If you love dips that burst with vibrant flavors and creamy textures, this Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe will quickly become your go-to appetizer. It balances the mild, luscious creaminess of ricotta cheese with the bold, briny bite of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, all brought together by fragrant orange zest and a touch of honey. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and savory notes, making it perfect for entertaining friends or jazzing up a weeknight snack. Trust me, once you try this Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed parties without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each add their unique twist. These components create a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory elements, making the dip irresistibly flavorful and enticingly colorful.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy, mild base that adds luscious texture and balances the boldness of the olives.
- Castelvetrano olives: Mild and buttery, these olives provide a fresh, green olive flavor and vibrant color contrast.
- Kalamata olives: Rich and tangy, Kalamata olives give a deeper, robust olive punch to the dip.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the ingredients together with a smooth finish.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Bright and citrusy, it lifts the overall flavor, cutting through the richness.
- Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the olives and cheese.
- Orange zest: Intensifies the citrus notes and adds a fresh, aromatic spark.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors with just the right pinch of saltiness.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that hints at herbs like oregano and basil, adding complexity.
- Sumac: This tangy, slightly lemony spice lends a Middle Eastern flair and unique flavor depth.
- Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness to brighten the dip.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh herbal note when sprinkled on top before serving.
How to Make Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Base
Start by spreading the ricotta cheese evenly in a large, shallow bowl. This creates a creamy foundation that will cradle all the amazing olive flavors you’ll be adding later. Setting it aside for now gives you room to prepare the delicious olive topping.
Step 2: Chop the Olives
Take your pitted Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives and slice them into thirds or do a rough chop if you’re pressed for time. This size lets you enjoy each bite with a nice burst of olive flavor without it being overpowering or chunky.
Step 3: Cook the Olive Mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warm and shimmering. Toss in the chopped olives, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a drizzle of honey. Stir gently until the honey dissolves completely. Cook this mixture for about two to three minutes to warm the olives and allow their flavors to meld beautifully while keeping their texture intact.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle orange zest, sea salt, Italian seasoning, sumac, and a pinch of black pepper over the olives in the skillet. Stir well to combine all these fragrant and flavorful ingredients. Let it cook for just one more minute to let the spices bloom and infuse the olives before turning off the heat.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Carefully spoon the warm olive mixture over the spread ricotta. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover olive oil from the skillet on top – it adds a gorgeous glossy finish and extra flavor. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. This dip is best enjoyed immediately with your favorite crackers, pita bread, a sliced baguette, or simply some crunchy chips.
How to Serve Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish that not only adds a burst of vibrant green but also a subtle fresh flavor that complements the creamy dip perfectly. A light sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few whole olives on top can enhance the presentation and offer a hint of what’s inside.
Side Dishes
This Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of dippables. Try it alongside crisp pita triangles, toasted baguette slices, crunchy vegetable sticks like cucumber and carrots, or even artisan crackers for a real crowd-pleaser. It also makes a lovely spread for toasted bread at a casual brunch or light supper.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve the dip inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or in individual small ramekins for easy sharing. You can also layer it with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes in a glass dish to create a colorful layered dip. Offering a variety of textures and colors alongside the dip makes it an irresistible centerpiece on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The dip will keep well for up to three days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain that vibrant texture and flavor balance.
Freezing
Freezing this dip is not recommended because the ricotta’s creamy texture may become grainy after thawing. It’s better to prepare fresh to enjoy the full sensory experience this Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe offers.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the dip warm again, gently reheat the olive topping in a skillet over low heat, then spoon it over fresh ricotta. Avoid microwaving the entire dip as it might separate the cheese and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives give a delicious balance of mild and bold flavors, feel free to experiment with other olives like green Manzanilla or black Niçoise. Just adjust quantities based on your taste preferences.
Is this dip suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe uses ricotta cheese, which is dairy-based and not vegan. However, you could try a plant-based ricotta alternative to make it suitable for vegans. The overall flavor will be slightly different but still delightful.
How long does this dip last once made?
The Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe is best consumed fresh but will keep in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may dull and the texture of the ricotta can change.
Can this dip be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the olive mixture a few hours ahead and store it separately in the fridge. Warm it before serving and add it over freshly spread ricotta to keep the best texture and flavor.
What wine pairs well with this dip?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the citrusy, salty flavors of the Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe. If you prefer red, a light and fruity Pinot Noir would complement it nicely without overpowering the dip.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Olive Ricotta Dip Recipe that makes it an absolute must-try for anyone who enjoys bright, layered flavors and creamy textures. It’s simple enough for a quick snack but impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. I’m confident that once you make it, it will become a beloved staple that you’ll return to time and time again. Go ahead and enjoy every delicious bite!
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 combines creamy ricotta cheese with a flavorful medley of Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, enhanced by a fragrant blend of orange juice, honey, and spices. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party dip, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors that pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita bread, baguette slices, or chips.
Ingredients
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 the Ricotta Base: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly in a large, shallow bowl and set aside to form the creamy dip foundation.
- Prepare the Olives: Slice both Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives into thirds, or roughly chop them to save time while maintaining texture and flavor.
- Cook the Olive Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the sliced olives, freshly squeezed orange juice, and honey. Stir continuously until the honey completely dissolves and the mixture starts to warm through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Spices and Finish Cooking: Stir in the orange zest, sea salt, Italian seasoning, sumac, and ground black pepper. Cook the combined mixture for another minute to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm olive mixture over the spread ricotta. Drizzle any remaining oil from the skillet over the top, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with crackers, pita bread, sliced baguette, or chips for dipping.
Notes
- Use pitted olives to save preparation time and avoid pits in the dip.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can roughly mash some of the olives after cooking.
- The orange juice adds a fresh brightness, but you can substitute with lemon juice if preferred.
- This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Pair with a variety of dippers including crusty bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers for a versatile appetizer.
