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Creamy Mediterranean Olive Spread

Updated on 5 min read

Recipe Card

Hook – Recipe Title & Quick Description

Creamy Mediterranean Olive Spread – A rich, savory olive dip made with cream cheese, herbs, and olive oil, perfect for bread, crackers, or mezze platters.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups (8 servings)

Dietary Badges

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free
  • Low-Carb

Ingredients List

  • Green olives, pitted
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh basil or oregano
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Red bell pepper (or roasted red pepper)
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Add the green olives to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not completely smooth.
  2. Add softened cream cheese, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pulse again until the mixture becomes creamy with small olive pieces remaining.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the spread is smooth and cohesive.
  5. Stir in finely diced red bell pepper by hand for texture.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Transfer to a serving jar or bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Additional Notes

  • Use high-quality olives for best flavor.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
  • Ingredient substitutions and variations are listed below.

Brief Introduction (After Recipe Card)

This creamy olive spread is inspired by Mediterranean mezze platters and café-style olive dips. It is bold, salty, herbaceous, and incredibly easy to make. This is the kind of recipe you throw together in minutes but end up serving again and again for guests, snacks, or quick appetizers.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Chop the Olives

Add 1 ½ cups pitted green olives to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. The texture should resemble a coarse tapenade, not a paste.

Tip: Avoid over-processing here to keep some texture in the final spread.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base

Add:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Pulse until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Emulsify with Olive Oil

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil until creamy and spreadable.

Tip: Add the oil gradually to prevent the mixture from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Add Texture

Remove the blade and stir in ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper by hand.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer to a jar or bowl. Smooth the top and drizzle with 1–2 teaspoons olive oil. Garnish with whole olives if desired.

Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips

Key Ingredient Notes

  • Green olives: Use brined Mediterranean-style olives for the best balance of salt and acidity.
  • Cream cheese: Provides body and creaminess. Full-fat works best for flavor and texture.
  • Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil keep the dip vibrant; dried herbs will taste flatter.

Substitutions

  • Cream cheese substitute:
    • Greek yogurt (strained) for a lighter version
    • Dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option
  • Green olives:
    • Kalamata olives for a bolder, brinier flavor
  • Red bell pepper:
    • Sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense taste

Equipment Alternatives

  • No food processor? Finely chop olives by hand and mix with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

  • Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes for heat
  • Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness
  • Add ¼ cup feta cheese for extra saltiness

Dietary Variations

  • Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese
  • Keto: Recipe is already keto-friendly

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with warm pita, sourdough, or crostini
  • Pair with raw vegetables like cucumbers and carrots
  • Add to a mezze platter with hummus and roasted vegetables

Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve alongside sparkling water with lemon or a dry white wine

Storage and Make-Ahead Information

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

This dip is best served cold or at room temperature. Do not microwave.

Make-Ahead Tips

Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Stir well before serving.

Shelf Life & Quality Notes

The flavor improves after a few hours as the herbs and olives meld.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g

Dietary Highlights

  • Low-carb
  • Gluten-free

Allergens

  • Contains dairy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use black olives instead of green?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and less tangy.

Q: Why is my spread too thin?
Too much olive oil added too quickly. Chill the dip for 30 minutes to firm it up.

Q: Can I freeze this?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture will separate when thawed.

Optional Personal Notes

This recipe came together during a fridge-cleanout moment and quickly became a staple. It is one of those spreads that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, which makes it perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking.

Reader Interaction and Call-to-Action

If you try this olive spread, leave a comment with your variation or serving idea. Share it with friends, rate the recipe, and let me know how you enjoyed it.

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