If you’re looking for a bright and flavorful appetizer that will steal the spotlight at any gathering, the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy ricotta blends beautifully with the salty punch of crushed olives, the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, and the zesty brightness of fresh lemon. This combination creates a dish that is as elegant as it is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual snacking and memorable entertaining. Let me walk you through how this delightful spread comes together and how you can serve it to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing texture and flavor—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory all in one bowl.
- Ricotta cheese: The smooth, mild base that makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Green olives, pitted and crushed: They give the recipe a salty, slightly tangy bite that wakes up your taste buds.
- Almonds, chopped: For adding satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness that complements the olives.
- Lemon zest: Brings a fragrant citrus aroma and freshness to the mix.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to brighten the overall flavor.
- Olive oil: A drizzle enhances richness and helps everything meld together smoothly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to taste—simple but essential for balance.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or basil can add a pop of color and herbal freshness when garnishing.
How to Make Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients. Pit and crush the green olives for that perfect balance of flavor and texture, chop the almonds finely but leave some larger bits for crunch, and zest the lemon carefully to avoid the bitter pith. This prep work sets the foundation for your vibrant ricotta mixture.
Step 2: Combine Ricotta, Olives, Almonds, and Lemon Zest
In a mixing bowl, add the creamy ricotta cheese, then fold in the crushed olives, chopped almonds, and lemon zest. The ricotta’s mildness makes it the ideal canvas for the bold flavors of the olives and the freshness of the lemon zest to shine through.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Pour the fresh lemon juice and a generous tablespoon of good-quality olive oil into the bowl. Stir everything until well combined. The lemon juice brightens up the dish, while the olive oil adds a silky richness, making the texture luscious and smooth.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Now it’s time to add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Be mindful since the olives already bring saltiness; you want to season just enough to enhance, not overpower, the delicate ricotta base.
Step 5: Transfer and Garnish
Once mixed, transfer your ricotta concoction into a pretty serving bowl or plate. If you want to add a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. These herbs not only add vibrancy but a subtle herbal note that elevates the dish further.
How to Serve Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil are wonderful garnishes for this dish, offering a fresh, green pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the pale ricotta. A light drizzle of olive oil on top just before serving also adds shine and enhances the flavor.
Side Dishes
This Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe shines as a spread alongside warm crusty bread or crisp crostini. It’s equally fabulous scooped up with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers, making it a versatile companion to many appetizers and light meals.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the ricotta mixture in small individual bowls or ramekins, topped with a few whole olives and a sprinkle of almonds for texture. For a fun twist, dollop it onto grilled flatbreads and top with fresh greens for an easy-to-make mini pizza or picnic snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This ricotta spread keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s almost better the next day! Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because ricotta has a delicate texture, freezing is not recommended for this recipe. Freezing and thawing can cause the cheese to become grainy and separate, which affects the dish’s delightful creaminess.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you like, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to soften before serving; avoid heating as it will change the texture and mute the fresh lemon and olive flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute green olives with black olives?
Yes! Black olives can work too, but they tend to be milder and less tangy than green olives. Using black olives will give a slightly different flavor profile that’s still delicious.
Are raw almonds okay, or should they be toasted?
Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the ricotta. Raw almonds work but won’t provide the same depth of taste.
Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is always preferred for its bright, vibrant acidity that really lifts this dish. Store-bought lemon juice tends to be more processed and can dull the freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This specific recipe uses ricotta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you could experiment with plant-based ricotta alternatives and adjust seasonings to create a vegan-friendly version.
What can I serve this with besides bread or vegetables?
This ricotta dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can even be swirled into warm pasta for an extra creamy, flavorful boost.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe will definitely become a highlight in your appetizer repertoire. Its effortless combination of creamy, salty, crunchy, and zesty flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that feels both simple and special. So go ahead, whip it up, share it generously, and watch everyone fall in love with this little bowl of sunshine.
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Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing and flavorful ricotta dish combines creamy ricotta cheese with the briny tang of crushed green olives, the crunch of chopped almonds, and the bright zest and juice of fresh lemon. Perfect as a savory dip or spread, it makes a simple yet elegant appetizer that pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced vegetables, toasted bread, or crostini.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and crushed
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients by pitting and crushing the green olives, chopping the almonds, and zesting the lemon.
- Combine Ricotta and Mix-ins: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the crushed green olives, chopped almonds, and lemon zest, stirring gently to blend the textures evenly.
- Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and olive oil, then gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated, enhancing both flavor and creaminess.
- Season the Mixture: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to complement the tanginess of the olives and lemon.
- Transfer to Serving Dish: Spoon the ricotta mixture into a serving bowl or onto a plate, smoothing the top for an appealing presentation.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or basil on top to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the ricotta mixture as a dip alongside crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted bread, or spread it on crostini for a delicious appetizer that’s ready in minutes.
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh to enjoy its creamy texture and bright flavors.
- Pitted green olives can be substituted with black olives if preferred, but the flavor profile will change.
- Add more lemon juice if you like a more pronounced citrus tang.
- For a crunchier texture, toast the chopped almonds lightly before mixing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
