Green Olive Dip Recipe
Creamy, zesty, and delightfully briny, Green Olive Dip is a true crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering. This fuss-free appetizer blends the sharp, savory notes of green olives with the tangy creaminess of sour cream and cream cheese, rounded out by a whisper of garlic and a pop of citrusy lemon. Whether you’re pairing it with crunchy crackers, dipping fresh veggies, or simply sneaking a taste straight from the bowl (no judgment here!), this Green Olive Dip makes snacking genuinely irresistible, transforming simple ingredients into a bowl of bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of essential ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a unique role, delivering vibrant flavors, a luscious texture, and just the right touch of color to make this Green Olive Dip stand out on any table.
- Green Olives: Salty, tangy, and savory, these are the star of the show; chop them chunky for texture or pulse for a smoother dip.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Delivers creaminess and body, making the dip incredibly smooth and spreadable.
- Sour Cream: Adds an irresistible tang and helps lighten the overall texture so the dip isn’t too dense.
- Mayonnaise: Rounds out the richness with a silkiness that melds all the creamy components together.
- Garlic Clove (minced): Introduces a punchy, aromatic depth that elevates all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: A sprinkle of spice to balance the briny olives and cut through the creaminess.
- Onion Powder: Provides subtle savory complexity without overpowering the dip.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire mixture and accents the olives while keeping the flavors lively.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Optional, but it adds a flash of color and a fresh, herbal finish on top.
How to Make Green Olive Dip
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and adding in your softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and onion powder. Use a hand mixer for ease, or stir with some elbow grease, until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and everything is well incorporated. The creaminess here sets the perfect stage for the star ingredient that’s about to join the party.
Step 2: Fold in the Green Olives
With your creamy base ready, gently fold in the chopped green olives. This is where all the signature flavor (and texture) of the Green Olive Dip comes alive! Whether you prefer your olives chunkier for bursts of briny goodness, or finely chopped for a smoother blend, make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite delivers that olive-forward punch.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Before you consider your dip done, give it a taste and see if it needs a tweak. If you love a little extra brightness, squeeze in a touch more lemon; if you want more bite, a pinch more pepper can’t hurt. Customizing at this stage ensures your Green Olive Dip is absolutely perfect for your palate.
Step 4: Transfer and Chill
Scoop the finished dip into your favorite serving bowl, giving it a little swirl on top for presentation. For optimal flavor, cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest lets all the bold elements mingle and marry, creating a deeply satisfying dip you won’t be able to resist.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, finish the dip with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness, if using. Bring out a plate of crunchy crackers, pita chips, or crisp veggies, and watch your guests swoon after their first dip!
How to Serve Green Olive Dip
Garnishes
A little garnish can go a long way in both flavor and visual appeal. For this Green Olive Dip, a dusting of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceousness, while a few extra chopped olives on top let everyone know what flavors to expect. For special occasions, consider a light drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of finely grated Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy dip loves company! Serve it with crisp crudités like cucumber, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips for a fresh and healthy crunch. It pairs beautifully with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or warm pita chips. Green Olive Dip is also fantastic as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, where it brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not let your creativity shine? Transform Green Olive Dip into individual servings by spooning it into small jars or olive boats for grab-and-go convenience at parties. Layer it in a shallow bowl and top with additional olive slices and fresh herbs for a visually layered presentation. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, dollop it onto a grazing board alongside cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Green Olive Dip stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld further, making it even tastier on day two. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving again, as the dip may set a bit while chilling.
Freezing
While creamy dips don’t always freeze perfectly due to texture changes, you can freeze Green Olive Dip if you wish. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator and stir well—just keep in mind the texture may be a touch looser.
Reheating
This dip is at its best served cold or at cool room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes and give it a stir for optimal consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While green olives provide a distinct briny punch in Green Olive Dip, you can swap in kalamata or black olives for a slightly milder, fruitier flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the taste.
Is this Green Olive Dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly. Just check that your mayonnaise and cream cheese are vegetarian-approved if you’re avoiding certain additives.
Can I make this Green Olive Dip dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute your favorite dairy-free or vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo alternatives. The dip will still be tangy, creamy, and packed with briny olive flavor.
How can I add some extra flair or flavor?
Try folding in a handful of crumbled feta or freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist, or add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. Dill or chives can also add a new herbal note to this versatile dip.
What’s the best way to chop the olives?
For a chunkier, rustic texture, roughly chop your olives by hand. If you prefer a smoother consistency, a quick pulse in the food processor will do the trick—just don’t overdo it, as you want some delightful bits in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing Green Olive Dip with friends and family—it’s easy, elegant, and undeniably addictive. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a bold snack, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear faster than you can say “pass the crackers!” Dive in and let this effortless dip become a staple on your appetizer table.
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Green Olive Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Olive Dip is a creamy and savory appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With a blend of green olives, cream cheese, and seasonings, this dip is a flavorful crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green olives (pitted and roughly chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Beat with a hand mixer or stir vigorously until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the chopped green olives until evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a chunkier texture, pulse the olives in a food processor before mixing.
- You can also stir in a bit of crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
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: 25mg