This green olive dip is a creamy, savory appetizer that comes together quickly and delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired flavor. With briny green olives, smooth cream cheese, and a touch of garlic and lemon, it’s perfect for casual snacking, entertaining guests, or adding something special to your appetizer table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is fast, simple, and made with easy-to-find ingredients. It requires no cooking and can be prepared in under 20 minutes from start to finish. The flavor is rich yet balanced, making it ideal for pairing with vegetables, crackers, or bread. It’s also easy to customize with herbs or spices to suit your taste, and it stores well for make-ahead convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

1. Place the green olives in a food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped but not completely smooth.
2. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and olive oil to the processor.
3. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Transfer the dip to a bowl and stir in the chopped parsley by hand.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of dip, serving 6 people at approximately 1/4 cup per serving.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling time recommended.
Total time is approximately 15–20 minutes of active work plus chilling.

Variations

For a tangier version, replace half of the cream cheese with labneh or strained yogurt.
For a Mediterranean twist, add 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and a pinch of dried oregano.
For a spicy version, blend in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili.
For extra texture, stir in finely chopped walnuts or almonds just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store the green olive dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving, as slight separation may occur. This dip is best served cold or at cool room temperature and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Yes, a blender will work, but you may need to stop more often to scrape down the sides for even blending.

Is this dip very salty?

Green olives are naturally salty, but the cream cheese and sour cream balance the flavor well. You can reduce added salt if needed.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip tastes even better after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with green olive dip?

It pairs well with fresh vegetables, crackers, toasted bread, or pita wedges.

Can I freeze green olive dip?

Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy ingredients may separate and affect texture when thawed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives, though texture and flavor may vary.

How do I make the dip chunkier?

Pulse the olives separately and fold them into the creamy base instead of fully blending.

Can I add herbs other than parsley?

Yes, dill, chives, or cilantro all work well with green olives.

Is this dip suitable for parties?

Absolutely, it’s easy to double the recipe and serves well as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Can I use olive brine in the dip?

A teaspoon or two of olive brine can be added if you want a stronger olive flavor and looser texture.

Conclusion

Green olive dip is a simple yet flavorful recipe that proves great snacks don’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep, no cooking, and rich, savory taste, it’s a reliable go-to for entertaining or everyday enjoyment. Once you try it homemade, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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