Save A beautiful, festive appetizer platter featuring a white dove made from creamy cheese and an assortment of olives, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This was a highlight at our holiday parties and always gets compliments for its creativity and taste.
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 This platter always brings the family together, sparking conversations and creating joyful holiday memories.
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 This elegant yet simple platter will impress your guests and simplify your holiday prep.
Recipe Help
- → How do you shape the dove?
Mound the cream cheese mixture on a platter and shape gently with a spatula or spoon. Use carrot pieces and peppercorns to form the beak, feet, and eyes.
- → Can the cheese mixture be substituted?
Yes, herbed goat cheese can be used instead of cream cheese for a tangier flavor and different texture.
- → How should the olives be arranged?
Arrange green, black, and Kalamata olives in clusters around the dove to resemble branches and create a festive border.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as served without bread or with gluten-free crackers, the platter remains gluten-free.
- → What garnishes add to the platter’s presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs are perfect to resemble olive branches and add a festive aroma to the display.