Name: 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 vibrant olive spread is a flavorful and creamy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Combining tangy feta, briny green olives, and roasted red pepper, it’s quick to prepare and delicious with pita chips or fresh veggies.

A close-up view of a small glass jar filled with a creamy, chunky dip that has a textured mix of green herbs, red bits, and white chunks throughout, showing multiple layers blended together. The top layer is uneven and thick, with a pool of golden olive oil in the center, holding two large green olives placed side by side. The jar is held by a woman's hand against a soft-focus background. The overall look is fresh and rustic, with colors of green, red, white, and gold. 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
2 whole green olives (optional, for topping)
Drizzle of olive oil (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine green olives, feta, 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 2–3 times to mix while keeping some chunks.
Step 3: Spoon the spread into a jar or bowl. If desired, drizzle with olive oil and top with the whole green olives.
Step 4: Chill the spread for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve chilled with pita chips, crostini, or raw vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother texture, blend the roasted red pepper into the base mixture instead of adding it at the end.
Replace green olives with black olives for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
If you like spice, increase chili flakes to your preference or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store the olive spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if it separates slightly. It’s best served chilled, but you can bring it to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a food arrangement on a white marbled surface featuring a block of white feta cheese topped with green herbs and a drizzle of yellow olive oil, placed on a piece of brown parchment paper; next to it are two small piles of dried green and red spices. In front of the cheese is a black bowl filled with shiny green and purple olives. Surrounding these central items are small white bowls containing chopped white mushrooms, white crumbled cheese, and dark red dried pepper flakes, as well as a clear glass container filled with olive oil and a halved lemon showing its pale yellow interior. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this olive spread ahead of time?

Yes, this spread actually benefits from resting for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

What can I serve the olive spread with?

This spread pairs beautifully with pita chips, crostini, raw vegetables such as cucumber and carrot sticks, or even as a flavorful sandwich spread.