Tangy, creamy, and packed with bold briny flavor, this Green Olive Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes. Perfect as a dip for crackers, chips, or veggies — or even as a spread for sandwiches and wraps — it’s an unexpected hit at every gathering.
🕒 Prep Time & Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
- Total Time: 10–40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 (about 1½ cups)
- Skill Level: Easy
- Dish Type: Dip, Appetizer
🔧 Equipment Needed
- Food processor or blender
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowl or airtight container
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted green olives (like Castelvetrano or Manzanilla)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish or mix-in)
- Optional: Dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes (for a kick)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Olives: Use good-quality pitted green olives. Castelvetrano for mild and buttery flavor, Manzanilla for more brine and bite.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese yields the best texture.
- Tangy Add-ins: Swap lemon juice for a splash of olive brine for extra zing.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Blend the Dip:
In a food processor or blender, combine green olives, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. You can pulse for a chunkier texture or blend completely for a smoother dip. - Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and add more pepper, lemon juice, or a bit of olive brine if desired. If you like spice, mix in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. - Chill (Optional):
For best flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dip to firm slightly. - Serve:
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped parsley, green onion, or a few sliced olives for garnish.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per 2-tbsp serving – approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: ~100
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: ~260mg
(Values vary based on olive type and dairy used.)
💡 Tips
- Make ahead: Tastes even better after chilling overnight!
- Softening tip: Let cream cheese sit at room temp for 30 minutes for easy blending.
- Serving ideas: Try it with pita chips, bagel crisps, sliced baguette, carrot sticks, or celery.
🔄 Variations
- Green Olive & Feta Dip: Add ¼ cup crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream cheese and mayo.
- Herbed Olive Dip: Add fresh basil, dill, or chives for a fresh finish.
- Chunky Style: Stir in chopped green olives at the end for texture.
