Creamy Olive & Herb Cheese Dip
Based on the image, this appears to be a creamy olive and herb cheese dip with whole green olives on top. The exact ingredients cannot be confirmed from the image alone, but the recipe below closely matches its appearance and flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Dip
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup chopped green olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, olives are naturally salty)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish
- 3–5 whole green olives
- Extra chopped parsley
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Serving bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Mix in:
- Feta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Stir until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Fold in:
- Chopped olives
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Dill
- Chives
- Lemon juice
- Oregano
- Pepper
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Mix gently.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl.
Top with:
- Whole green olives
- Fresh herbs
- Olive oil drizzle
Serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is delicious with:
- Crackers
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pita chips
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Pretzels
- Sandwiches or wraps as a spread
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Pat the olives dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
- Chill for at least one hour before serving.
- Add extra feta if you prefer a tangier dip.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Not recommended, as dairy ingredients may separate after thawing.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Nutrition values are approximate.
Nut Information
Contains Nuts? ❌ No.
This recipe does not contain peanuts or tree nuts.
Common Allergens
- Milk (cream cheese, feta, Parmesan, sour cream)
- Eggs (mayonnaise)
Nut-Free Tips
- Buy dairy products processed in nut-free facilities if serving someone with a severe nut allergy.
- Always read labels on packaged ingredients for cross-contamination warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
A: Yes. Black olives provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. It tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q: Can I add spinach?
A: Absolutely. Finely chopped fresh spinach makes a great addition.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes. Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Q: Is this dip gluten-free?
A: Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables if needed.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, though the dip will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Q: What other cheeses work well?
A: Goat cheese, ricotta, or shredded mozzarella can be substituted or combined with the feta for a different flavor profile.
