Get ready to fall for the bold, tangy charm of this Green Olive Dip! It’s creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make, turning the simple green olive into a show-stealing party appetizer. Whether you’re gathering friends for game night, prepping a snack for a cozy movie marathon, or wanting something irresistible for your next potluck, this dip is swoon-worthy and packs a ton of zesty, briny flavor into each creamy spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Green Olive Dip lies in just a handful of kitchen staples that work together seamlessly, each bringing something special to the table. From the boldness of green olives to the luscious base of cream cheese, every ingredient makes a difference, so keep them fresh and high-quality!
- Green olives with pimentos (1 cup, drained and chopped): The star of the show, bringing tang, brininess, and a pop of color from their pimento centers.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Offers a creamy, velvety foundation that holds the dip together and adds richness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Delivers a slight tang and keeps the texture smooth and dippable.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds silkiness and rounds out the sharp flavors, making everything extra indulgent.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Just the right hint of garlicky kick, which deepens the flavor profile.
- Olive brine (1 tablespoon): A splash from your olive jar intensifies the olive punch with a salty tang.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of pepper complements all that creamy richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Spice lovers will adore the gentle heat these provide.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Sprinkles of green freshness give the finished dip a gourmet touch.
How to Make Green Olive Dip
Step 1: Create the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until you have a smooth and fluffy mixture. This trio is the secret to that irresistible, silky consistency which makes Green Olive Dip stand out on any snack table.
Step 2: Add the Olive Magic
Fold in the chopped green olives with pimentos. The olives should be chopped finely, but a few larger pieces are more than welcome for texture! Toss in the minced garlic, pour in the olive brine, and sprinkle over the black pepper and, if you’re feeling spicy, the red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until everything’s beautifully combined.
Step 3: Taste and Perfect
Give your dip a tiny taste—this is your chance to adjust the seasonings! Add a pinch more pepper or brine if you like it saltier, or a touch more garlic for extra pizzazz. This quick check ensures your Green Olive Dip will taste just how you love it.
Step 4: Chill for Incredible Flavor
Scoop the mixture into your prettiest serving bowl, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Green Olive Dip is at its very best when the flavors have had some time to mingle, so patience here pays off with every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the top with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This final touch makes your dip as gorgeous as it is delicious—don’t skip it!
How to Serve Green Olive Dip
Garnishes
Green Olive Dip shines with a little garnish love. Chopped parsley is classic, but you could get creative with a dusting of smoked paprika, a few extra sliced olives on top, or even crumbled feta for Mediterranean flair. These simple options make the dish pop on any table.
Side Dishes
This dip is a natural partner for crunchy crackers, sturdy pita chips, or fresh-cut veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Hosting a party? Add slices of toasted baguette or seeded flatbread for extra sophistication.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve Green Olive Dip in a hollowed out bread bowl or individual shot glasses for a fun, portable snack. Or, use it as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or even burgers—its punchy flavor brightens up any handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover Green Olive Dip in an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying a savory snack on demand.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this dip due to the dairy base (it might separate or take on a grainy texture), you can extend its life slightly by storing it in the absolute coldest part of your fridge. For the freshest taste and creamiest texture, always serve it freshly chilled.
Reheating
Green Olive Dip is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge for a while and seems a bit stiff, let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes and give it a quick stir before serving. This will help revive the dip’s wonderful, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While classic green olives with pimentos are ideal for this recipe, feel free to experiment with Castelvetrano or even a blend of different olives for a unique twist.
How can I make this dip chunkier?
If you like more texture, simply pulse the olives a couple of times in a food processor instead of finely chopping them, or add extra chopped veggies like green onions.
Is this Green Olive Dip gluten-free?
The dip itself contains only naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just serve it with gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks, GF crackers, or rice chips to keep it safe for everyone.
Can I lighten this dip for a healthier version?
Certainly! Try swapping full-fat cream cheese or sour cream for light or reduced-fat versions, or even substitute thick Greek yogurt for some of the mayo or sour cream.
How far in advance can I make Green Olive Dip?
You can prepare the whole dip up to two days ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and garnish right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Green Olive Dip, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a gathering without it! It’s lively, loaded with flavor, and always the first bowl to disappear at parties. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this craveable, zesty dip and watch it become everyone’s most requested appetizer!
Print
Green Olive Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Olive Dip is a creamy and tangy appetizer that is perfect for parties or gatherings. Made with green olives, cream cheese, and a blend of seasonings, this dip is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
Green Olive Dip:
- 1 cup green olives with pimentos (drained and chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive brine (from the jar)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped green olives, garlic, olive brine, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- For a chunkier dip, pulse the olives in a food processor a few times instead of chopping.
- You can also add a handful of chopped green onions or shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
