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Make entertaining a breeze with this quick and easy Zesty Green Olives and Tofu Dip. You can whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer with only a few ingredients in minutes.
This Green Olives & Tofu Dip offers a harmonious blend of the tangy and briny flavors of olives and capers, complemented by the creamy texture of tofu and enhanced with subtle citrus and herbal notes. It’s so addictive and flavorful that it will disappear in minutes!
The texture of the Green Olives & Tofu Dip is predominantly creamy but with chunky bits from the olives and a crunch from walnuts if used. Great for those crackers and pita chips.
Inspired by a flavorful olive mayo I once enjoyed in Argentina, I aimed to recreate its taste using healthier, whole ingredients from my pantry, resulting in this beloved family recipe that I’m thrilled to share with everyone. It has a chunkier texture than mayo but can be softer and thinner using more liquid and a high-speed blender.
This vegan dip is free from common allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts (walnuts are optional!); this dip is a dream for those with dietary restrictions.
WHY DOES THIS RECIPE WORK?
- Flavorful & Healthy: Combining the tanginess of green olives with the creamy texture of tofu, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and zest.
- Allergen-Free Joy: Free from common allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts (walnuts are optional!), this dip is a dream for those with dietary restrictions.
- Simple & Versatile: Whether a quick snack or a party appetizer, this dip is your go-to option for any occasion.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS GREEN OLIVES & TOFU DIP
(Please scroll down to read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Easily prepared by blending tofu with green olives, pimento, and simple pantry ingredients, this Green Olives & Tofu Dip is straightforward and beginner-friendly, with all components commonly available in grocery stores.
To make this dip:
- Start by pressing and draining tofu, then blend it with green olives and optional walnuts until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, capers, parsley, lemon juice, zest, and coconut aminos, and season to taste.
- Incorporate more olives for texture, refrigerate to enhance flavors, and serve as a delightful spread or dip.
And that’s it!
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools needed to prepare the recipe:
- Food Processor: For that perfectly blended creamy texture.
- Knife & Chopping Board: Essential for prepping your ingredients.
- Tofu Press: To drain and press the tofu for the best texture.
- Bowl to serve.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious dip:
- Green Olives with Pimento: The star of the dish, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Firm Tofu: Adds the creamy base and is an excellent source of plant-based protein.
- Walnuts: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and richness.
- Garlic Powder: For a hint of garlic without overpowering.
- Capers & Parsley: Introduce a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Brings a zesty brightness to the dip.
- Olive Brine & Coconut Aminos: These secret ingredients elevate the umami and depth of flavor.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch to round off the flavors.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this easy, Zesty Green Olives and Tofu Dip, start by pressing and draining tofu using a towel and weight or a tofu press.
In a food processor, blend tofu until smooth. Add 1 cup of olives (and walnuts) until partly textured.
Then add garlic powder, capers, parsley, lemon juice, zest, and coconut aminos. Pulse to mix.
Season with black pepper to taste.
At the end, chop and mix in the remaining 1/4 cup of olives. Optionally, refrigerate for 30-60 minutes for better flavor and texture.
Serve the dip in a bowl, garnished as desired, with crackers, veggies, or as a spread.
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Flavorful: It offers a unique taste with the tangy and briny notes of green olives combined with the creamy texture of tofu.
- A healthy choice: Made with whole, plant-based ingredients, it’s a nutritious option for snacking or as a spread.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dip for crackers and veggies or a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and standard kitchen tools make this recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and texture to suit your palate, making it a personal favorite.
Let’s prepare this delicious recipe!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY ZESTY GREEN OLIVES & TOFU DIP (WFPB)
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 knife
- 1 chopping board
- 1 Tofu Press optional
- 1 serving bowl
Ingredients
- 16 oz firm tofu (453 g, pressed and drained)
- 1 1/4 cups green olives with pimento (225 g- 1 cup for blending, 1/4 cup for texture)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (30 g, optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp capers drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 Tbsp olive brine * (see notes)
- 1/2 Tbsp coconut aminos
- Black pepper ( to taste)
Instructions
- Press and Drain Tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and set a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes to press and drain. You can also use a tofu press.
- Blend Tofu and Initial Olives: Blend the tofu until smooth in a food processor. Add 1 cup of the green olives with pimento (and walnuts if using) and blend until the mixture is well combined but retains some texture.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Add the garlic powder, capers, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and coconut aminos. Pulse the food processor a few times to mix everything evenly.
- Season: Taste the mixture and add black pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Add Remaining Olives: Chop the remaining 1/4 cup of olives and stir them into the mixture by hand or pulse briefly in the food processor to maintain chunky pieces.
- Refrigerate (Optional but Recommended): Refrigerate the dip for about 30 minutes to 1 hour for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnishing if desired. Enjoy with whole grain crackers, vegetable sticks, or as a spread.
Notes
- *Reserve a bit extra of brine from the olive jar. It can be used to adjust the dip’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
- This dip has a thick consistency and chunky texture. If you want it smooth, you can use a high-powered blender, as it can create a smoother texture more effectively than a food processor or a regular blender. Add some liquid, like plant-based milk, if the blender needs help.
- Use firm tofu for the best texture. Silken tofu will make the dip too runny, while extra-firm might not blend as smoothly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving again.
- The flavors of olives and capers can vary in intensity. Taste the dip after blending and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Chill for Best Flavor: While optional, chilling the dip allows flavors to meld. If time permits, it’s worth the wait.
- Total time doesn’t include pressing the tofu.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS GREEN OLIVES & TOFU DIP
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy the Green Olives & Tofu Dip:
- As a Spread on Sandwiches or Wraps: This dip adds flavor and creaminess to vegan sandwiches or wraps, adding a burst of tanginess.
- With Crudité: Pair it with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy and crunchy snack.
- On Crackers or Toasted Bread: Spread it on whole grain crackers, toasted bread, or bruschetta for a quick and tasty appetizer.
- As a Salad Topping: Dollop it onto a green salad or grain bowl for added creaminess and flavor.
- Stuffed into Vegetables: Use it as a filling for cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, or mushroom caps for a fancy, bite-sized treat.
- With Grilled Vegetables: It can be a great accompaniment to grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus, enhancing their smoky flavor.
- In Pasta Dishes: Mix it into warm pasta for a creamy, olive-flavored sauce, adding a unique twist to your pasta meals.
These versatile uses make the Green Olives & Tofu Dip not just a snack but a multifunctional component in various delicious vegan dishes!
If you are hungry for more satisfying and delicious dips or sauces, try the following recipes:
DID YOU MAKE THIS GREEN OLIVES & TOFU DIP?
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