Deliciously Spicy Mediterranean Inspired Dip

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this is the kind of appetizer that feels like it came from a little seaside wine bar… but it’s made in one small baking dish in your own kitchen.

warm, salty, slightly sweet, briny, and just spicy enough to make you go back for another scoop, this mediterranean inspired dip is one of those recipes that disappears fast every single time you serve it.

it’s loaded with roasted red peppers and corn, buttery olives, creamy feta, and a hit of calabrian chili heat, all tied together with olive oil and herbs. simple ingredients, but huge flavor.

taste & texture

the flavor is layered and addictive. you get natural sweetness from the roasted corn and red peppers, saltiness from the feta and olives, and that slow-building heat from the calabrian chili paste that makes everything pop.

texture-wise, it’s the perfect mix of soft and chunky.

the roasted veggies are tender and slightly caramelized, the feta melts just enough to create a slightly creamy base, and the olives add little briny bites throughout.

every scoop gives you something a little different, which is why it’s so hard to stop eating.

why this is mediterranean inspired

this dip pulls from classic mediterranean flavor profiles: olive oil, feta, olives, roasted vegetables, herbs, and spice.

it’s similar in spirit to baked feta dishes, mezze-style spreads, and the kind of warm, scoopable appetizers you’d find at a greek or italian table.

it’s bold but balanced, salty and savory with just enough sweetness and heat to keep things interesting.

perfect for entertaining

this is one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. you can bake it right in the same dish you serve it in, which makes it perfect for:

• hosting at home
• bringing to a potluck or holiday gathering
• setting out as part of a mezze board
• game day or wine night appetizers

it stays warm and scoopable for a long time, and people naturally hover around it going back for “just one more.”

substitution options

this recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize:

• no calabrian chili paste? use harissa, chili crisp, sambal oelek, or crushed red pepper flakes
• not a feta fan? try goat cheese, ricotta or a dairy-free feta
• no castelvetrano olives? kalamata, manzanilla, or even chopped green olives work great
• want it creamier? stir in a few spoonfuls of greek yogurt, labneh, or whipped feta
• want more veggies? add diced zucchini, roasted tomatoes, or spinach

what to serve it with

this dip loves something crunchy and sturdy for scooping. some of the best options:

• chips or toasted pita wedges
• crostini or baguette slices
• crackers or flatbread
• fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots

it’s also amazing spooned over grilled chicken, salmon, roasted potatoes, or tucked into a wrap or grain bowl.

storage

leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm and melty again. it thickens slightly as it chills but becomes scoopable once warmed.

honestly, it might even taste better the next day as the flavors have time to mingle.

if you like Deliciously Spicy Mediterranean Inspired Dip, you’ll also love these other recipes of mine!

Easy Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Flatbreads

Epic Healthy High Protein French Onion Soup Dip

Healthy Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Cheesy Pumpkin Sauce (Gluten-Free!)

Delicious Spanakopita Inspired Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Whipped Feta and Pumpkin Spinach Dip

Nourishing Veggie Lentil Tortilla Soup

Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Pasta (Panera Copycat!)

Amazing Skin Food Fall Salad

YiaYia’s Cozy Greek Gigantes

The Best Gluten-Free Weeknight Enchiladas (Vegetarian +15g Protein!)

Lower Carb Buffalo Cauliflower Flatbreads

Greek Girl Spanakopita Dip

are you going to make my Deliciously Spicy Mediterranean Inspired Dip?!

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