Mediterranean Dip

This raw vegetable and feta dip is perfect for a party before fall weather hits. Unfortunately, I cannot remember where I found the recipe for this Mediterranean-inspired dip. I’d typed it in MS Publisher, and recently found it on my computer. Typically I’d have added some notes, and certainly show credit, but nothing.

Honestly, I changed it so much that it’s not the same recipe, but has most all of the original ingredients. This recipe intrigued me because the ingredients are puréed.

On this blog I have made a layered Mediterranean spread, which is a Greek version of Southwestern 7-layer spread. Nothing is puréed except the hummus Layer.

I’ve started a new thing lately, when I serve a dip to a small group. I like to have guests serve themselves from the main bowl into their own little bowl. That way, they can double-dip, drool, and spill their chips in the dip, and it doesn’t affect anyone else!


Mediterranean Dip

2 cucumbers, peeled, sliced lengthwise, seeds removed
2 garden-ripe tomatoes, cored, coarsely chopped, seeded
2 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted
2 ounces black olives, pitted
5 ounces baby spinach (about 4 loosely packed cups)
8 ounces plain Greek yogurt*, strained
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 small clove garlic, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces feta or goat cheese
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
Juice of 1/2 small lemon
Finely chopped purple onion, optional
Chopped fresh parsley, optional
Toasted pine nuts, optional
Pita chips, or pita crisps, or pita bread

Before I began, I prepared the cucumbers and tomatoes and let them drain on paper towels.

I even dried off the olives and feta.

Pulse the cucumber, tomatoes and olives in a food processor, but don’t overprocess. Transfer to a colander to drain. I used paper towels to “dry” up the mixture as much as possible, before finishing the dip.

Clean out the food processor, than add the spinach, yogurt, olive oil, garlic and salt and purée. Add half of the feta cheese and purée again. The mixture doesn’t have to be completely smooth.

Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl using a rubber spatula. Crumble in the remaining feta, lemon juice and oregano. Give it a stir, then add the cucumber-tomato-olive mixture.

Fold until smooth, check for seasoning, then place in serving bowl.

If desired, sprinkle dip with finely chopped purple onion, chopped parsley or toasted pine nuts. Or all three!

Have you ever had naan dippers?! They’re perfect for this dip, as well as Stacy’s simply naked pita chips – a favorite of mine.

I also cut up some cucumbers and red bell peppers for serving.

This dip is fabulous, and much prettier than I expected it to be. Just whatever you do, don’t eat the dip hovering over the serving bowl!!!
(Sorry, pet peeve of mine.)

* To drain yogurt, I just turn it upside-down on paper towels in a colander; it gets much firmer after two hours.

By Published On: September 21st, 202053 Comments on Mediterranean Dip

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

53 Comments

  1. Ron September 21, 2020 at 6:08 AM - Reply

    This sounds so tasty Mimi. I’ve pinned it for that time in the future when we’re entertaining again. Boy do I miss Stacy’s pita chips…

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 7:13 AM - Reply

      Oh no! You can’t get them there? That is sad. But, like we’ve talked about before, I wish I could have access to your seafood!

  2. neil@neilshealthymeals.com September 21, 2020 at 6:10 AM - Reply

    Lovely Mimi! Its nice to experience dishes like this from the Mediterranean at home when its not really possible to travel there at the moment.

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 7:12 AM - Reply

      That’s certainly true! We’re supposed to be in Africa right now, so we’re definitely sad about not traveling. But this is a great dip.

  3. homecookexplorer September 21, 2020 at 7:47 AM - Reply

    Nice one! I like your attention to the hydration of the dip. I’m assuming that there’s some liquid left over. Do you do anything with it?

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 7:51 AM - Reply

      It was really water. So no, I didn’t do anything with it. I doubt it would even be nutritious water. When I make this again, I’ll use a soft cheese like a chèvre, because the dip will be creamier and less watery.

  4. popsiclesociety September 21, 2020 at 8:44 AM - Reply

    I love all the ingredients…it must be really delicious and fresh! It looks also very pretty 🤩
    I completely agree… never eat the dip hovering over the serving bowl 😆

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 8:53 AM - Reply

      No, that’s a terrible habit. And it’s my husband who does it!!! But the trick with the individual bowls works really well. I’m glad the dip came out pretty – I was worried it would all end up brown!

  5. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats September 21, 2020 at 8:46 AM - Reply

    Coming from the Mediterranean myself, I’m very partial to all the ingredients in this dip, though I can’t think about any country in the region that serves it. I’m guessing it’s an American interpretation. Will give it a try soon! :)

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 8:48 AM - Reply

      No, it’s definitely not authentic, but the ingredients are – cucumbers, lemon, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta… I don’t mind un-authentic recipes that are inspired by a cuisine’s ingredients, as long as they’re good!

  6. Dennis Yannakos September 21, 2020 at 11:34 AM - Reply

    Great! I love ’em! Thank you for sharing!

  7. Healthy World Cuisine September 21, 2020 at 12:08 PM - Reply

    Mimi, love this idea and it comes at perfect timing. It’s the big birthday month and we will certainly celebrate with this healthy veggie dip and extra veggies too. Love that it is low carb but this would be great smeared on flat breads too.

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 1:10 PM - Reply

      That’s a great idea! If you do make it, maybe use chèvre instead of feta? I think it would benefit from a creamy cheese.

  8. Linger September 21, 2020 at 12:21 PM - Reply

    You have my mouth watering with all the flavors of this dip and how fresh it is. What a great ingredient list! I love that you have individual servings when you set them out. So much more convenient for everybody. Thanks for sharing.

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 1:09 PM - Reply

      You are so welcome! I was actually surprised about how good this ended up being, and how pretty it was. I was a bit worried about the color!

  9. Mary September 21, 2020 at 3:22 PM - Reply

    It looks scrumptious and for me with Summer coming this will be lovely in the cool of the evening after a hot day.
    I think the Spinach saved the day with the colour!
    Thanks Mimi for another yummy addition to the recipe file. :))

    • chef mimi September 21, 2020 at 3:56 PM - Reply

      I think you’re right about the spinach color. I was so worried before that step that the dip would look brown! But it’s truly good and i like that it is on the healthier side.

  10. Sherry September 21, 2020 at 11:16 PM - Reply

    This sounds wonderful mimi. I love all the flavours here. Such an interesting idea to puree the ingredients too. Yum!

    • chef mimi September 22, 2020 at 7:18 AM - Reply

      That’s what really intrigued me. But it turned out great!

  11. David @ Spiced September 22, 2020 at 7:12 AM - Reply

    I totally see what you mean about being intrigued with the pureed nature of this recipe. (I bet it would be delicious in a non-pureed form, too.) I love Mediterranean flavors, and this dip sounds fantastic, Mimi!

    • chef mimi September 22, 2020 at 7:17 AM - Reply

      I was mostly worried about the color! But it turned out great, and so good. Instead of feta I will use a creamy goat cheese next time.

  12. David Scott Allen September 22, 2020 at 1:50 PM - Reply

    Great combination of flavors! I love that you have fresh Greek oregano – do you grow it in your garden? I do a lot of individual bowls of dip, too. I like your idea of letting them serve themselves… but for now, during you-know-what, I will give them a pre-filled bowl that they can enjoy from 12 feet!

    • David Scott Allen September 22, 2020 at 1:51 PM - Reply

      Just as I pressed “post comment” I saw your note to the other David – about using goat cheese. I like that idea. I know this sounds odd, but it sounds like a great sandwich spread!

      • chef mimi September 22, 2020 at 2:55 PM

        No, it makes total sense. I took the left over, after taking photos, to my friends, and we enjoyed the dip the most spreading on the naan dippers and pita bread pieces. So I can totally see that, especially when it’s creamier.

    • chef mimi September 22, 2020 at 2:56 PM - Reply

      I guess I can do a pre-filled bowl as well, you just are never too sure who likes what… except during you-know-what, only four people have been to my house and us to theirs, and I do know what they like and dislike! Fill ‘em up!

  13. Jeff the Chef September 23, 2020 at 8:52 AM - Reply

    I love these sorts of dips, but I’ve never come across one with a more interesting ingredient list than this one! I love your idea of providing the guests with small bowls.

    • chef mimi September 23, 2020 at 9:58 AM - Reply

      I understand, cause I’ve never seen anything quite like this. But it works! The small bowl idea is mostly because of my husband….

  14. kitchenriffs September 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM - Reply

    I’m with you on serving dip in individual bowls. Particularly these days (although we’re having outdoor-only gatherings, and very, very small ones at that — like one other couple). Anyway, I’m always up for a new dip recipe, and this one looks fantastic. Thanks!

    • chef mimi September 23, 2020 at 10:58 AM - Reply

      I was actually surprised at how good this turned out. I mean, I love all of the ingredients, but pureed together seemed odd. Yes, these days… sheesh. I miss parties!

  15. Laura September 23, 2020 at 2:22 PM - Reply

    Looks lovely and sounds totally yummy, Mimi! Love all these ingredients! It’s sort of like a Greek Salad Dip! So tasty!

    • chef mimi September 23, 2020 at 3:53 PM - Reply

      It really is! Such great ingredients!

  16. Raymund September 23, 2020 at 10:47 PM - Reply

    That dip sounds really fresh and savoury, I love it.

    • chef mimi September 24, 2020 at 7:33 AM - Reply

      It has very nice flavors, and it’s definitely healthy.

  17. Dahn September 23, 2020 at 11:57 PM - Reply

    I love all the Mediterranean flavors and your idea for personal party bowls is genius ;)

    • chef mimi September 24, 2020 at 7:32 AM - Reply

      Thanks! It stems from my husband being the one who eats OVER the bowl of dip. AARRRRGGGGHHHHH!

  18. 2pots2cook September 24, 2020 at 7:27 AM - Reply

    The first thought was “oh my, it’s too wet” but step by step, I’ve realized I should have known better with Mimi ! Thank you so much ! Printed already !

    • chef mimi September 24, 2020 at 7:32 AM - Reply

      Ha! Well yes, a wet dip wouldn’t be good at all. Plus I think I’ll use a creamy cheese next time instead of feta.

  19. Our Growing Paynes September 24, 2020 at 11:10 AM - Reply

    A fab way to use fresh veg. I love dips and they usually don’t last long round me.

    • chef mimi September 25, 2020 at 6:27 PM - Reply

      I understand that! I love dips, too! They really are a good party food, despite often being messy!

  20. carrietalkingmeals September 24, 2020 at 6:12 PM - Reply

    I am a dip lover! And this one sounds absolutely delicious! I love all of the flavors of feta, olives, and the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers! Thanks for this yummy recipe.

    • chef mimi September 24, 2020 at 6:22 PM - Reply

      You’re so welcome. It’s way better than I even hoped!

  21. Katherine Snyman September 24, 2020 at 11:24 PM - Reply

    This is definitely a great transition dip! Looks delicious!!

    • chef mimi September 25, 2020 at 6:56 AM - Reply

      It really is yummy!

  22. Molly Pisula September 25, 2020 at 7:43 AM - Reply

    Wow–all those delicious mediterranean flavors blended together in a dip. It’s genius!

    • chef mimi September 25, 2020 at 8:04 AM - Reply

      It is genius. And it’s so good as a dip or a spread.

  23. cookingwithshy September 25, 2020 at 4:12 PM - Reply

    so so good Mimi! I wonder how i missed this delicious post! I have most of the ingredients and would love to give this a try.

    • chef mimi September 25, 2020 at 6:29 PM - Reply

      It’s really good. I would use a creamy goat cheese instead of the drier feta. I think it would make the dip a little less “wet,” even though I did try to dry out the tomatoes and cucumbers!

  24. a little Swiss, a little Canadian September 27, 2020 at 6:37 PM - Reply

    Looks so yummy!😋

    • chef mimi September 27, 2020 at 8:36 PM - Reply

      It’s so much better than I even anticipated!

  25. Shannon September 29, 2020 at 3:42 AM - Reply

    Ok, first of all, LOVE LOVE LOVE your idea of having guests serve themselves from a main dip bowl to their own individual bowls. That’s absolutely GENIUS, and I am so doing that from now on. With an amazing dip like this, you need to be able to double dip! This is exactly the type of dip I can’t stop eating haha. All the veggies, greek yogurt, and the feta just sound so fresh and delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try!

    • chef mimi September 29, 2020 at 7:08 AM - Reply

      I can never stop eating any kind of dip! So I know what you mean! This one really came out well, and it ended up being pretty, which made me happy!

  26. angiesrecipes October 6, 2020 at 10:11 AM - Reply

    The dip looks really tasty! I would probably just eat the whole bowl with a spoon :-)

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