Save to Pinterest A beautiful, festive appetizer platter featuring a white dove made from creamy cheese and an assortment of olives, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe always brings joy to our holiday table and is a great conversation starter for guests.
Ingredients
- For the Dove: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 tsp salt, Pinch of white pepper, 1 small carrot (for beak and feet), 2 black peppercorns (for eyes)
- For the Olive Platter: 150 g green olives, pitted, 150 g black olives, pitted, 100 g Kalamata olives, pitted, 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 small cucumber, sliced, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and olive branches)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 2:
- On a large serving platter, mound the cheese mixture into the shape of a dove, using a spatula or spoon. Smooth the surface gently.
- Step 3:
- Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the doves beak and two tiny pieces for the feet. Place them appropriately on the dove shape.
- Step 4:
- Press the black peppercorns onto the dove for the eyes.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the green, black, and Kalamata olives in clusters around the dove to form branches and a festive border.
- Step 6:
- Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices artistically around the platter for color and freshness.
- Step 7:
- Drizzle the olives and vegetables lightly with olive oil.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble olive branches in the doves beak or around the platter.
- Step 9:
- Chill until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.
Save to Pinterest This platter has become a favorite for family holiday gatherings, enjoyed by all ages.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, Small mixing bowl, Spatula or spoon, Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt). Check olive packaging for possible allergen cross-contamination. Gluten-free if served without bread or with gluten-free options.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 155, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This festive olive platter is sure to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the cheese into the dove?
Use a spatula or spoon to mound the cream cheese mixture into a smooth, rounded shape resembling a dove. Add carrot pieces for the beak and feet, and press peppercorns for the eyes.
- → Can I prepare this platter in advance?
Yes, assemble the cheese dove and arrange olives and vegetables early, then cover and chill until serving time for best freshness.
- → What olives work best for this platter?
A mix of green, black, and Kalamata olives creates color contrast and flavor variety, enhancing the festive look and taste.
- → Are there alternative garnishes to rosemary?
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be used, but rosemary sprigs mimic olive branches beautifully for decoration.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as served without bread or with gluten-free crackers, this platter accommodates gluten-free preferences.