Garlic Whipped Feta with Kalamata Olives
This creamy Whipped Feta Dip is a tangy and smooth appetizer bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Blended with rich feta, a touch of olive oil, and seasonings, it’s perfect for spreading on pita, crackers, or fresh veggies!
Whipped feta with olives is a cloud-like dip that seems like it came from a restaurant! Serve it as an elegant starter at dinner parties, bring it to potlucks, or make it the star of your weekend brunch spread. It’s particularly wonderful during summer months when served with fresh vegetables but works equally well year-round as a holiday appetizer or game day snack.
If you need an appetizer that exudes effortless elegance, this whipped feta with olives is definitely for you! I’ve learned the hard way to make extra, since this whipped feta dip always disappears quickly.
What is Whipped Feta?
Whipped feta is a luxuriously smooth and creamy spread made by blending firm feta cheese with Greek yogurt until light and airy. The addition of fresh garlic, lemon juice, and quality olive oil elevates the spread, while the olives and parsley add color, texture, and a perfect extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients Needed
- Feta Cheese: Traditional Greek feta, made from sheep’s milk, offers the most authentic flavor with its perfect balance of saltiness and tang. Look for feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties for the best texture and taste!
- Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat, plain Greek yogurt! This adds extra creaminess and a fluffier texture.
- Garlic: For a depth of savory flavor, which balances out the tanginess.
- Lemon Juice: This adds a bright, fresh flavor!
- Olive Oil: Use your best quality extra virgin olive oil to round out all the flavors.
- Kalamata Olives & Parsley: Top it off with a drizzle of olive oil, a long with kalamata olives and parsley.
Variations & Substitutions
This savory whipped feta recipe is versatile, especially when it comes to toppings! Feel free to make these variations or substitutions:
- Feel free to garnish the feta dip with any of your favorite fresh herbs. Fresh basil, mint, or parsley are all great ideas.
- For a bit of spice, garnish the whipped feta with some red pepper flakes.
- Replace the fresh garlic with 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor that adds depth without sharpness.
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top for a Mediterranean twist that adds sweetness and umami.
- Garnish with any of your favorite olives, from black olives to marinated olives or garlic stuffed green olives, any of them would work well!
- Instead of full fat Greek yogurt, use cream cheese or sour cream. If using cream cheese, you may need to add extra olive oil to help the mixture get moving in the blender!
Supplies Needed
You just need a few kitchen basics to make homemade whipped feta! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Measuring cup and spoon
- Food processor
- Silicone spoon
- Serving bowl or dish
How to Make Savory Whipped Feta with Kalamata Olives
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop the parsley, mince the garlic, and cut the feta into cubes.
- Blend: In a food processor, blend the feta and yogurt, then blend in the garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Garnish & Serve: Spread into a bowl or dish, then drizzle a little olive oil over it, sprinkle some chopped parsley, and top with a few Kalamata Olives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory whipped feta with kalamata olives with an array of dippers, like warm pita bread triangles, fresh naan, pita chips, your favorite crackers, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes!! For additional toppings, consider adding lemon zest, roasted garlic, pine nuts, pistachios, fresh mint or oregano.
It would also go great as a bed for salads like my cucumber melon salad with mint or creamy cucumber salad. To feed a crowd, make it part of a larger platter like a charcuterie board or a grazing table!
This versatile spread can also move beyond appetizer territory—try it as a sandwich spread, dolloped onto roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for grilled chicken quarters or grilled fish for a quick flavor boost.
Tips for Success
- Bring your feta to room temperature before blending for the smoothest result. Cold feta won’t blend as easily and may remain grainy.
- Don’t over-process the mixture. You want it smooth but still with some texture. Pulse initially, then blend just until you achieve a light, whipped consistency.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasonings if needed. Depending on your feta’s saltiness, you might want to add a tiny pinch of salt or extra lemon juice to balance the flavors.
How to Store Leftover Whipped Feta
Whipped feta can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and improve after a day, making this an ideal make-ahead appetizer!
If storing, hold off on the olive oil, parsley, and olive garnishes until just before serving for the freshest appearance. Allow the spread to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the flavors to fully bloom.
I hope you love this creamy feta appetizer! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below.
Whipped Feta with Olives Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces feta, block (not crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, kalamata olives, extra olive oil, optional
Equipment
- Measuring cup and spoon
- food processor
- silicone spoon
- serving bowl or dish
Instructions
- Cut the block of feta into cubes.
- In a food processor, blend the feta and yogurt, then blend in the garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Spread into a bowl or dish using a spatula to scrape the sides of the food processor.
- Serve garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh parsley and kalamata olives.
