Mediterranean Olive & Roasted Red Pepper Dip – Bold, Briny & Bursting with Flavor

If there’s one recipe that can instantly transport you to a sunny terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, it’s this Mediterranean Olive & Roasted Red Pepper Dip. Bursting with smoky roasted peppers, briny olives, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, this dip captures everything that makes Mediterranean cuisine irresistible fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and big, bold flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping snacks for a cozy evening, or looking for a condiment that transforms everything it touches, this dip delivers. It’s rich yet refreshing, salty yet slightly sweet, and has that perfect balance of texture and tang. Spread it on crostini, toss it with pasta, spoon it over grilled chicken, or simply enjoy it with warm pita it’s truly magic in a jar.

What Is Mediterranean Olive & Roasted Red Pepper Dip

This dip is a Mediterranean-inspired blend of roasted red peppers, mixed olives, herbs, feta cheese, and olive oil pulsed together into a chunky, savory spread. Think of it as a fusion between a tapenade and a romesco sauce smoky, tangy, garlicky, and deeply flavorful.

It embodies the simplicity and heart of Mediterranean cooking: a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that, when combined, become something extraordinary.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Once you make this once, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times here’s why:

• Incredibly versatile: Works as a dip, sauce, or spread.
• Packed with flavor: Every ingredient shines from the smoky peppers to the salty olives.
• Naturally vegetarian & gluten-free: Fits beautifully into balanced, wholesome diets.
• Quick to make: Only takes about 10 minutes with a food processor.
• Perfect for entertaining: Looks stunning, tastes gourmet, and pairs with nearly everything.

How Does It Taste?

The flavor profile is a perfect Mediterranean symphony briny from the olives, smoky from the roasted red peppers, tangy from feta, and aromatic from garlic and fresh herbs. The olive oil ties it all together with a smooth, luscious finish.

It’s rich without being heavy, savory with a touch of sweetness, and absolutely addictive. You’ll want to eat it with a spoon (and you probably will).

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This dip isn’t just delicious it’s also packed with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients that celebrate the Mediterranean diet:

• Olives: Loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants that support heart health.
• Red peppers: High in vitamin C and carotenoids that boost immunity and skin health.
• Olive oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean eating promotes heart and brain health.
• Feta cheese: Adds calcium, protein, and tangy depth.
• Garlic & herbs: Anti-inflammatory and full of fresh, aromatic goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups roasted red peppers (from a jar or freshly roasted)
• 1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or your favorite blend, pitted)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds (optional, for texture)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor or blender
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jar or airtight container for storing

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Feta: Try goat cheese for a creamier dip or omit for dairy-free.
• Olives: Use all Kalamata for a deeper flavor or add capers for extra brine.
• Nuts: Swap with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
• Herbs: Fresh dill or oregano adds a beautiful Mediterranean twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or harissa for a kick.

How to Make

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   If using jarred roasted peppers, drain well. If roasting your own, char whole peppers over an open flame or in the oven until blackened, then peel and remove seeds.
2. Combine in Food Processor:
   Add roasted red peppers, olives, garlic, feta, nuts (if using), parsley, vinegar or lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Pulse several times until coarsely blended.
3. Add Olive Oil:
   While pulsing, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency — smooth or slightly chunky.
4. Taste & Adjust:
   Season with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind the olives and feta are already salty.
5. Serve or Store:
   Transfer to a jar or serving bowl. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.

What to Serve With

This dip is endlessly versatile. Try it with:

• Warm pita bread or naan
• Crusty baguette slices
• Crudités — cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers
• Grilled chicken or fish as a sauce or topping
• Cooked pasta or orzo — toss for a quick Mediterranean meal
• Sandwiches & wraps — spread on instead of mayo for a flavor boost

Tips for Success

• Don’t over-blend: You want texture — not a purée. Pulse gently for that rustic look.
• Use quality olive oil: It’s a core ingredient, so go for extra virgin.
• Balance the brine: Taste as you go — you can always add salt, but you can’t remove it.
• Let it rest: Like most Mediterranean dips, the flavor improves after sitting for a bit.
• Customize the texture: Add more olive oil for a smoother dip or more nuts for a thicker spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too salty: Remember olives and feta already add salt.
• Using watery peppers: Drain jarred peppers well to avoid a thin dip.
• Over-processing: It should be rustic and speckled, not soupy.
• Skipping the acid: Lemon juice or vinegar balances all the rich flavors.

Why It’s a Mediterranean Favorite

Mediterranean cuisine is all about simplicity — letting fresh ingredients shine. This dip embodies that philosophy: just a handful of pantry staples come together to create something deeply flavorful and satisfying. It’s fresh, wholesome, and makes any meal feel like a celebration.

It’s also incredibly beautiful — that deep red-orange hue flecked with green herbs and crumbled feta looks stunning on any table.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store in a sealed jar or airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Not needed it’s best served at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use roasted pepper from a jar?
Yes just drain and pat them dry before blending.

Can I add sun-dried tomatoes?
Definitely! They add a wonderful umami richness use about ¼ cup.

Nutritional Info (approximate per 2 tbsp serving)

Calories: 120
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Olive & Roasted Red Pepper Dip is more than just a condiment it’s a flavor experience. Smoky, briny, garlicky, and full of sunshine, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen no matter the season.

Whip up a batch and keep it in your fridge it’ll elevate sandwiches, brighten pastas, and make even the simplest snack feel like something special. This isn’t just a dip; it’s a jar of joy, color, and flavor.

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October 11, 2025 by Melissa