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If you’re looking for a fresh, bright, and irresistibly creamy spread to elevate your snack game, the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dish combines silky ricotta cheese with the tangy punch of green olives, the satisfying crunch of almonds, and zesty lemon notes that dance on your palate. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that can turn simple crackers or toasted bread into a gourmet delight. Whether you want a quick appetizer or a flavorful addition to your table, this recipe brings effortless charm to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe — each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a balanced and exciting flavor profile. These fresh, wholesome elements come together to create a dish that’s rich, crunchy, and bursting with citrus brightness.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy foundation that makes the dish smooth and luscious.
- Green olives, pitted and crushed: Provide a briny, tangy contrast that lifts the ricotta beautifully.
- Almonds, chopped: Add an irresistible crunch and nutty depth.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Delivers an aromatic citrus punch that brightens every bite.
- Fresh lemon juice: Enhances the lemon flavor and adds a slight acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Olive oil: Enriches the mixture with a fruity, silky note and ties all flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, sharpening all the flavors and bringing harmony.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or basil are perfect vibrant garnishes that add color and freshness.
How to Make Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need and prepping your olives by crushing them roughly, and chopping the almonds into rustic pieces. This step ensures that each ingredient will shine through without overpowering the ricotta’s delicate creaminess.
Step 2: Combine Ricotta, Olives, Almonds, and Lemon Zest
In a mixing bowl, gently fold together the ricotta cheese, crushed green olives, chopped almonds, and lemon zest. This combination is where the magic begins — the olives and almonds give texture and savor, while the lemon zest wakes up your senses.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir carefully to incorporate these liquid ingredients, allowing the richness of the olive oil to marry with the acidity of the lemon juice, perfectly balancing the creamy and crunchy elements.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
Now, it’s time to season your mixture. A pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper will enhance all the flavors without overshadowing the freshness. Taste and adjust to your preference — this step personalizes the dish to your liking.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe to a pretty bowl or serving plate. If you like, sprinkle some bright fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and additional flavor complexity. Your dish is ready to impress!
How to Serve Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil add not just vibrant green color but also a fragrant layer of herbal brightness that complements the citrus and olive flavors. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can add a silky sheen and richness that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside crisp crackers, crunchy sliced vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers, or warm toasted bread. It’s also fantastic spooned over grilled eggplant or zucchini for a rustic Mediterranean-inspired plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and spread the ricotta mixture over crostini or use it as a filling for savory crepes or stuffed cherry tomatoes. For a party, offer it as part of a mezze platter with olives, roasted nuts, fresh fruit, and pita triangles. The simplicity and elegance of this dish make it endlessly adaptable to your culinary whims.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — though it rarely lasts long — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more beautifully after a few hours, but the almonds might soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing this ricotta mixture is not recommended since the texture of ricotta changes when frozen and thawed, becoming watery and grainy. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Because this dish is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Simply allow refrigerated leftovers to come to room temperature before serving for the fullest flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
Absolutely! Black olives will give a slightly sweeter and milder taste compared to the tangier green olives, so feel free to swap based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a substitute for almonds?
If you’re nut-allergic or prefer a different crunch, toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds can be excellent substitutes. Just toast them lightly to bring out their nutty flavor.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make this vegan-friendly, use a plant-based ricotta alternative and ensure your olives and other ingredients are free from animal products. The lemon, olives, and nuts will still create a wonderfully flavorful dish.
How long does this ricotta spread keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. After that, freshness and texture may decline.
What is the best way to crush the olives for this recipe?
The easiest method is to place pitted olives in a bowl and gently press them with the back of a spoon or a fork until they’re broken into small pieces but still retain some texture. Avoid pureeing them to keep the lovely contrast in texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe — it’s simple to make yet thrilling to eat. Its bright, balanced flavors and delightful textures make it a standout addition to any snack or appetizer spread. I can’t encourage you enough to whip this up soon and share it with friends or family; it’s guaranteed to spark smiles and second helpings!
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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
Description
A bright and flavorful ricotta spread featuring crushed green olives, crunchy almonds, and zesty lemon. This no-cook appetizer is quick to prepare and perfect for serving with crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Ricotta Spread
- 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
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including ricotta cheese, crushed green olives, chopped almonds, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the crushed green olives, chopped almonds, and lemon zest. Stir gently to mix.
- Add Lemon and Olive Oil: Pour the fresh lemon juice and olive oil into the ricotta mixture and stir until the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Season: Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper to your preference, stirring again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the prepared ricotta mixture to a serving bowl or plate. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve as a dip accompanied by crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted bread. It also works beautifully spread on crostini for a simple appetizer.
Notes
- This spread can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Use pitted olives to avoid bitterness and ease preparation.
- For added texture, toast the almonds lightly before chopping.
- Substitute fresh herbs according to preference or availability.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities for desired creaminess and tang.
