There is something incredibly charming about a recipe that brings simple ingredients to life in such a vibrant way, and this Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe does just that. Combining creamy ricotta cheese with the briny pop of crushed Sicilian olives, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the bright zing of fresh lemon, this dish is a celebration of fresh flavors and textures. It’s an effortless dish that feels gourmet, perfect for anytime you want to impress without stressing. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s such a treasured recipe in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how a handful of perfectly balanced ingredients can come together to create something both elegant and approachable. Each component plays an essential role, from the richness of ricotta to the sharpness of lemon zest, crafting a dish full of character and depth.
- ¼ cup slivered almonds: Toasting these brings out a wonderful nutty aroma and adds the perfect crunch.
- ½ cup Sicilian olives, crushed and pips removed: These give a tangy, salty burst that enlivens the creamy base.
- 1 tbsp capers: A little bite here that enhances the savory depth of the dish.
- ¼ cup parsley, fresh, leaves and stems chopped: Adds a refreshing herbal brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil: The glue that binds it all with luscious, fruity richness.
- ½ lemon, zested and juiced: Essential for that lively pop of citrus, balancing richness and savoriness beautifully.
- 370g smooth ricotta: The creamy canvas that carries and softens all the punches of flavor.
How to Make Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Toast the almonds
Start by placing your slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t forget to stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting and to prevent burning. This step unlocks a toasty aroma that will add a delightful crunch and complexity to your dish.
Step 2: Infuse the olives and herbs
Reduce the heat to low and add your crushed Sicilian olives, capers, and chopped parsley to the pan. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil next. Allow these flavors to mingle gently over the heat, releasing their fragrance and melding into a savory olive oil infusion.
Step 3: Add the lemon
Now, stir in the fresh lemon zest and juice, giving the mixture a bright, tangy lift. Let the combined ingredients infuse over low heat for about 10 minutes. This slow marrying of elements ensures the lemon’s citrusy notes beautifully complement the salty olives and capers.
Step 4: Prepare the ricotta base
While your olive mixture is infusing, take your smooth ricotta and spread it evenly on a serving plate. This creamy base will provide a luxurious counterpoint to the zesty, textured topping, making every bite a balanced delight.
Step 5: Assemble and garnish
Finally, pour your warm olive and herb mixture over the ricotta, letting it cascade naturally. Top it all off with the golden toasted almonds for a irresistible crunch and nutty note that ties the whole dish together. Now, you have a beautifully rustic yet refined dish that’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle a handful of additional chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices on top. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also lend a glossy finish that tastes divine.
Side Dishes
This Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or crisp crostini, perfect for scooping. It also plays well alongside simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish, adding layers of flavor that enhance any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this recipe in small bowls or ramekins as part of a mezze platter to share with friends. Alternatively, dollop it generously on toasted sourdough slices or use it as a fresh, flavorful spread in pita pockets for a modern twist. The presentation possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply transfer the ricotta mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, so it can taste even better the next day, though the almonds may lose their crispness.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of the ricotta and almonds. For best results, avoid freezing and instead plan to consume within a couple of days of making it, when the flavors and textures are at their peak.
Reheating
If you prefer the olive and lemon mixture warm, gently reheat it separately over low heat before pouring over the ricotta. Avoid reheating the combined dish to preserve the fresh creaminess of the ricotta and the crunch of the almonds.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives?
Absolutely! While Sicilian olives offer a wonderful briny depth, you can experiment with Kalamata, green Castelvetrano, or other firm, flavorful olives depending on your taste preference.
Is this recipe suitable as a vegan dish?
This particular recipe centers around creamy ricotta, which is dairy-based. However, you could try substituting with a plant-based ricotta alternative to make it vegan-friendly, though the texture and taste will differ slightly.
Can I prepare the olive mixture ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the olive, caper, and herb mixture in advance is a great time-saver. Keep it refrigerated but add it to the ricotta and toast the almonds fresh just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have capers?
If you don’t have capers on hand, finely chopped green olives or a small amount of brined caperberries can work as a substitute to maintain that tangy, salty dimension in the dish.
How should I serve this dish for entertaining?
This Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe is perfect served as an appetizer or part of a spread. Present it with an assortment of breadsticks, crackers, and fresh vegetables to offer guests effortless dipping options.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to whip up something that feels both comforting and exciting, this Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Its blend of creamy, tangy, salty, and crunchy makes every bite a joy, and it’s so easy to prepare that you’ll want to make it again and again. Go ahead, give it a try and share the love with your friends and family — I promise it’ll become a new favorite in no time!
Print
Ricotta with Crushed Olives, Almonds & Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A vibrant and creamy ricotta dish topped with a flavorful mixture of crushed Sicilian olives, toasted almonds, capers, fresh parsley, and fresh lemon zest and juice. Perfect as a light appetizer or snack, this recipe combines Mediterranean flavors with a rich, smooth texture.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup Sicilian olives, crushed and pips removed
- 1 tbsp capers
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, leaves and stems chopped
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ lemon, zested and juiced
For the Base
- 370g smooth ricotta
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: Place the slivered almonds in a pan over medium heat. Toast for 4-5 minutes until they turn slightly golden, tossing occasionally with a wooden spoon to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside in a bowl.
- Sauté the olive mixture: Reduce the heat to low, then add the crushed olives, capers, and chopped parsley to the pan. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil.
- Add lemon and infuse flavors: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing all the ingredients to mingle and infuse together on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the ricotta base: While the olive mixture simmers, spread the smooth ricotta evenly on a serving plate.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the warm olive and lemon oil mixture over the ricotta, then sprinkle the toasted almonds on top to finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, good-quality Sicilian olives for the best flavor.
- Ensure the almonds are toasted carefully to avoid bitterness.
- This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Perfect paired with crusty bread or as a side to grilled vegetables.
- Can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of lemon or capers.
