Name: Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups Castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped; ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; Cracked black pepper to taste; 8 ounces soft feta cheese, cubed or crumbled; ¾ cup whole fat Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed; 1 tablespoon honey, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon olive juice/brine or fresh lemon juice

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If you are someone who loves vibrant flavors that bring people together, then this Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe is going to be your new go-to appetizer. This dish combines briny, herb-infused olives with a luxuriously creamy whipped feta that’s both tangy and just a touch sweet. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for everything from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this simple-yet-sophisticated recipe keeps earning rave reviews and countless second helpings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a light wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. On the board are many small chunks of green olives scattered around, some whole and some sliced open, showing their smooth, shiny texture. A large knife with a white blade and a black handle lies diagonally across the board, touching some of the olive pieces. The overall colors are natural browns and greens with a clean, simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe plays a vital role, delivering a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and a little kick. The beauty is in how straightforward these components are, yet together they form a dish bursting with color, texture, and bold Mediterranean flavors.

Castelvetrano olives: These bright green, buttery olives offer a mild but flavorful base that’s perfect for marinating.
Flat-leaf parsley: Adds a fresh and slightly peppery brightness to balance the richness.
Fresh oregano: Brings earthy warmth and a hint of minty aroma, elevating the olive marinade.
Fresh dill: Imparts a subtle anise-like flavor, complementing the other herbs and olives beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a sharp, savory punch to the marinade.
Lemon juice and zest: A double dose of citrus freshness that lifts every bite with tang and vibrancy.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to add gentle heat and complexity.
Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, this is essential for melding the marinade and adding silkiness to the whipped feta.
Cracked black pepper: Sprinkled to taste, enhancing depth without overpowering.
Soft feta cheese: The star of the whipped feta, creamy and slightly tangy for luscious dips.
Whole fat Greek yogurt: Makes the whipped feta smooth and rich, balancing the cheese’s saltiness.
Honey: A touch of sweetness that harmonizes the tangy and savory elements perfectly.
Olive juice or brine: Adds an extra punch of olive flavor to the whipped feta, or lemon juice as a fresh alternative.

How to Make Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Olives and Herb Marinade

Start by tossing the Castelvetrano olives with your fresh herbs—parsley, oregano, and dill—along with the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and the olive oil. This mix starts soaking up all those bright, aromatic flavors right away and sets the foundation for a deeply infused, savory olive bite.

Step 2: Whip the Feta Cheese Mixture

Next, add the soft feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, and either olive juice or lemon juice to your food processor. Blend these ingredients together until you get a smooth and creamy mixture that’s perfect for dipping. The texture should be airy and light, making it irresistible to scoop up with whatever you like.

Step 3: Chill the Whipped Feta

Transfer the whipped feta into a serving bowl and cover it tightly. Chilling it for a few minutes will help it thicken up nicely, although if you’re prepping this recipe ahead of time, letting it rest in the fridge overnight is even better for developing fuller flavor and a firmer consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

When you’re ready to enjoy, generously spoon the marinated olives over the whipped feta. This striking combination of creamy and savory, with vibrant herbal bursts and a hint of spice, is what makes this Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe stand out. Serve alongside your favorite breads, crackers, or fresh veggies and watch everyone dive right in.

How to Serve Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with a creamy white base, swirled gently to create soft ridges. On top, there is a generous layer of chopped green olives mixed with small green herbs, covered in a shiny drizzle of golden olive oil. The olives have a glossy texture, and there are tiny specks of black pepper and herbs scattered across the creamy base. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a few extra lemon zest curls, or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can instantly elevate the flavors and the visual appeal. Fresh herbs scattered on top add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma, inviting guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with rustic breads like warm pita, crusty baguettes, or crunchy pita chips. For a lighter touch, crispy vegetable sticks such as cucumber, bell peppers, and celery are excellent for dipping. It also fits perfectly at the center of a mezze platter with hummus, roasted nuts, and charcuterie for a fun, shareable spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, spread the whipped feta smoothly across a wide serving plate and then scatter the marinated olives over the top in a casual yet artful way. Alternatively, serve it in a shallow bowl surrounded by colorful veggie crudités or festival-style on individual crostini for a fancy appetizer that will wow guests visually and palate-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover marinated olives and whipped feta can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the olives in their marinade prevents them from drying out, while the whipped feta maintains its creamy consistency when chilled well.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the texture of whipped feta cheese and marinated olives can change and become less appealing after thawing. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. If the olive marinade has been refrigerated, simply bring it to room temperature before serving to loosen the olive oil and allow all those fantastic flavors to bloom fully again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Castelvetrano olives are mild and buttery, you can experiment with Kalamata, green, or even a mixed olive blend to tailor the flavor intensity to your liking.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the whipped feta?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or crème fraîche as a substitute, though this will subtly alter the flavor and texture, usually resulting in a slightly richer dip.

How long should I marinate the olives for best flavor?

Ideally, marinate the olives for at least an hour to let all the herbs, lemon, and spices infuse well. If marinating longer, keep them refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes! In fact, making the whipped feta in advance and allowing the olives to marinate overnight in the fridge enhances the flavors and makes serving stress-free on the day of your event.

What are some good pairings with this Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired mezze spread featuring hummus, tabbouleh, and warm pita bread.

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s both stunning and effortless. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a flavorful snack, it never fails to impress and satisfy. So grab your ingredients, get whipping, and prepare to fall in love with this fantastic, vibrant dish!

Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Marinated Olives with Whipped Feta Recipe