Marinated Olive Dip: A Mediterranean-Inspired Appetizer That Will Wow Your Guests
Transform your appetizer game with this luxuriously creamy marinated olive dip. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines silky whipped cottage cheese with zesty marinated olives, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will have your guests reaching for more.
Mediterranean Marinated Olive & Feta Dip with Garlic Herbs
Ingredients
Instructions
Marinate the Olives (Make Ahead if Possible):
- Mix olives, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano in a bowl or jar. Stir to combine and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes minimum, or chill several hours to overnight for enhanced flavor.
Make the Whipped Cottage Cheese:
- Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese or yogurt, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a food processor or high-speed blender. Process for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Season to taste.
Assemble & Serve:
- Transfer whipped cottage cheese to a shallow bowl or serving plate, spreading evenly. Generously scatter marinated olives on top and drizzle with infused oil from the marinade. Finish with optional flaky salt or fresh herbs to taste.
Serve with:
- Serve with heated pita, crusty bread, crisp crackers or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition
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What Is Marinated Olive Dip?
Marinated olive dip is a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that combines whipped cottage cheese with seasoned olives. The base is incredibly smooth and creamy, while the marinated olives add bursts of flavor and texture. It’s an elevated take on traditional dips that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Marinated Olive Dip
For the Whipped Base:
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
For the Marinated Olives:
- 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, and black)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinated Olives:
- Combine olives, olive oil, sliced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a bowl
- Gently stir to ensure even coating
- Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor
Making the Whipped Base:
- Place cottage cheese and cream cheese in a food processor
- Blend until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes
- Add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper
- Process until light and fluffy
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture
- Don’t rush the blending process – patience yields silkier results
- Choose high-quality olives for the best flavor
- Allow time for the flavors to meld in the marinade
Delicious Variations of Marinated Olive Dip
Mediterranean Style:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Mix in crumbled feta cheese
- Incorporate fresh basil and oregano
Spicy Version:
- Double the red pepper flakes
- Add chopped jalapeños
- Mix in harissa paste
Serving Suggestions
This marinated olive dip shines brightest when served as the centerpiece of your appetizer spread. The creamy base creates an inviting canvas, while the glistening marinated olives on top catch the eye and entice guests to dive right in.
Perfect Pairings:
- Warm pita triangles
- Crispy crostini
- Fresh vegetable crudités
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crackers of various textures
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the marinated olives
- Create a slight well in the center for extra olive oil
- Garnish with fresh herbs and additional marinated olives
- Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Make-Ahead and Storage
The marinated olive dip actually improves with time, making it perfect for entertaining. The whipped base can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, while the olives can marinate for up to a week, developing deeper, more complex flavors.
Storage Guidelines:
- Whipped base: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Marinated olives: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
- Assembled dip: Best enjoyed within 3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this marinated olive dip ahead of time?
Yes! The components can be prepared separately in advance. The whipped base will keep for up to 5 days, while the marinated olives can be made up to 2 weeks ahead.
What type of olives work best?
A mix of olives creates the most interesting flavor profile. Combine Kalamata, green, and black olives for variety in taste and texture. Avoid canned olives, as they lack the depth of flavor needed for this dip.
Can I make this dip lighter?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese and Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat versions. However, the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Why This Marinated Olive Dip Will Become Your Go-To Appetizer
This marinated olive dip isn’t just another appetizer – it’s a conversation starter. The combination of smooth, whipped cottage cheese with zesty, herb-infused olives creates an unforgettable taste experience that bridges casual and elegant entertaining.
Perfect For Any Occasion:
- Holiday gatherings
- Wine tasting parties
- Casual get-togethers
- Mediterranean-themed dinners
- Weekend brunches
Expert Tips for Customization
The beauty of this marinated olive dip lies in its versatility. While the base recipe is exceptional on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Flavor Boosters:
- Add fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme
- Incorporate roasted garlic for deeper flavor
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers
- Sprinkle with za’atar or sumac
- Top with pine nuts or pomegranate seeds
Entertaining Success with Marinated Olive Dip
This dip has a way of drawing people together. Its creamy texture and bold flavors encourage sharing and conversation, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. The visual appeal of the marbled olives against the white base creates an Instagram-worthy presentation that guests can’t resist photographing before diving in.
Party Planning Tips:
- Calculate about ¼ cup of dip per person
- Provide a variety of dipping vessels
- Set out small plates and cocktail napkins
- Keep extra marinated olives on hand for refills
- Pair with Mediterranean wines or cocktails
Recipe Success Guaranteed
Remember these key points for the best marinated olive dip:
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before preparing
- Take time to thoroughly blend the base until silky smooth
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
- Allow flavors to meld for at least an hour before serving
- Garnish just before presenting to guests
How to whip cottage cheese without a food processor or blender?
While it’s possible to whip cottage cheese by hand, you won’t achieve the same silky-smooth, airy texture that you get with a food processor or blender. For the best creamy consistency, using an electric appliance is strongly recommended.
Is whipped cottage cheese healthy as a dip or snack?
Whipped cottage cheese is a nutritious choice for dips and snacks because it’s packed with protein while containing less fat than most creamy dips. Since you make it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, making it an excellent wholesome option for appetizers or snacking.
What are the best olives to use for marinated olive dip?
For the best marinated olive dip, use a combination of green and black olives. Choose firm, pitted olives that come packed in brine rather than oil – this allows them to better absorb the flavorful marinade. The brine-packed olives will soak up all the zesty seasonings and create the perfect Mediterranean-style appetizer.
How to make whipped cottage cheese smooth and creamy without graininess?
For the smoothest texture possible, always use full-fat cottage cheese and blend thoroughly until completely smooth. To achieve an extra silky consistency, try incorporating either cream cheese or yogurt into the mixture. The key is patience during blending and using the right ingredients to eliminate any grainy texture.
