Ingredients
For the Creamy Base 🧀
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened — the smooth, rich foundation of the spread.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt — adds tanginess and a lighter texture.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise — contributes extra creaminess and richness.
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese — adds a salty, tangy Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice — brightens the entire spread with a touch of acidity.
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced — adds bold, aromatic flavor.
- ½ tsp fine sea salt — enhances all the other flavors.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper — for a subtle layer of warmth.
For the Mediterranean Vegetables 🫑🍅🥒
- ¼ cup finely diced roasted red pepper — adds sweetness, color, and a smoky depth.
- ¼ cup finely diced cucumber — adds a cool, refreshing crunch.
- ¼ cup finely diced Roma tomato, seeds removed — contributes freshness and color without excess moisture.
- 2 tbsp finely diced red onion — brings a touch of sharpness and color contrast.
- 2 tbsp finely diced green onion — a mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the base.
- 2 tbsp finely chopped Kalamata olives — adds a briny, salty depth characteristic of Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 tbsp finely diced celery — adds a subtle crunch and fresh, herbal note.
For the Spicy Kick 🌶️
- 1 fresh jalapeño, finely minced — the primary source of fresh heat in the spread.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes — adds a building, lingering warmth.
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika — contributes a smoky depth that complements the heat.
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, optional — for those who want an extra spicy kick.
For the Fresh Herbs 🌿
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley — adds a clean, fresh flavor.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill — brings a bright, slightly tangy herbal note.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint — adds a cool, aromatic freshness distinctive to Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1 tsp dried oregano — a classic Mediterranean herb that ties the flavors together.
For Finishing ✨
- 1 tbsp crumbled feta — for a final salty, tangy garnish.
- Fresh parsley and mint — adds color and a fresh finishing touch.
- Thinly sliced jalapeño — for a spicy, eye-catching garnish.
- Kalamata olives — reinforces the briny Mediterranean flavor on top.
- A small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil — enhances richness and presentation.
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes — adds a final touch of heat and color.
Instructions
Finely dice the roasted red pepper, cucumber, tomato, red onion, green onion, and celery, removing the seeds and watery center from the tomato. Keep the vegetables small and uniform so they distribute evenly throughout the spread.
Place the diced cucumber and tomato on clean paper towels and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This step helps keep the spread thick, creamy, and easy to spread.
Cut the jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and white membrane for a milder spread, or leave some of the seeds intact for a hotter Mediterranean spread. Finely mince the jalapeño.
Add the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to a medium mixing bowl. Mix until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the base.
Fold in the chopped parsley, dill, and mint. The combination of fresh herbs adds a bright Mediterranean flavor that balances the creamy base and spicy peppers beautifully.
Add the roasted red pepper, cucumber, tomato, red onion, green onion, celery, Kalamata olives, and minced jalapeño. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed, avoiding overmixing to preserve the fresh vegetable texture.
Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness, more feta for salty richness, or additional jalapeño and red pepper flakes for more heat.
Cover the spread tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though chilling for approximately 2 hours is recommended for the best flavor. This resting time allows the garlic, herbs, olives, feta, and peppers to fully blend together.
Transfer the chilled spread to a serving bowl. Top with crumbled feta, fresh parsley and mint, sliced jalapeño, Kalamata olives, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Finish with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–2 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10–12