Ricotta Dip with Sicilian Olives & Toasted Almonds

Looking for a simple yet flavorful dip to impress your guests at your next gathering or to enjoy as a quick snack? This Ricotta Dip with Sicilian Olives & Toasted Almonds is a perfect choice. With just a few ingredients, this dip offers a delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese, briny Sicilian olives, and the crunch of toasted almonds. It’s the ideal accompaniment for crackers, sliced vegetables, or even crusty bread.

This dip comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a fantastic option for when you’re short on time but want something delicious. The lemon zest adds a bright and fresh note, balancing the richness of the ricotta and the saltiness of the olives. Whether served as an appetizer, a light snack, or part of a charcuterie board, this dip is sure to be a hit. It’s easy, flavorful, and can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a versatile addition to any menu.

Read on for the full recipe, along with tips and variations to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ricotta Dip with Sicilian Olives & Toasted Almonds is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements. The ricotta provides a smooth and rich base, while the Sicilian olives add a touch of brininess, and the toasted almonds bring a satisfying crunch. The olive oil and lemon zest enhance the flavors and add depth to the dip. What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity—it’s incredibly quick to make, yet it tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. It’s a great dish to serve at a party or simply enjoy with a glass of wine. It’s light, flavorful, and can easily be made in large batches for a crowd.

Ingredients

• Ricotta cheese
• Sicilian olives, chopped
• Toasted almonds, chopped
• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

Nut Substitutes

If you’re not a fan of almonds or prefer a different texture, you can substitute them with toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or even pistachios for a different crunch.

Olive Alternatives

While Sicilian olives are great for this recipe, you can also use Kalamata olives or green olives if you prefer a slightly different flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs

For a burst of freshness, you can mix in some fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to add complexity to the dip.

Make it Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat, creating a spicy variation of this dip.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped Sicilian olives, chopped toasted almonds, olive oil, and lemon zest.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Stir the mixture together until well combined. The ricotta should be smooth and evenly mixed with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Season the Dip

Season the dip with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately with your favorite crackers, sliced vegetables, or bread.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use fresh ricotta: For the best flavor, use fresh ricotta cheese. If possible, buy it from a local cheese shop or the deli section of your grocery store for a creamier texture.
2. Toast the almonds: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to bring out their nutty flavor. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
3. Customize the olives: Experiment with different types of olives to see which flavor profile you prefer. Each variety will add its own unique taste to the dip.
4. Chill the dip: If you have time, let the dip chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
5. Serve with a variety of dippers: This dip pairs well with crackers, sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, or even pita chips for a variety of textures.

How to Serve

This Ricotta Dip with Sicilian Olives & Toasted Almonds is best served as a spread for crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread. It’s a great addition to a charcuterie board or as a part of a light appetizer spread at a party. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or as a topping for crostini for a more substantial snack or starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dip may thicken a bit after chilling, so you can stir in a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency before serving again.

Freezing

It is not recommended to freeze this dip as ricotta cheese may change texture after being frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat it, but if you prefer it warm, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cream cheese for a slightly different flavor, but ricotta’s creaminess and mild flavor work best for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios are great alternatives to almonds.

3. Is this dip vegan-friendly?

No, this recipe contains ricotta cheese, which is dairy-based. However, you can substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it vegan.

4. How do I store leftover dip?

Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, but it will keep well for a short time.

5. Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip can be made in advance. Allow it to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to let the flavors develop.

6. What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs perfectly with crackers, fresh veggies, pita chips, or crostini. It’s also delicious spread on toast or used as a topping for salads.

7. Can I use jarred olives instead of fresh?

Yes, jarred olives can be used in place of fresh olives. Just be sure to drain and chop them before adding them to the dip.

8. How can I make the dip spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, hot chili oil, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

9. Can I make this dip without lemon zest?

If you don’t have lemon zest, you can use a small amount of lemon juice for a similar citrus flavor.

10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people. Just ensure you have enough space to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Conclusion

This Ricotta Dip with Sicilian Olives & Toasted Almonds is a fantastic addition to any meal or party spread. With its creamy ricotta base, briny olives, and crunchy almonds, it’s a dip that’s full of flavor and texture. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re serving it as a light snack, appetizer, or part of a larger spread, this dip is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

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