This Mediterranean olive oil dip is fresh, salty, herby, and made for dragging warm bread through every last bit. It comes together in about 10 minutes and feels much more generous than a basic bread dipping oil.
Instead of just seasoned oil, this dip has brightness, texture, and little briny bites throughout. Serve it with crusty bread, ciabatta, pita, or warm flatbread and let everyone scoop straight from the bowl.
When Guests Show Up and You Need Something Fast
This is the quick appetizer I make when guests stop by unexpectedly and I need something good on the table fast. It takes about 10 minutes, does not need cooking, and feels much more thoughtful than just setting out bread and olive oil.
The little bites are what make it work. Instead of bread catching mostly plain oil, every scoop gets something salty, herby, creamy, or bright. Serve it in a shallow bowl so everything spreads out and the bread can pick up a little of everything.
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use one you like enough to taste on its own. This dip is not cooked, so stale or bitter oil will stand out.
- Red wine vinegar: Start with the amount listed, then add a little more after tasting if the dip needs brightness.
- Kalamata olives and feta: Both are salty, so keep the added salt minimal.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes work well because they are firm and not too watery. If using a very juicy tomato, remove some seeds or excess liquid before dicing.
- Red onion: Dice it finely so it does not overpower a bite. For a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Fresh herbs: Mint, parsley, dill, or a mix all work. Chop them finely so they spread through the oil.
- Garlic: Optional. Use a small grated clove, or skip it if you want a milder dip.
- Aleppo pepper: A mildly spicy, fruity red pepper flake with a warmer, less harsh flavor than regular crushed red pepper. I love it in dips and dressings because it adds heat without taking over. Use crushed red pepper instead if needed, but start with less.
- Bread: Choose bread with enough structure to scoop the toppings, such as ciabatta, crusty bread, pita, or flatbread.
Tip!
Use bread that can scoop, not just soak. Ciabatta, pita, flatbread, focaccia, or crusty bread work best. If your bread is very soft, warm or toast it first so it can pick up the oil and toppings without falling apart.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup (ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) finely chopped Kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) finely diced cherry tomatoes or any ripe tomato
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) finely diced red onion
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or parsley, dill, or a mix
- 1 small clove garlic finely grated, optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
- 1 small pinch fine sea salt plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons (25 g) crumbled feta cheese
- Crusty bread ciabatta, or flatbread, for serving
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and red wine vinegar to a shallow serving bowl.
- Add the Kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onion, dried oregano, fresh herbs, garlic, ground black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and a small pinch of sea salt.
- Stir gently until combined.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread, ciabatta, or warm flatbread.
Notes:
- This makes about 1¼ cups total, or about ⅓ cup per serving without bread.
- Cherry tomatoes work especially well because they are sweet and firm, but any ripe tomato can be used.
- Go light on the salt at first, since the feta and olives are already salty.
- For a milder flavor, skip the garlic or use half a small clove.
- This is best served the day it is made, but leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Leave a Review!