Creamy Green Olive & Feta Spread – Bright, Tangy & Addictively Savory

There are some recipes that become instant staples the moment you taste them—those little dishes that are simple to make, impossible to stop eating, and requested at every gathering from that day forward. Creamy Green Olive & Feta Spread is absolutely one of those recipes. It’s bold, it’s tangy, it’s richly savory, and it’s the kind of appetizer that stops people mid-conversation for a “wait… what is this?!”

With its Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, this spread hits every note you want in a snack or appetizer: salty, creamy, vibrant, herbaceous, and wonderfully briny thanks to the star ingredient—green olives. Blended with feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, it transforms into one of the most irresistible spreads you can imagine. It’s smooth with just a touch of texture, rich without feeling heavy, and the perfect companion to everything from crackers and crostini to fresh veggies or warm pita.

The best part? It comes together in minutes. Truly—five minutes, one bowl, one food processor, and you have a restaurant-quality spread that feels like it belongs on a mezze platter overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re prepping for a party, planning a picnic, or making a simple midday snack for yourself, this spread brings sunshine and bright flavor to any table.

What makes this recipe shine is the balance. Green olives have a sharper, brighter flavor profile than kalamata olives, giving the spread its refreshing brininess without overpowering the other ingredients. The feta adds creaminess and tang, the cream cheese lends a luscious smoothness, and Greek yogurt lightens everything up while adding a touch of protein. A squeeze of lemon brightens the entire mixture, while a drizzle of olive oil rounds it out with richness. Fresh herbs—like dill, parsley, or oregano—provide an aromatic finish that makes everything taste even fresher.

Serve this spread once and it will quickly become one of your “signature dishes”—the kind of thing friends beg you to bring to gatherings. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as its flavors continue developing as it chills, tasting even better the next day. This is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Let’s walk through how to make this incredibly addictive spread, plus all the ways you can customize it, serve it, store it, and love it!

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup green olives (pitted; Castelvetrano or Spanish Manzanilla recommended)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1–2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Black pepper, to taste
• Extra sliced olives and olive oil for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Add green olives, feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a food processor.
2. Pulse several times until the mixture becomes creamy but still slightly textured.
3. Add fresh dill or parsley and pulse again briefly to incorporate.
4. Taste and season with black pepper (salt is rarely needed due to the olives and feta).
5. Transfer to a serving bowl.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and top with sliced olives or fresh herbs.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
8. Serve with crackers, crostini, pita chips, vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
9. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
10. Stir before serving if any separation occurs.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use high-quality olives: Castelvetrano olives give a buttery, smooth flavor.
• Adjust texture: Blend longer for a silky spread, or pulse briefly for a chunkier version.
• Soften the cream cheese: This ensures the smoothest possible blending.
• Add heat: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Make it garlicky: Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

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Variations

• Greek Feta Olive Spread: Add oregano and a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Herbed Olive & Feta: Use dill + parsley + basil for a garden-fresh twist.
• Spicy Olive Dip: Add Calabrian chili paste or harissa.
• Extra Creamy Version: Add an additional 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream.
• Rustic Mezze Texture: Chop olives by hand and fold into the blended feta mixture.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm pita, naan, or toasted baguette slices.
• Enjoy as a spread on sandwiches or wraps (amazing with chicken or roasted vegetables).
• Add to a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and roasted peppers.
• Pair with crisp veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and celery.
• Spread inside grilled cheese or a Mediterranean quesadilla.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerate: Lasts 4–5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to dairy separation.
• Refresh: Add a splash of olive oil and stir before serving.

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FAQ

Q: Can I use Kalamata olives instead?
Yes, but the flavor will be deeper and less bright—more salty and wine-like.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I lighten this recipe?
Use low-fat cream cheese and low-fat yogurt—still delicious.

Q: Do I need a food processor?
It’s ideal, but you can mash by hand for a rustic spread.

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History / Fun Facts

• Olive spreads have roots in Mediterranean mezze culture, where dips and spreads are key elements of communal dining.
• Feta is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, with origins dating back over 8,000 years.
• Green olives are harvested before they ripen fully, giving them a firmer texture and brighter flavor