Green Olive Dip

A bold, savory dip that transforms humble green olives into an irresistible appetizer. This Mediterranean-inspired green olive dip combines briny olives with creamy textures and aromatic herbs, creating the perfect companion for crackers, vegetables, or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted green olives (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla work best)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the olives. Pat green olives completely dry with paper towels. Roughly chop half the olives into small pieces for texture, leaving the remaining olives whole for processing.
2. Process the base. In a food processor, pulse the whole olives until coarsely chopped. Add softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Process until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds.
3. Build the flavors. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, and oregano to the processor. Pulse 5-6 times until herbs are distributed but still visible as green flecks throughout the dip.
4. Add texture. Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl. Fold in the reserved chopped olives, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and capers using a wooden spoon. The dip should have a creamy base with bursts of olive pieces.
5. Chill and develop flavors. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the garlic to mellow and flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and garnish. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top if desired. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Tips for Success

Olive Selection Matters: Castelvetrano olives offer a buttery, mild flavor that works beautifully in this dip. Manzanilla olives provide more traditional brine. Avoid overly salty varieties that might overpower the other ingredients.

Texture Control: Don’t over-process the mixture. You want a creamy base with visible herb specks and olive pieces for interest. If the dip seems too thick, add olive oil one teaspoon at a time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that are difficult to smooth out, even with processing.

Recipe Variations

Greek-Style Green Olive Dip: Replace dill with fresh mint and add crumbled feta cheese. Include sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add a finely minced jalapeño. A dash of hot sauce complements the olive brine perfectly.

Herb-Forward: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or chives instead of dill. Each herb brings a distinct personality to the green olive dip.

Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise and use light cream cheese. The tangy yogurt actually enhances the olive flavor.

Storage Instructions

This green olive dip keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as the garlic mellows and herbs infuse throughout.

For best results, remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Give it a gentle stir and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil if needed.

The dip can be made up to three days ahead for parties, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer that actually gets better with time.

Nutritional Highlights

Green olives provide healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. The herbs contribute antioxidants and fresh flavor without added calories. While this is an indulgent dip, the olive oil and olives offer heart-healthy fats that make it more nutritious than many party dips.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile green olive dip shines alongside Mediterranean mezze platters. Serve with warm pita triangles, crispy bagel chips, or colorful vegetable sticks like bell peppers and carrots.

For elegant entertaining, spread the dip on crostini and top with a single olive and herb sprig. It also makes an excellent sandwich spread or burger topping for those who love bold, briny flavors.

Try pairing with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity complements the rich, salty elements beautifully.

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing appetizers for a dinner party, this green olive dip delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of creamy textures and bold Mediterranean flavors creates a dip that disappears quickly and leaves guests asking for the recipe.