If you’re craving an appetizer that feels fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully indulgent all at once, the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe is your new best friend. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together creamy ricotta cheese, briny crushed olives, crunchy toasted almonds, and the bright zest of lemon, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that effortlessly elevates any gathering. It’s so simple yet packed with personality, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight snacks to elegant entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, turning basic pantry staples into a dish bursting with flavor and delightful textures. This simplicity is what makes the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe so approachable and rewarding to make.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: The creamy and mild base that provides a luscious texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup green olives (such as Castelvetrano), pitted and roughly crushed: Adds a salty, fruity bite with satisfying briny complexity.
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, coarsely chopped: Brings a crunchy contrast and warm nuttiness to the dish.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses bright citrus notes that lift the flavors and add freshness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Enhances acidity and balances the richness of the ricotta.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and ties all the elements together with smooth richness.
- Flaky sea salt to taste: Finishing salt to amplify flavor and add textural interest.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Provides a subtle peppery warmth that rounds out the dish.
- Crusty bread or crackers for serving: The perfect vehicle for scooping up every delicious bite.
How to Make Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Spread the Ricotta
Begin by spooning your whole milk ricotta cheese into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a soft, inviting base ready to receive the flavorful toppings. This gentle spreading keeps the ricotta light and fluffy, making every bite creamy and delightful.
Step 2: Mix the Olive, Almond, and Lemon Topping
In a small bowl, combine the roughly crushed green olives, toasted chopped almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil. Stir these together so the flavors meld beautifully, while the juicy olives and aromatic lemon zest burst with freshness. At this point, sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning to your personal preference to make the topping vibrant and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the prepared olive and almond mixture over the smooth layer of ricotta, spreading it gently but evenly for lovely visual appeal and an optimal blend of flavors in every bite. To finish, drizzle a little more extra-virgin olive oil on top if you love that glossy, rich finish. This simple assembly is quick to do and looks effortlessly stunning on your table.
How to Serve Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of extra elegance and brightness, sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves like thyme, oregano, or mint on top. A scattering of microgreens or an additional dusting of lemon zest can also enhance the freshness and offer a pretty pop of color. These small details make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This ricotta dish pairs fabulously with warm crusty bread or crunchy crackers, making it an irresistible starter or snack. It also works wonderfully alongside grilled vegetables, rustic salads, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread featuring olives, cured meats, and fresh produce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe in small individual bowls or atop toasted baguette slices for elegant finger foods. For a fun twist, use it as a topping on flatbreads or pizza crusts just before serving, adding a creamy and zesty flair to your homemade creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the olive and almond mixture separate if possible to maintain the ricotta’s creamy texture and the crunchiness of the toppings.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the ricotta’s delicate texture and the crunchy almonds can lose their appeal after thawing. For the most enjoyable experience, prepare only what you need or plan to consume leftovers quickly.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook recipe designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Simply remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavors and soften the ricotta slightly.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Pistachios or hazelnuts are fantastic alternatives that bring their own unique flavor profile and texture to the dish. Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or personal taste preferences.
Is it possible to use low-fat ricotta?
Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta, but keep in mind the texture might be less creamy and rich. To compensate, you might consider lightly whipping the ricotta or adding a drizzle of olive oil for extra silkiness.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative such as cashew or almond ricotta. Make sure to use vegan-friendly olives and olive oil as well for a fully plant-based delight.
What’s the best type of olives to use?
Castelvetrano olives are ideal because of their mild, buttery flavor and bright green color, but other mild green olives or even Kalamata olives (for a bolder taste) work well too. Just adjust the crunchiness and salt accordingly.
Can I add honey as suggested in the notes?
Yes, drizzling honey over the finished dish creates a lovely sweet-savory combination, especially wonderful if you enjoy contrasting flavors. Just add a little at a time so it complements rather than overpowers the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients brought together with care and flair. Its blend of creamy, crunchy, salty, and bright citrus notes makes it an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to make over and over. Give it a try the next time you’re looking to impress with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
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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 Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon is a vibrant and fresh Mediterranean-inspired appetizer combining creamy ricotta cheese with tangy crushed green olives, crunchy toasted almonds, and bright lemon zest and juice. Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and seasoned simply with flaky sea salt and black pepper, this no-cook dish is perfect served with crusty bread or crackers for a flavorful and elegant starter.
Ingredients
Ricotta Base
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Olive and Almond Topping
- 1/2 cup green olives (such as Castelvetrano), pitted and roughly crushed
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, coarsely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning & Serving
- Flaky sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta: Spoon the ricotta into a shallow serving bowl and spread it gently with the back of a spoon to create an even base layer.
- Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed green olives, chopped toasted almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Season: Add flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Assemble: Spoon the olive and almond mixture evenly over the spread ricotta, making sure to cover the surface.
- Finish: Drizzle a little more extra-virgin olive oil on top, if desired, for extra richness and shine.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for dipping and enjoying this fresh, flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute pistachios or hazelnuts for the almonds to vary the taste and texture.
- For a creamier texture, lightly whip the ricotta before assembling.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey for a delightful sweet-savory flavor contrast.
