If you’re looking for a dip that’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives will quickly become your new go-to. Made with salty feta, smooth ricotta, fragrant herbs, and a touch of sweetness from honey, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s the kind of effortless appetizer that looks fancy enough for entertaining but is simple enough for a quick weekday snack.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, creating a snack board, or just craving something bold and savory, this dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crunchy crostini, fresh veggies, pita chips, or even a handful of crackers. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Whipped Feta Dip
There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheese and roasted olives. The whipped feta base has a tangy, luscious texture, while the topping of marinated olives and herbs adds depth and a pop of color. Here’s why this dip stands out:
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 10 minutes once your ingredients are prepped.
- Versatile – Perfect with bread, chips, or as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.
- Elegant but effortless – Looks restaurant-worthy, but anyone can make it.
- Balanced flavors – Salty feta, sweet honey, smoky paprika, and bright lemon create harmony in every bite.
The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Whipped Feta
The key to a perfect whipped feta dip lies in the blending. Using a food processor, the feta transforms from crumbly to silky when paired with ricotta or Greek yogurt. The ricotta adds lightness without muting that sharp feta flavor. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice bring it all together for a smooth, spoonable texture that’s irresistible.
Ingredients That Make It Shine
Here’s what gives this recipe its irresistible Mediterranean character:
- Feta Cheese: The star of the show. Choose a good-quality block of feta packed in brine—it’ll make all the difference in flavor and creaminess.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds smoothness and balance to the bold feta flavor.
- Mixed Olives: A combination of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives provides both buttery and briny notes.
- Lemon Rind & Juice: Fresh citrus zest keeps the dip bright and aromatic.
- Honey: Just a touch to mellow the saltiness of the feta.
- Fennel Seeds & Thyme: Subtle aromatics that infuse the warm olive oil mixture.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a whisper of smokiness that complements the olives beautifully.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality oil for richness and depth.
How to Make Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives
Step 1: Marinate the Olives
Roughly chop both kinds of olives and toss them in a small bowl with honey and lemon juice. This quick marinade enhances their natural flavor and softens their texture.
Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil
In a small saucepan, warm olive oil with fennel seeds, lemon peel strips, and a sprig of thyme. Let it sizzle gently for about 30–60 seconds—just until fragrant. Remove from heat, stir in smoked paprika, then pour this aromatic oil over the olive mixture. The result? A fragrant topping that’s slightly warm, herby, and full of flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Feta
Add the feta and ricotta to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If you prefer a slightly looser consistency, drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk while blending.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Transfer the whipped feta to a shallow serving bowl or plate. Spoon the marinated olive mixture over the top, making sure to drizzle some of that infused oil across the dip. Garnish with extra thyme leaves or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color. Serve immediately with crostini or fresh veggies.
What Are Crostini?
If you’ve never made crostini, you’re in for a treat. Essentially, they’re thin slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil and baked until golden and crisp. They’re the perfect vehicle for this creamy feta dip—sturdy enough to scoop, but still light and crunchy. You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for several days.
Creative Whipped Feta Toppings
Not an olive fan? No problem—this whipped feta base pairs well with a variety of toppings. Try any of these delicious variations:
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- Balsamic strawberries for a unique sweet-savory combo.
- Pesto drizzle to bring a fresh, herby flavor.
- Candied pecans or toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Pickled shallots for tang and color.
- Roasted grapes or stone fruit for a subtle sweetness.
Each variation offers a new way to enjoy the same creamy foundation, making this recipe endlessly customizable.
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Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Appetizer
- Total Time: 15 min
Description
This Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Olives is the perfect balance of creamy, salty, and bright Mediterranean flavors. With smooth whipped feta and ricotta topped with lemony, herb-infused olives, this dip feels gourmet yet takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. Serve it with crostini, crackers, or raw veggies for a show-stopping appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Olive Topping
¼ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
¼ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
3 peels lemon rind (about 1 inch each)
1 small sprig fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Whipped Feta
7 ounces feta cheese, drained
⅓ cup ricotta cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
For Serving
Crostini, pita chips, or fresh veggie sticks
Instructions
-
Marinate the Olives
In a small bowl, combine the chopped Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives with honey and lemon juice. Set aside to let the flavors meld. -
Infuse the Olive Oil
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil with fennel seeds, lemon peels, and thyme over medium heat until fragrant and sizzling slightly (30–60 seconds).
Remove from heat, stir in smoked paprika, then pour this infused oil into the olive mixture. Stir well and let it cool slightly. -
Blend the Feta
Add feta and ricotta to a food processor. Blend for about 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
For an extra-smooth texture, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil while blending. -
Assemble and Serve
Transfer the whipped feta to a shallow serving dish. Spoon the roasted olive topping evenly over the surface, ensuring you include some of that beautiful infused oil.
Serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Use block feta, not pre-crumbled. The block version has more moisture and blends into a smoother dip.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the whipped feta up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container and add the olive topping right before serving.
- No food processor? Use a blender or hand mixer—just take your time to reach a fluffy, whipped consistency.
- Switch it up: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, pesto, or pickled shallots for variation.
- Pairing ideas: Serve alongside your crudité platter, pretzel board, or cheese and veggie boards.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
