If you are looking for a dip that brings together creamy richness and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It blends smooth ricotta cheese with a lively mix of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, sweet orange notes, and fragrant spices to create a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a gourmet snack at home, this dip offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory elements that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each have a starring role in delivering flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy base to the zesty highlights, here’s what you’ll gather before you get started.
- Ricotta cheese (16 ounces): The creamy, mild foundation that gives the dip its luscious texture and subtle tang.
- Castelvetrano olives (10 ounces, pitted): These bright green olives provide a mild, buttery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sharper Kalamata.
- Kalamata olives (5 ounces, pitted): Their briny richness and deeper purple color add complexity and a pop of visual interest.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds smooth richness and helps meld the flavors together while gently warming the olives.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/4 cup): Brings a fresh, sweet acidity that lifts the earthy olives and rich ricotta.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Sweetens slightly, balancing the tangy and salty notes with a delicate floral touch.
- Orange zest (2 teaspoons): Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a refreshing bite throughout the dip.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant mix of herbs that brings warmth and depth to the dip.
- Sumac (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle lemony tartness that complements the orange beautifully.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a hint of mild heat and spice to round out the flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): A bright, fresh garnish to add color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Base
Start by spreading the ricotta cheese evenly across a large, shallow bowl. This creates a smooth canvas for your topping and ensures each scoop has a perfect balance of creamy ricotta and briny olives. Set it aside while you work on the flavorful olive mixture.
Step 2: Chop the Olives
Slice the Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives into thirds or roughly chop them if you’re short on time. This helps the olives distribute evenly throughout the dip, giving you bites that burst with their vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Warm the Olive Mixture
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet or large pan. Once it’s shimmering, add in the olives along with freshly squeezed orange juice and honey. Stir gently and let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This warming step allows the honey to dissolve fully and the olives to soak up the bright citrus notes.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the orange zest, sea salt, Italian seasoning, sumac, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute so the spices bloom and harmonize with the olives. After removing from heat, spoon this aromatic mixture over the ricotta base, making sure to drizzle any remaining oil for extra richness.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
Finish your dip with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if using, adding a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, or crunchy chips for a delightful appetizer or snack that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe, consider adding a few garnish options. Fresh chopped parsley is classic and bright, while a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a drizzle of good quality olive oil makes it extra inviting. Toasted pine nuts can also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of bites. Serve alongside warm pita bread, crisp vegetable sticks like cucumbers and carrots, or hearty artisan crackers. It also complements Mediterranean-inspired spreads and salads perfectly, making it an excellent choice for any mezze platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, spread the ricotta dip in a shallow bowl and pile the warm olive mixture in the center. Arrange colorful sliced veggies or rustic bread around the bowl for a feast that’s as visually gorgeous as it is delicious. Alternatively, use small individual bowls for personal servings at a party to help guests dig in easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before refrigerating. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, which makes it a convenient option for prepping snacks or appetizers ahead of time.
Freezing
While ricotta-based dips don’t freeze perfectly because of their delicate texture, you can freeze the olive topping separately in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge and gently reheat before spooning it over freshly spread ricotta for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat the olive mixture gently in a small pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to preserve the olives’ texture and the delicate balance of flavors. Once warmed, drizzle over fresh ricotta and serve immediately to enjoy the dip’s full vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives for their unique flavors and colors, you can experiment with green olives, black olives, or even a mix based on what you enjoy or have on hand. Just remember to adjust salt levels accordingly.
Is this dip suitable for people who are gluten-free?
Yes! The Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetable sticks to keep it safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How long does it take to make this dip?
The dip comes together in about 20 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes to cook the olive mixture. It’s a quick yet impressive addition to any meal or gathering.
Can I make this dip vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta alternative made from almonds or cashews and ensure your honey is replaced with agave syrup or maple syrup. The olive and spice mixture works just as well with these swaps.
What is sumac, and why is it used in this recipe?
Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It adds a subtle tartness that brightens the dip and complements the orange and olive flavors beautifully, creating layers of taste.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves bold yet balanced flavors in a creamy, satisfying snack. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weekday but special enough to impress at a gathering. I encourage you to give it a try, customize it to your liking, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Ricotta Dip is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that combines creamy ricotta cheese with a warm, zesty olive topping. Featuring Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives cooked with orange juice, honey, and aromatic spices, this dip offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Ideal for serving with crackers, pita bread, or sliced baguette, it’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 16 ounces Ricotta cheese
Olive Mixture
- 10 ounces pitted Castelvetrano olives
- 5 ounces pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sumac
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta Base: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly in a large, shallow bowl and set it aside to serve as the creamy base for the dip.
- Chop Olives: Slice the Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives into thirds or roughly chop them to your preferred texture to ensure even distribution in the topping.
- Cook Olives and Flavorings: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the sliced olives, freshly squeezed orange juice, and honey. Stir continuously until the honey dissolves, then let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes to warm the olives and blend the flavors.
- Add Spices: Stir in the orange zest, sea salt, Italian seasoning, sumac, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to marry the spices with the olive mixture, then remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm olive topping over the ricotta spread. Drizzle any remaining oil from the skillet over the top, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately alongside crackers, pita bread, sliced baguette, or chips.
Notes
- You can substitute Castelvetrano olives with green olives if unavailable, but they provide a unique buttery texture and mild flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta alternative.
- Adjust the honey amount based on your preference for sweetness.
- Sumac adds a tangy citrus note but can be omitted if unavailable; lemon zest can be used as a substitute.
- Serve the dip immediately for best flavor and texture.
