One of the best parts of hosting events in our office is that I can make food I know Joey will hate and share it with everyone who comes.
Last week, when we hosted a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the newly finished windows on our Newton building, I pulled out one such recipe, which featured green olives.
Oh, and it also had mayonnaise in it.
Which means it was a double threat to Joey’s sensibilities.
But he was definitely in the minority, as the bowl was wiped clean by the end of the evening, and the cracker tray was only littered with a few crumbs.
I think it was a hit.
And now I might have to make another batch for me to enjoy, too, because it was really, really good—well, if you like olives.
This recipe comes from the blog “Simple Recipes.” You can find the original at https://simplerecipes.me/2-minute-green-olive-dip/. I added extra seasoning in my version.
Green Olive Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise I used Miracle Whip
- about 12 ounces green olives with pimentos
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- salt to taste.
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese and mayonnaise to a food processor or blender and process until the mixture is smooth.
- Drain the green olives, but reserve the juice, and give them a rough chop.
- Add the olives, along with the onion and garlic powder, to the processor and pulse several times to combine the ingredients.
- Start by adding one tablespoon of the olive brine and pulse to combine. Continue to add more brine, about a tablespoon at a time, pulsing in between, until the dip reaches your desired consistency.
- If needed, mix in some salt.
- Serve with crackers, pita bread or fresh vegetables. Store the dip in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
This was super easy to make, so if you ever forget you need to take a snack or are crunched for time, this is a good dip to throw together quickly.
I especially liked it on carrots, but it was great on wheat crackers and other goodies, too. The flavor profile is definitely olive-forward, but it’s not overpowering, and the cream cheese, mayo and seasonings help to balance it out.
Plus, it was kind of pretty. It might make for a good Christmas treat, with its red and green flecks.
And despite Joey’s protests, he was solidly overruled by all the wonderful people who took the time to celebrate with us. It was great to have everyone in our office, even if they didn’t leave me any leftovers.
This piece first appeared in print Oct. 2, 2025.
Spice Up Your Life is a weekly newspaper column written by Lindsey Young in south central Kansas. If you are interested in sponsoring this column, please contact us through the “Contact Lindsey” link at the top of the page.
