Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this briny, herby spread and why each ingredient earns its place.
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened — Forms the rich, creamy base of the spread.
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped — Adds deep, briny, slightly fruity olive flavor.
- ¼ cup green olives, finely chopped — Adds a brighter, more piquant olive note alongside the Kalamatas.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta — Adds salty, tangy depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced — The aromatic backbone of the spread.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped — Adds fresh, herbal brightness.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped — Adds a classic Mediterranean herbal note.
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped — Rounds out the herb blend with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil — Adds richness and a fruity, Mediterranean finish.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice — Adds bright acidity that balances the richness and brine.
- ½ tsp dried oregano — Reinforces the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper — Adds a subtle, warm bite.
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste — Use sparingly, since the olives and cheese already bring plenty of salt.
- 1–2 tbsp milk or Greek yogurt, optional — Helps loosen the spread to your desired consistency if needed.
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tbsp finely chopped roasted red peppers — for sweet, smoky flavor
- 2 tbsp finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes — for a sweet-tangy contrast
- 1 tbsp capers — for extra briny punch
- 1 tbsp finely diced red onion — for sharp, fresh bite
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes — for a subtle kick of heat
Optional Toppings
- Chopped Kalamata olives
- Fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta
- Lemon zest
- Cracked black pepper
- Fresh dill
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
This recipe comes together in a series of simple steps. Here’s exactly how to make it.
Step 1: Prepare the Olives Drain the olives well and pat them dry with paper towels. Finely chop the Kalamata and green olives. For a smoother spread, chop them very finely; for more texture, leave some slightly larger pieces.
Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Add the softened cream cheese and Parmesan or feta to a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Mediterranean Flavors Add the chopped olives, garlic, parsley, dill, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined. If using roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or red onion, fold them in now.
Step 4: Adjust the Texture If the spread is too thick, add milk or Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste before adding salt, since the olives and cheese can already be quite salty.
Step 5: Chill Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, chill for 1–2 hours to allow the garlic, herbs, olives, and lemon to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with chopped olives, fresh herbs, crumbled feta, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve chilled or slightly softened.