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a handful of toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.

---

Conclusion

This Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip is a must-try for olive lovers and anyone who enjoys bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s quick, easy, and packed with creamy, tangy goodness—perfect for any occasion! If you loved this recipe, save it to Pinterest and share it with family and friends so they can enjoy it too!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: