Ingredients
For the Marinated Green Olives
- 2 cups Castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Whipped Feta
- 8 ounces soft feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- ¾ cup whole fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon olive juice/brine or fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped Castelvetrano olives with the minced parsley, oregano, dill, and garlic. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and olive oil. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all the olives evenly. Let this mixture sit and marinate while you prepare the whipped feta, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor, blend the soft feta cheese, whole fat Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, olive juice or fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, resembling a light dip. Add additional olive oil or honey if you prefer a thinner or sweeter dip.
- Chill the Feta Dip: Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least a few minutes to thicken. For best results, chill overnight if preparing in advance, though it’s not strictly necessary to chill before serving.
- Serve: Just before serving, spoon the marinated olives generously over the whipped feta dip. Serve with your choice of crackers, pita bread, pita chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping and scooping.
Notes
- If marinating the olives for longer than an hour, store them in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to bring to room temperature and allow the olive oil to loosen up.
- This appetizer can be prepared a day ahead, with olives and whipped feta made separately to enhance flavor development.
- Adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Use whole fat Greek yogurt for optimal creaminess in the whipped feta dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
