- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Yields: ~1.5 cups
Ingredients
The Base
- Feta Cheese: 8 oz (1 block), drained. Tip: Buy the block in brine, not pre-crumbled, for a smoother texture.
- Greek Yogurt (or Cream Cheese): ½ cup. Greek yogurt makes it tangy and light; cream cheese makes it richer and milder.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tbsp.
- Lemon: 1 tsp zest + 1 tbsp fresh juice.
- Garlic: 1 clove, roughly chopped (or 1 tsp garlic powder for a milder taste).
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked, to taste.
- Honey: 1 tsp (optional, but highly recommended to cut the saltiness).
The Green Olives
- Green Olives: 1 cup, pitted.
- Best choice: Castelvetrano (buttery, mild, bright green).
- Good choice: Manzanilla or Cerignola.
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, parsley, or basil.
Instructions
- Whip the Cheese: In a food processor, combine the feta, yogurt (or cream cheese), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and honey.
- Process on high for 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through. You want this base to be silky smooth and airy.
- Add the Olives: Add the pitted green olives and lemon zest to the processor.
- Option A (Chunky Tapenade Style): Pulse 5–7 times. You want the olives broken down into small delectable bits, not a puree.
- Option B (Smooth Green Mousse): Blitz for another minute until the mixture is uniform and pale green.
- Season & Fold: Taste the spread. It likely won’t need salt (feta and olives are salty enough), but add black pepper and more lemon juice if it needs brightness. Stir in your fresh herbs by hand.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a “swoosh” or well in the center. Drizzle generously with olive oil and top with a few extra chopped olives or red pepper flakes for color.
3 Ways to Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste during the whipping stage.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ¼ cup of toasted, chopped walnuts or pistachios at the very end.
- Roasted Garlic: Swap the raw garlic clove for 3–4 cloves of roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
What to Serve With It
- Vegetables: Cucumber rounds, radish slices, or crisp celery.
- Carbs: Warm pita bread, crostini, or seed crackers.
- Sandwich Spread: This makes an incredible upgrade for a turkey sandwich or a veggie wrap.
