Of course! Green Olive Dip is a tangy, salty, and incredibly addictive dip that is a guaranteed hit at parties. It’s surprisingly simple to make, often requiring just a few ingredients whirled together in a food processor.
Here are a few fantastic versions, from a classic cream cheese base to a zesty sour cream and mayo version.
Recipe 1: Classic Creamy Green Olive Dip
This is the richest and creamiest version, perfect for spreading on crackers or bagel chips.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (optional, but recommended)
Yields: About 2 cups
Ingredients
· 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup pitted green olives (like Manzanilla), drained
· 2 tablespoons olive juice (from the jar)
· 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
· 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
· Optional add-ins:
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
· 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
· Pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, green olives, olive juice, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce (and any optional add-ins).
- Pulse to Combine: Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but still has some texture. You can make it completely smooth or leave it a bit chunky—your preference!
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sturdy vegetable sticks.
Recipe 2: Zesty Sour Cream & Mayo Green Olive Dip
This version is lighter and fluffier, with a tangy kick. It’s excellent with potato chips or fresh vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Yields: About 1.5 cups
Ingredients
· 1 cup sour cream
· ½ cup mayonnaise
· 1 cup pitted green olives, finely chopped
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 1 tablespoon green olive juice
· 1 green onion, finely sliced
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Everything: In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Fold in the chopped green olives, parsley, green onion, garlic, olive juice, and black pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
Tips for Success & Flavor Variations
· The Right Olives: Standard Manzanilla olives (the ones often stuffed with pimentos) are the most common and work perfectly. For a more robust flavor, try using Castelvetrano olives; they are buttery and mild.
· Pimento Addition: If your olives aren’t pre-stuffed, adding 1-2 tablespoons of chopped pimentos will give the dip that classic color and a sweet pepper flavor.
· Texture is Key: For the cream cheese version, a food processor is easiest. For the sour cream version, you can simply chop the olives by hand for more control over the texture.
· Make it a Cheese Ball: For the cream cheese version, add an extra ½ cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese. After processing, shape it into a ball, roll it in chopped nuts (like pecans) or more chopped olives, wrap in plastic, and chill until firm.
· Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or 1-2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños.
What to Serve With Green Olive Dip
· Crackers: Buttery crackers like Ritz, Wheat Thins, or water crackers.
· Chips: Sturdy potato chips, tortilla chips, or pita chips.
· Vegetables: Cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery, and cauliflower florets.
· Bread: Sliced baguette or crostini.
Why This Dip is a Winner
· Uniquely Flavorful: It’s a break from the standard ranch and onion dips, offering a bright, briny, and tangy taste.
· Incredibly Easy: It comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
· Crowd-Pleasing: Its bold flavor is a memorable and welcome addition to any snack table.
Enjoy your deliciously tangy Green Olive Dip