Ricotta With Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon

Ricotta With Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon is a savory, creamy dip that’s bursting with flavors. The smooth, rich ricotta serves as the perfect base, while the crushed olives, toasted almonds, and zesty lemony olive oil mixture elevate it into a delicious appetizer. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at parties, gatherings, or as a light snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ricotta dip is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures. The salty olives, briny capers, and toasted almonds complement the mild ricotta beautifully, while the lemon and olive oil dressing adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Whether you’re serving it with crispy crackers or freshly baked bread, this dish is easy to prepare, light, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s sure to please your guests.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

• 1/2 cup Sicilian olives, crushed and pits removed

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, leaves and stems chopped

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced

• 1 1/2 cups (370g) smooth ricotta

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the slivered almonds in a pan over medium heat. Toast for 4-5 minutes until golden, tossing occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, set aside in a bowl.

2. Turn the heat to low and add the crushed olives, capers, and parsley to the pan. Pour in the olive oil, then stir in the lemon zest and juice. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10 minutes on low heat.

3. Meanwhile, spread the ricotta on a plate, smoothing it out evenly.

4. Pour the olive oil mixture over the ricotta, then top with the toasted almonds.

5. Serve with crackers or freshly baked bread and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot chili oil to the olive oil mixture for a spicy twist.

• Different Nuts: Substitute slivered almonds with chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pine nuts for a different crunch.

• Vegan Version: Use vegan ricotta for a dairy-free version of this appetizer.

• Add Roasted Vegetables: Roasted tomatoes or bell peppers would make a great addition to the olive oil mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This dip is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The ricotta will thicken when chilled, so you may need to stir it before serving.

• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this dish as it’s served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, you can use Kalamata or green olives, but Sicilian olives give the dish a unique flavor. Adjust the quantity depending on your preference for saltiness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the olive oil mixture and toasted almonds ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the dip right before serving.

Can I use ricotta that’s not smooth?

If your ricotta is a bit grainy, you can blend it in a food processor to achieve a smoother texture. The smoother the ricotta, the creamier the dip.

Can I add more lemon for extra tang?

Yes, if you prefer a more citrusy flavor, feel free to add extra lemon zest or juice to the olive oil mixture.

How do I make the dip creamier?

If you want an even creamier texture, you can mix a small amount of heavy cream or Greek yogurt into the ricotta before spreading it on the plate.

How can I make this dip spicier?

For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the olive oil mixture.

Can I serve this dip warm?

This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature, but you can slightly warm the olive oil mixture if desired.

Can I use jarred olives instead of fresh ones?

Yes, jarred olives will work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and crush them as needed.

How do I serve this dip?

Serve it with your favorite crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumber for dipping.

Can I make this dip vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the ricotta with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese or tofu-based ricotta for a plant-based version.

Conclusion

Ricotta With Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon is a quick and sophisticated appetizer that combines creamy, tangy ricotta with the bold flavors of olives, capers, and lemon. It’s simple to make, beautifully balanced, and perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or as a light snack. Whether you enjoy it with crackers, bread, or veggies, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a go-to favorite!

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