Mediterranean Green Olive Dip

🫒 Mediterranean Green Olive Dip (Tapenade-Style)

A bright, savory, and creamy dip inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect with pita, crackers, grilled bread, or as a spread for sandwiches.

⏱ Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Total: 10–15 minutes

• No cooking required

🍽 Servings

• Makes about 1½ cups (6–8 servings)

🧾 Ingredients

• 1½ cups pitted green olives (Castelvetrano or Manzanilla preferred)

• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed

• 1–2 cloves garlic

• ¼ cup fresh parsley (or basil)

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or labneh (optional, for creaminess)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients
   Rinse olives and capers to reduce excess salt.

2. Blend
   Add olives, capers, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, zest, pepper, and chili flakes to a food processor.

3. Pulse
   Pulse until finely chopped but still slightly textured.

4. Add olive oil
   Slowly drizzle in olive oil while pulsing until the dip reaches your desired consistency.

5. Optional creaminess
   Blend in Greek yogurt or labneh if you want a smoother, creamier dip.

6. Taste & adjust
   Adjust lemon, spice, or olive oil as needed.

7. Rest (recommended)
   Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

🥖 Serving Suggestions

• Warm pita bread or pita chips

• Toasted baguette or crostini

• Fresh veggies (cucumber, carrots, bell peppers)

• Spread on sandwiches or wraps

• Spoon over grilled chicken or fish

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this without a food processor?

A: Yes. Finely chop everything by hand and mix well. It will be chunkier but just as flavorful.

Q: What olives work best?

A:

• Castelvetrano – mild, buttery, and slightly sweet (best choice)

• Manzanilla – briny and traditional
  Avoid very bitter olives unless balanced with yogurt or more lemon.

Q: Is this the same as olive tapenade?

A: It’s similar, but traditional tapenade usually includes anchovies. This version is vegetarian and fresher in flavor.

Q: Can I make it vegan?

A: Absolutely. Just skip the yogurt or replace it with:

• Hummus

• Cashew cream

• Dairy-free Greek-style yogurt

Q: How long does it keep?

A:

• Refrigerator: 5–7 days in an airtight container

• Tip: Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh longer.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: Not recommended. Freezing dulls the flavor and changes the texture due to olive oil separation.

Q: How do I reduce saltiness?

A:

• Rinse olives and capers well

• Add yogurt or a bit more olive oil

• Serve with unsalted bread or veggies

Q: Can I add protein?

A: Yes! Try blending in:

• White beans (for a hummus-style dip)

• Chickpeas

• Finely chopped walnuts or almonds

🌿 Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add harissa or extra chili flakes

• Herby: Use dill or oregano

• Creamy: Add feta or ricotta

• Roasted: Roast garlic first for deeper flavor