Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon
Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon is a simple Mediterranean-style dish that proves how powerful a few good ingredients can be. Creamy ricotta forms the base, while briny olives, crunchy almonds, and bright lemon bring contrast and balance. It works equally well as a light appetizer, a spread for warm bread, or a fresh addition to a mezze-style table. There’s no cooking involved, just thoughtful assembly and seasoning. This recipe is ideal when you want something elegant but unfussy, whether you’re hosting guests or putting together a quick, nourishing snack for yourself.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: About 1½ cups
Ingredients
Whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1½ cups
Mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano), ½ cup, pitted
Raw or lightly toasted almonds, ⅓ cup
Lemon zest, from 1 lemon
Fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Fresh garlic, 1 small clove, finely grated or minced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil), optional, finely chopped
Instructions
Place ricotta cheese in a medium bowl and gently stir to loosen its texture.
Roughly chop the olives, then lightly crush them with the side of a knife to release their oils.
Finely chop the almonds or crush them slightly for a mix of textures.
Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the ricotta and stir gently to combine.
Mix in the garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
Fold in half of the crushed olives and almonds, keeping the mixture light and airy.
Spoon the ricotta onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, spreading it slightly with the back of a spoon.
Top with the remaining olives and almonds.
Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
Finish with fresh herbs if using, and serve immediately or chilled.
Tips
Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
If ricotta is watery, drain it briefly in a fine sieve before using.
Crushing olives instead of finely chopping them releases more flavor.
Toast almonds lightly for deeper flavor, but let them cool first.
Zest the lemon before juicing to avoid waste.
Go light on salt at first since olives are naturally salty.
Use fresh garlic sparingly to avoid overpowering the ricotta.
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Serve at cool room temperature rather than straight from the fridge.
Pair with warm bread, crackers, or sliced vegetables for contrast.
Variations
Add crushed pistachios instead of almonds for a softer crunch.
Swap ricotta for whipped feta for a saltier, tangier base.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and color.
Stir in a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Use orange zest instead of lemon for a warmer citrus note.
Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet-salty balance.
Mix in fresh thyme leaves for an herbal aroma.
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for milder flavor.
Add capers for extra briny depth.
Serve as a crostini topping with grilled bread.
Q & A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate, adding olive oil just before serving.
Is low-fat ricotta suitable?
It works, but the texture will be less creamy.
What olives are best?
Castelvetrano for mildness, Kalamata for bold flavor, or a mix.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, the dish still works without them.
How long does it keep?
Up to 2 days in the refrigerator, covered.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for brightness.
Does it work as a pasta topping?
Yes, thin slightly with pasta water and toss gently.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, especially with mild olives and less garlic.
What should I serve it with?
Flatbread, crackers, raw vegetables, or grilled bread.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 260
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Conclusion
Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon is a perfect example of Mediterranean simplicity done right. It’s creamy, bright, salty, and crunchy all at once, with no complicated steps or cooking required. Whether served as an appetizer, spread, or light meal component, it brings elegance and balance to the table. Once you try it, this recipe is likely to become one of those reliable go-to dishes you make again and again.