Peace Dove Olive Platter (Printable)

A festive dove made from creamy cheese surrounded by olives and fresh vegetables for elegant holiday entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Dove

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1/4 tsp salt
04 - Pinch of white pepper
05 - 1 small carrot (for beak and feet)
06 - 2 black peppercorns (for eyes)

→ Olive Platter

07 - 5.3 oz green olives, pitted
08 - 5.3 oz black olives, pitted
09 - 3.5 oz Kalamata olives, pitted
10 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
12 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
13 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and olive branches)

# Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, blend cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper until smooth and spreadable.
02 - On a large serving platter, mound the cheese mixture into a dove shape using a spatula or spoon; smooth the surface gently.
03 - Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the beak and two small pieces for the feet, placing them appropriately on the dove.
04 - Press two black peppercorns onto the dove to represent eyes.
05 - Cluster green, black, and Kalamata olives around the dove to form branches and a festive border.
06 - Artfully arrange cherry tomato halves and cucumber slices around the platter for color and freshness.
07 - Lightly drizzle olives and vegetables with extra virgin olive oil.
08 - Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic olive branches held by the dove or placed around the platter.
09 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Optionally pair with crackers or sliced baguette.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Festive and visually stunning appetizer
  • Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes
02 -
  • Use a piping bag for more detailed shaping of the dove if desired
  • Swap in herbed goat cheese for a tangier flavor
03 -
  • Chill the cheese mixture slightly before shaping to make it easier to mold
  • Use fresh rosemary sprigs for the most authentic olive branch look
Return