Description
Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer combining green and black olives with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced with garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika, this dip is garnished with fresh parsley and served chilled alongside crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks, making it an easy and delightful snack for gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Olives
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and roughly chopped
Dip Base
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Assorted crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives: Finely chop the green and black olives using a knife or pulse briefly in a food processor, taking care not to puree them. Set aside.
- Create the Creamy Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or spoon to blend the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and smoked paprika into the creamy base. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate Olives: Gently fold the chopped olives into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution without crushing the olive pieces.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper carefully, tasting as you go because olives already contribute saltiness. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish the Dip: Transfer the olive dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the top as a vibrant garnish.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. This step can be skipped if needed, but chilling enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present the Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy this delicious and easy appetizer!
Notes
- For a tangier dip, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- To keep the olives from making the dip watery, be sure they are well-drained and chopped rather than pureed.
- This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Pair this dip with a variety of dippers to add texture and variety, such as crunchy vegetables or toasted pita wedges.
