Name: Creamy Feta & Green Olive Spread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 200 g green olives (pitted); 150 g feta cheese (crumbled); 100 g cream cheese (room temperature); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of ½ lemon; 1 roasted red pepper, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp chili flakes (optional); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 whole green olives; Drizzle of olive oil

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Introduction

This creamy feta and green olive spread is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dip that’s both tangy and rich. Perfect for entertaining or a simple snack, it combines salty olives and feta with bright lemon for a delightful taste experience.

The image shows a clear glass jar full of a layered dip. The bottom layer is creamy white with visible green herbs mixed in. The middle layer appears thicker and has a slightly coarse texture with small red and green bits spread throughout. The top layer is a smoother greenish spread, sprinkled with tiny red pieces and topped with three whole green olives in the center. A woman's hand holds the jar from the bottom against a white marbled background. The lighting highlights the colors and textures clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200 g green olives (pitted)
150 g feta cheese (crumbled)
100 g cream cheese (room temperature)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
1 roasted red pepper, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping (optional): 2 whole green olives
Topping (optional): Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine the green olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth but still slightly textured.
Step 2: Add the chopped roasted red pepper, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse 2 to 3 times to mix evenly while keeping some chunks for texture.
Step 3: Spoon the spread into a jar or serving bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and top with the whole green olives if desired.
Step 4: Chill the spread for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve with pita chips, crostini, or fresh raw vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili flakes and use milder olives.
Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist.
If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop everything and mix well by hand.
Use roasted yellow or orange peppers instead of red for subtle sweetness.

Storage

Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let it come to room temperature and stir gently. Reheat is not recommended; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a glass jar filled with a creamy, thick dip that has a light beige base speckled with green herbs and small pieces of red pepper throughout. On top of the dip, there are three light brown olives placed near the center, surrounded by a sprinkle of green herbs that add texture. The jar is held by a woman's hand, giving a sense of scale and focus. The background is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives for this spread?

Yes, you can use black olives or Kalamata olives instead of green ones, but this will alter the flavor profile to be richer and sometimes more bitter. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

Is this spread suitable for freezing?

Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the cream cheese and feta, making the spread grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days.